Clean Water Act becomes law in The Philippines

 Landmark new legislation in The Philippines will contribute to the country's commitment "to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation."

Quezon City, The Philippines - WWF-Philippines welcomes today's signing of the Clean Water Act into law by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as part of as national celebrations for World Water Day. This landmark legislation contributes to the fulfillment of Philippine commitments to the UN Millenium Development Goals, i.e. "to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation."

Access to safe water, especially by the poor, is a major prerequisite for sustainable development. Currently, more than one billion people lack access to safe drinking water and more than two billion lack sanitation. Each year, 250 million cases of water-related diseases lead to over 2 million deaths. In developing countries, 90 per cent of waste water discharged to waterways goes untreated. Asia has the world's dirtiest water.

WWF was involved in the development and passage of The Philippine Clean Water Act through its South East Asia Policy Programme. WWF regards water, and its management, as a key strategic opportunity for species and habitat conservation, as well as for development. In a growing number of protected areas, water fees (rather than ecotourism) now bear the cost of conservation. 

Adpoted in 2000, the UN Millenium Development Goals are centred on national targets for poverty, education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. 

For further information:
Roy Cabonegro
Policy Officer, WWF-Philippines 
Tel: +63 2 929 1258
E-mail: rcabonegro@wwf.org.ph