Preparations of the summit include: providing basic information on MEWS; creation of a technical working group for MEWS and DENR Regional Offices; mobilizing and strengthening of river basin committees; providing the RBCOM with special from DENR Secretary; conduct of pre-roadshow, roadshow and post roadshow activities on the summit; close coordination with local government units for possible funding and as agreed the Mindanao Economic Development Council (MEDCo) would provide for the roadshow result, format of action plan, Mindanao watershed framework and sample memorandum of agreements/resolutions.

Joan Pabia of MEDCo presented the history of MEWS. It March 2002, the Mindanao Watershed and Irrigation Task Force (MWITF) passed a resolution on the conduct of MEWS and initial preparations were already conducted for the MEWS.

A special order number 2004-68 signed by Secretary Elisea G. Gozun directed Regional Executive Director (RED) Benjamin T. Tumaliuan of DENR Caraga to chair the Working Group on Mindanao Environment and Watershed Summit. Co-chairmen are RED Samuel Peñafiel, Region 9; RED Raoul Geollegue, Region 10; OIC-RED Edilberto S. Buiser, Region 11 and OIC-RED Jim O. Sampulna, Region 12. Members are all the planning officers from DENR Regional Offices in Mindanao.

The group has been tasked to coordinate all planning activities with other government agencies on the conduct on MEWS and its concomitant roadshow activities this March 2004 coincides with the World Water Celebration or this June 2004 for the World Environment Celebration.