Deterioration of water quality is one of the critical issues in the Philippines. This project is so far the largest of capacity development projects related to water quality issue which has been implemented by JICA, and it is the first of its kind.

The objective of project is to develop and strengthen the capabilities of Central and Regional Offices (CO and ROs) of Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for undertaking the priority actions mandated by the Clean Water Act and for putting into force its Rules and Regulations (CWA/IRR).

The above mentioned objective is achieved through:

• Establishing an integrated policy framework for WQM based on the CWA supported by adequate procedural guidelines and training for EMB staff;
• Strengthening the capacity of EMB CO to lead and support the ROs;
• Strengthening the capability of EMB ROs to establish and support Water Quality Management Areas (WQMA) and related institutions in 3 pilot regions; and
• Strengthening the overall capability of EMB ROs in water quality management in 3 pilot regions.