Arroyo transfers water administration function to DOH

MANILA, Philippines - The supervision of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) has been transferred to the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the speedy implementation of the government program that aims to provide clean, potable water to all villages nationwide. "The provision of potable water is a primary health concern whih should be supervised by the Department of Health," President Arroyo said in issuing Executive Order No. 738 early this month. The LWUA, on Nov. 26, 2004, was first transferred by President Arroyo from the Office of the President to the Department of Pubic works and Highways (DPWH), which then supervised the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in a bid to hasten the implementation of the water program. Under EO 738, the health secretary is authorized to exercise administrative supervision over LWUA in coordination with the DPWH secretary "to ensure that there will be concerted efforts in formulating policies as well as planning and implementing programs and projects for the water sector." The provision of potable water and electricity in waterless and electricity-less villages is part of the 10-point agenda of the President. - GMANews.TV