“Access to safe, adequate and sustainable water for all.”

That is how the participants of the workshop for water supply sector coordination envisioned the water supply sector in 2025. More than 30 representatives from 20 organizations participated in a workshop to draft a water supply sector roadmap in Subic , Olongapo City last January 31 to February 2. These representatives from national government agencies, leagues of local government units and non-government organizations collaborated for three days to elaborate on strategic priorities, objectives and directions for the sector over the long term, as well as identification of projects for implementation over the medium term period. Major strategies for institutional development, capacity building and strategic alliance building were formulated to address problems that are preventing the efficient and sustainable delivery of water supply services in the country.

The workshop is one of the activity line-up for the formulation of a Water Supply Sector Roadmap, a process led by the National Economic Development Authority and National Water Resources Board supported by the GTZ Water and Sanitation Program. Technical Working Groups will be subsequently organized to work on the strategies and define the details of the medium term plan for the water supply sector inline with the targets for the MTPDP 2004-2010. Once formally organized, the TWGs will elaborate on the program components and conduct consultation with a broader range of stakeholders in the sector for validation. The technical working groups, under the supervision of an Inter-Agency Steering Committee will carry forward the process towards the next steps of plan endorsement, adoption, action/operational planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. NEDA and NWRB as co-executing agencies provide guidance to the project team members in the preparation of the Roadmap and facilitating coordination with the concerned sector agencies.

The WSS Roadmap process is inclusive and welcomes interested organizations that are willing to participate. Secondary and tertiary organizations of water service providers are especially encouraged to actively participate in the drafting of the sector plan. Be forewarned, the dedication of the participating sector stakeholders sends a clear message that when you join the process you see it to conclusion.