Over 150 high-level participants from national agencies and local government units, academia, private sector, civil society, and international development partners joined the Fourth Forum on Local Governance and Development to discuss local solutions that advance water security

PASIG CITY: Nearly half of all Filipino families – about 47% – still struggle to get safe, reliable drinking water every day. To tackle this urgent issue, leading think-tank Center for Research and Communication – Institute for Local Governance and Development (CRC–ILD) brought together local leaders, national policy makers, and water experts on August 26, 2026 at the University of Asia and the Pacific to discuss how local governments can be instrumental in addressing this challenge.

With the theme of “Building a Water-Secure Future: Local Solutions for Long-Term Water Security,” the forum focused on a simple but powerful idea: that national water problems are best solved through collective action at the local level. The forum showcased real-world success stories where local governments took charge of their water security: creating an effective and evidence-based water security plan as shown by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental in partnership with the local communities; establishing a local economic enterprise to improve the service and sustainability of LGU-run water utilities in the Municpality of Narra in Palawan; and accessing innovative financing models to develop new water sources and construct water systems that will increase household access to safe drinking water, as shown by the Municipality of Sibonga, Cebu.

The forum gathered 150 participants from across 50 local government units (LGUs); national government agencies such as the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD); the private sector; academia; and the international development community.

“National water security is ultimately achieved through local action,” stated DEPDev Assistant Secretary Erik Planta, who noted that while there are many national policies and international agreements on water security, LGUs remain in the best position to create long-term solutions due to the unique needs in specific communities. “A whole-of-community approach is required to make any gains and to sustain them in the long-term. This is the only way the Philippines can meet its targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 for clean water,” Planta said.

The event also marked the official start of a new partnership between the CRC-ILD and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP). ULAP is the primary national umbrella organization representing provinces, cities, municipalities and baranggays in the Philippines, and works to champion local autonomy and good governance.

“CRC and ULAP are working together on many fronts, including making this water security forum a success. We are looking forward to collaborating with ULAP and its network of LGUs across the country to unlock the full potential of local governments with the right knowledge, tools, and support, and make LGUs the key driver of growth for the Philippines,” said Dr. Bernardo Villegas, co-founder and research director of CRC.

 

About the Center for Research and Communication
Established in 1967, the Center for Research and Communication is an independent research institution and the research, advocacy, and development arm of the University of Asia and the Pacific. CRC conducts evidence-based research and facilitates dialogue on economic development, governance, business, and public policy. For more information, contact [email protected].

 

(From L-R) UA&P and CRC President Atty. Philip Yeung; CRC Trustee Francis Sebastian; ULAP Secretary General and Batangas Vice Governor Hermilando Mandanas; and ULAP National Executive Officer and Philippine Councilors League Chairman Hon. Benjie Abalos present the Memorandum of Understanding between CRC and ULAP

 

Mr. Albert Felizarto, Municipal Economic Enterprise and Development Officer (MEEDO) of the Municipality of Narra, Palawan, shares their LGU’s experience on implementing utility reform and operating an LGU-managed water supply enterprise during the Local Governance Forum