Ronnie Ong: The shape & state of water

As chairman of the Local Water Utilities Administration, this dedicated public servant is on a mission to ensure that Filipinos, whether now or in the future, will always have access to one of the most important natural resources on the planet — water.

By FRANCHESCA L. TUAZON

It takes more than just technical expertise to lead a national agency tasked with ensuring safe, clean and potable water for all Filipinos. Ronnie Ong, chairman of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), knows this well.

His journey to this role wasn’t just about navigating policy and infrastructure — it was about fulfilling a deeply personal commitment to public service.

From his early days as a congressman, where he earned the title “Frontliner Congressman” for his hands-on efforts during times of crisis, to his current mission at LWUA, Ong’s leadership style is defined by action, compassion and an unwavering belief that access to water is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

Now, as he oversees the development of water systems across the nation, Ong is putting his principles into practice, showing that good governance isn’t just about crafting laws and allocating funds. Lest people forget, it’s also about improving the lives of the people who need it most.

No accidental hero

Ong’s journey into public service was not accidental, but born out of a lifelong desire to uplift others. As Ong puts it, “I try to live by the principle of being a man for others — not just as a saying but as a way of life.”

Before entering public office, Ong pursued Manufacturing Engineering at the De La Salle University. Yet, even as a student, he was drawn to initiatives that had a tangible impact on communities. This passion for service grew as he embarked on a career that would ultimately merge policy-making with solid actions on the ground.

Elected as congressman during the 18th Congress, Ong quickly distinguished himself by going beyond traditional legislative duties. His projects often mirrored the intent of his bills, bringing immediate relief to communities. For example, his #LibrengSakay and E-Skwela Hub programs provided transportation and learning resources during the pandemic, directly addressing issues his proposed laws sought to solve.

“When the pandemic struck, I realized I couldn’t just stay in the background. Service means being present when people need you most,” Ong says.

Appointed as chairman and head of LWUA in May 2023, Ong was tasked to manage the country’s chief water agency. The challenge was immense, as LWUA oversees over 500 water districts, many of which struggle due to outdated infrastructure and limited resources.

Still, Ong embraced the role with hope and determination. “In Congress, you pass laws and hope they’re implemented well. At LWUA, you get to see the direct impact of your work,” he shares.

This shift allowed Ong to focus on immediate, actionable reforms, starting with one of the sector’s most pressing issues: non-revenue water (NRW), defined as water generated or pumped but is lost and does not reach communities. Citing an alarming 29-percent average NRW rate nationwide, Ong prioritized reducing water loss caused by leaks, theft and ineficiency. This figure translates to millions of cubic meters of water available but is wasted — lost water that is enough to fill half of Angat Dam’s capacity annually.

Ong’s reforms aim to modernize water systems by replacing aging pipes and introducing digital tools for real-time monitoring. “Fixing NRW isn’t just about conserving water; it’s also about ensuring that resources are used efficiently and communities aren’t left without supply,” he says.

Financial constraints

Despite these efforts, Ong acknowledges the financial constraints many water districts face. “Some districts serve fewer than 3,000 connections and lack the funds to upgrade. Our goal is to support them while fostering accountability and sustainability,” he adds.

One of Ong’s flagship initiatives is LWUA’s Catch Me, I’m Falling: Rainwater Catchment Project, which leverages the Philippines’ abundant rainfall to provide alternative water sources. Piloted in five regions, the project demonstrates how communities can reduce their reliance on traditional systems while promoting resilience against climate change. The project was recently awarded by the GCG (Governance Commission for GOCCs) a Sustainability Award for its positive impact on communities during this year’s typhoon season.

“Our country is blessed with rainfall nine months of the year. It’s time we harness this resource properly,” Ong explains. The project involves installing rainwater harvesting systems equipped with filtration technology, ensuring water can be used for household chores and even sanitation. The pilot projects were launched before the typhoon season this year, and the communities were able to use the rainwater catchment system as a secondary source of water, especially those who had to relocate temporarily to evacuation centers where the rainwater catchment systems are strategically located.

Ong hopes to expand this initiative nationwide, with barangays, housing complexes and condominiums, and private establishments like malls and restaurants implementing a similar secondary water source system. Actress and environment advocate Angel Aquino is a supporter of the rainwater catchment project as well, and is an LWUA advocate.

Beyond water

For Ong, public service goes beyond sectoral boundaries. As an advocate and volunteer of Pawssion Project, an animal welfare organization, he has shown that compassion can extend beyond human communities. “Being a man for others isn’t limited to people — it includes all living things,” he says proudly. Since 2019, he has worked with Pawssion Project to lobby for animal welfare laws, rescued, fostered and adopted stray dogs and cats, and conducted spay and neuter drives all over the country. He has also adopted an aspin named Coco through Pawssion Project’s International Homeless Animals Celebration in 2019.

Ong’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and humility. He describes his staff as family, crediting his team for keeping him grounded and ensuring he stays aligned not only with LWUA’s goals but also with his personal values. “They tell me, ‘Sir, parang hindi maganda ’yan. Parang hindi tama ’yan (Sir, that doesn’t seem good. It doesn’t seem right)’,” he shares.

Ronnie Ong’s leadership style is rooted in collaboration and humility. He describes his staff as family, crediting his team for keeping him grounded and ensuring he stays aligned not only with LWUA’s goals but also with his personal values.

Despite the demands of his role, Ong maintains a balance between work and personal well-being. His days begin early with a seven-kilometer run and weightlifting, habits he credits for keeping him focused and energized. While evenings are dedicated to his family and his seven dogs, five of whom sleep in his room. “I’m fortunate to have a strong support system,” Ong shares. “My team and my family remind me why I do what I do.” For him, this balance enables him to approach challenges with clarity and resilience, whether managing water crises or responding to public criticism.

A vision for the future

As the Philippines deals with the impacts of climate change and population growth, Ong envisions a future where clean, affordable water is accessible to all. His plans include digitizing water district operations, rehabilitating decades-old infrastructure and expanding sustainable projects like rainwater harvesting.

“Water isn’t just a resource — it’s life. We need to protect it not just for ourselves, but for future generations,” Ong emphasizes. He also hopes to inspire a cultural shift, encouraging Filipinos to value water as a precious and finite resource. “As chairman of LWUA, I always say this during training programs, conventions, or even board meetings: ‘Water is not just a matter of policy, but a matter of humanity,’ that belief drives us forward in the agency that the work we do is not just simply work, it’s really about the life and everyday survival of our communities.”

Ong’s work at LWUA reflects his integrity, as well as his commitment to innovation in service of humanity. Whether addressing systemic inefficiencies or fostering environmental stewardship, his leadership demonstrates what it means to serve with both vision and heart. Moving forward, he remains steadfast in his mission: to ensure that every Filipino enjoys the basic right to clean water. “At the end of the day, public service is about making lives better — and that’s a legacy worth striving for,” he concludes.

Photography by RENJIE TOLENTINO
Art direction by DEXTER FRANCIS DE VERA
Grooming by FRANCINE QUIRINO
Shot on location at the Morong Water Treatment Plant, Bataan