ARTA is receptive to Israeli assistance in the water sector

ARTA expressed its openness to receiving support from Israel to enhance the water industry in the Philippines, following discussions with Israeli Embassy officials on April 3.

During the meeting, Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss, along with other Israeli representatives, participated in talks with ARTA and stakeholders from the water industry. The focus was on exploring ways to streamline processes and documentation related to water and wastewater projects, including pipe-laying and leak repair works.

Fluss stated, as conveyed by ARTA, that Israel is prepared to share its expertise, regulations, and legislative framework, tailored to the Philippine context. He emphasized that while Israel is willing to offer its best practices, the implementation remains an internal process for the Philippines.

ARTA’s Deputy Director General for Operations, Gerald Divinagracia, expressed the agency’s ambition to adopt sustainable water industry practices similar to those in Israel. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that the permitting process does not unnecessarily burden stakeholders and citizens.

During the meeting, ARTA announced plans to review permit redundancies in water projects and collaborate with agencies to conduct a Business Process Mapping workshop for the National Water Resources Board (NWRB). Additionally, stakeholders such as the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) were tasked with researching redundancies in agency functions related to water infrastructure and system projects.

Discussions also revolved around the regulatory environment of the water industry, including the establishment of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Water Regulatory Commission (WRC). DAP was urged to update its review of the Water Utility Industry.

Furthermore, there were deliberations on extending the validity of permits required by local government units for water concession projects.

Key officials present at the meeting included Undersecretary Odilon L. Pasaraba from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as well as several ARTA representatives.

Business News: ARTA is receptive to Israeli assistance in the water sector