We examined the water quality of 36 streams and wadeable rivers in Cagayan Valley, Central Visayas, and Caraga regions, Philippines. This water quality initially comprises the 10 primary parameters required by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), total dissolved solids, and conductivity. Principal component analysis revealed that DO, pH, BOD, phosphates, and TSS are the relevant parameters. The Water Quality Index (WQI) of each river was calculated using the weighted arithmetic WQI method using DENR standards and the five mentioned parameters as inputs. WQI values showed that 17% of the rivers and streams sampled are of good water quality, while 47% are of poor quality. Furthermore, the remaining 36% accounts for the rivers and streams unsuitable for drinking. At a distance Euclid = 5, the rivers were divided into four clusters. Parameter means for each cluster were calculated to assess water quality characteristics. Parameters such as pH, BOD, phosphates and TSS are indicators of anthropogenic pollution, while DO is an indicator of river health and capacity to support life. Therefore, these five parameters may be prioritized in monitoring the water quality metrics on a regular basis. In addition, addressing the pollution sources of pH, BOD, phosphates, and TSS may also be integrated with river water quality management. Finally, the WQI may be used to classify streams and rivers throughout the Philippines.