WHEREAS, it is the state policy to operate and maintain waterworks systems to ensure an uninterrupted and adequate supply and distribution of water for domestic and other purposes;

WHEREAS, the projections for the MWSS franchise area indicate that by the year 2006 the capacity of MWSS facilities in existence at that time will have been exceeded by the water demand;

WHEREAS, MWSP III (Laiban Dam Project) is, so far, the only fully identified and integrated facility that will be able to respond adequately to the projected demand;

WHEREAS, while the implementation of MWSP III was started in 1984, works thereon was suspended in 1986;

WHEREAS, the implementation of MWSP III will take at least seven (7) years, hence the need to resume immediately the implementation of MWSP III.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1.       The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) is hereby mandated to immediately resume the implementation of the project in accordance with its updated plans, on its own, by contract or otherwise and either by itself, through or in coordination with governmental or non-governmental entities.

SECTION 2.       All issuances, memorandum orders inconsistent herewith are hereby superseded, amended, repealed or revoked.

SECTION 3.       This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 05 Aug. 1998

(SGD.) JOSEPH E. ESTRADA
President

By the President:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary