This study was conducted from October 1999 to October 2000 to assess the existing physical, social and institutional situation associated with water resources within the Upper Pampanga River Basin (UPRB), a major rice producing agricultural area in the central plain of Luzon, Philippines.
Issues and problems were identified and presented to various stakeholders during a national conference on September 7, 2000 for validation and for drawing suggestions as bases for possible institutional reforms.
Results showed the existence of laws, regulations and policies which address the problems relating to proper water management, specifically pricing, allocation and distribution, and protection of water quality. However, some policies were claimed not to have been strictly enforced. Results also revealed that when proper implementation of some policies continued, it may significantly lead to the effective management of water in the UPRB, in particular, and other basins throughout the country, in general.
Moreover, findings revealed a compelling need for an effective coordinating mechanism to ensure that the various stakeholders can pursue an integrated water management program in the basin. This integrated program should include the development of a database where vital data and information relevant to water management can be easily accessed or retrieved for planning and decision-making.
Finally, this study disclosed the need to set up a coordinating body that can orchestrate the planning, implementation, and evaluation of water resources management programs for the UPRB.
