Governance of Urban Water Services: A Multi-Level Institutional Analysis of Zamboanga City, Philippines

Urban water governance in secondary cities in Southeast Asia faces persistent institutional fragmentation, regulatory overlap, and capacity constraints. This study examines the governance of urban water services in Zamboanga City, Philippines, through a multi-level institutional analysis. The research applies multi-level governance theory and the Institutional Analysis and Development framework to assess the interaction among national agencies, local government units, regulatory bodies, and the Zamboanga City Water District. The study uses documentary analysis, administrative data from 2018–2023, service performance indicators, and policy review. Results show that water service coverage reaches 48% of households, non-revenue water exceeds 39%, and tariff recovery remains insufficient for capital investment. National policy mandates conflict with local political authority, while regulatory enforcement lacks operational leverage. Institutional coordination remains weak across governance levels. The study contributes empirical evidence on urban water governance in Philippine cities and identifies institutional reforms that support accountability, financial sustainability, and service expansion. The findings inform water governance reform in decentralized contexts.