EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 738, July 14, 2008

TRANSFERRING THE LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND HIGHWAYS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

WHEREAS, under Executive Order No. (EO) No. 387 (s. 2004), the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) was transferred from the Office of the President (OP) to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH);

WHEREAS, the provision of potable water is a primary health concern which should be supervised by the Department of Health (DOH);

WHEREAS, there is also a need to speed-up and ensure the provision of safe potable water in every barangay; and

WHEREAS, under Section 31, Chapter 10, Title III, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987, the President has the continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Transfer of LWUA of DOH. - The LWUA is hereby transferred from the DPWH to the DOH.

Section 2. Authority to Exercise Administrative Supervision. - The Secretary of Health is hereby authorized to exercise administrative supervision over the LWUA, and shall coordinate with the Secretary of Public Works and Highways and the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System (MWSS) to ensure that there will be concerted efforts in formulating policies as well as planning and implementing programs and projects for the water sector.

Section 3. Repealing Clause. - The provisions of Executive Order No. 387 (s. 2004) which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

All other executive issuances, rules, regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with any of the provisions hereof are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Section 4. Effectivity. - This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 14th day of July, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) SEC. EDUARDO R. ERMITA

Executive Secretary