National Government Agencies gathered on August 7, 2025 at the DENR MGB VII office in Green Plains Subdivision, Banilad, Mandaue City for the third preparatory workshop leading up to the Cebu Water Summit 2025.

Participants included representatives from the Department of Agriculture VII, Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesVII, DENR-Environmental Management Bureau VII, DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau VII, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development VII, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development VII, Department of Interior and Local Government VII, Department of Health – Central Visayas Center for Health Development VII, Department of Public Works and Highways VII, National Food Authority VII, National Irrigation Administration VII, National Water Resources Board VII, and PAGASA Cebu.

NGAs are driven by their mandates and actively collect data to monitor water resources while supporting LGUs through recommendations and interagency coordination. However, challenges like bureaucracy, data silos, outdated LGU inventories, and limited staff at NWRB Region 7 hinder progress. Moving forward, NGAs aim to improve data sharing, engage in joint capacity-building initiatives, and pursue integrated water resource management (IWRM) for better coordination and impact.

This workshop is part of a continuing series co-organized with PIChE Cebu Chapter and endorsed by DEPDev Central Visayas. (IO)