The Quezon City government was named as one of the leading water and environment champions in the Philippines on World Water Day, Wednesday, March 22.
Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCES) head Andrea A. Villaroman received the “Water Warrior Award for Advocacy Leadership” during the World Water Day Philippines Awards 2023 led by Maynilad Water Services, Inc., National Water Resources Board, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The event was held at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, in Pasay City.
"This recognition is a testament that the city's initiatives in water conservation have positively impacted the lives of our residents. We are working closely with our partners and stakeholders to develop more programs to ensure water sufficiency for QCitizens in the future," Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.
Villaroman said the city has already launched its Responsible Water Use Campaign which involves all stakeholders in water conservation measures since 2019. The campaign aims to ensure water sufficiency for over three million city residents.
Belmonte has also strengthened the department's cause by issuing a memorandum to all city departments and barangays to use water responsibly and promote responsible water management.
The local government said that the Quezon City’s Enhanced Local Climate Change Action Plan (ELCCAP), the city's strategic framework and roadmap in climate action, also includes various efforts to attain water sufficiency in the city.
"Quezon City is not immune to the threats of water insufficiency that mostly affects low-income communities. To improve water connections and avoid health and ecological risks, we are prioritizing the establishment of water-conserving sanitation systems in barangays and city-owned facilities.” Villaroman said.
The city government said it also began the assessment of schools and city buildings for their viability for installation of rainwater harvesting systems and water storage tanks.
Training and seminars are also held in barangays and communities to ensure their understanding on the importance of water conservation, it added.
The local government also partnered with water concessionaires for the installation of hand wash facilities in some areas in Quezon City as part of the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Program that aims to ensure that people have access to clean water.
World Water Day is celebrated every March 22 to raise awareness and tackle water and sanitation crisis (including access of people to safe water), according to the United Nations.
The World Water Day Awards recognizes the exemplary efforts and programs of the water and environment champions in protecting the country’s natural resources and on water-environment sustainability.