WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 279 dated 2 February 2004 instituted reforms in the financing policies for the water supply and sewerage sector and water services providers and provided for the rationalization of the organization structure of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and operations in support thereof;

WHEREAS, under Section 31, Chapter 10, Book III of Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987, the President has continuing authority to recognize the administrative structure of agencies under it;

WHEREAS, investment in clean water is an integral part of investment in health;

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

SEC. 1. Transfer to the Department of Health - The LWUA is hereby attached to the Department of Health. The LWUA Board of Trustees, however, shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines.

SEC. 2. All orders, executive issuances, rules and regulations, administrative resolutions, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. This order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 1st day of August, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.


By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary