The proposed component is aimed at formalizing an institutional and operational linkage within the watershed area among all the players mentioned above. It will establish a partnership mechanism that will coordinate approaches to the management of the watershed. It will unify current fragmentation and overlaps in jurisdictional boundaries,plans, policies and investment programs. Specifically, convergence mechanisms will be forged along the following strategic areas: (i) policy, regulatory and investments programming; (ii) development and implementation of water quality strategies including the establishment of allowable discharge loads to contributing rivers consistent with the DENR and ASEAN freshwater and marine water quality standards; (iii) attainment of water quality improvement and environmental sustainability; (iv) institutionalization of mechanisms for increased private sector and stakeholder co-management; and (v) capacity-building and knowledge sharing.