The Philippine-German cooperation in water supply and sanitation started in 1992 with a project in the Palawan Province. The project provided a valuable lesson - to be sustainable, a water supply and sanitation program has to draw on the active participation of the people it serves and the cooperation of key players from other sectors.

In 1999 the DILG- GTZ Water Program towards an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) was started, employing a comprehensive approach at the local, provincial and national level. The program was aimed at improving the living conditions of the rural population in selected areas in the Philippines. It assists rural self-help groups and the population of rural centers to improve the quality and quantity of water supply and hygienic conditions. Accordingly, the program undertakes capacity building activities among the various sectors and groups involved in IWRM. It is meant to ensure long-term support for local governments in the establishment of IWRM.

Phases 1 and 2 essentially laid the foundation for sustainability for the future interventions of the program. It initiated the process of building innovative organizations to manage the water resources of Bantayan Island and in Palawan, transforming the water project to a private self-sustaining corporation. In the provinces of Isabela and Ifugao, partnerships with local governments and communities were strongly developed.

Phase 3 marked significant changes in the program’s strategies and approach in technical assistance, giving more concentration to development of institutions and corresponding coordination mechanisms on all levels of government administration. Development of policies and strategies as well as its implementation, empowerment of sector institutions and training of trainers are the key focus of this approach.