Pricing reforms for sustainable water use and management in the Philippines
In 2017, the Philippines adopted a set of long-term development goals for the country called AmBisyon Natin 2040. Developed through a participatory process, these goals provide overall guidance as well as a target for a series of more specific development plans. The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 presents a series of actions and activities that governments will undertake in order to realize this national vision. As described further in this report, water and sanitation initiatives will be significant and enabling components of the Plan. This study provides guidance on fiscal and pricing policy reform to promote improved water use and management in the Philippines. Where the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 offers a framework and direction, this study explores a range of specific options by which to move the development plan forward. These include consideration of current and future investment needs in the water sector, and policy reform options. In this way, this study can also support achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and a transition to a green economy in the Philippines. The study provides information, advice and support to the government and other stakeholders for consideration when reforming fiscal, pricing and regulatory policies in the water and sanitation sectors.