Manila Water, along with its subsidiaries, celebrated World Water Day by organizing and participating in several events which highlight the importance of cooperation and collaboration to ensure water will be available and accessible to all.

For World Water Day this year, the United Nations set the theme “Water For Peace” to give focus on how water promotes peace among communities and how cooperation on water can create a positive ripple effect by fostering harmony, generating prosperity, and building resilience to shared challenges.

Manila Water, Manila Water Foundation, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) River Basin Control Office (RBCO) and the World Water Day Philippines Interagency Committee anticipated World Water Day with an exhibit of programs on water security held last week at the Quezon City Hall. The exhibit also featured laudable city-wide programs of the Quezon City and QC Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department.

During the event, Manila Water Foundation, together with the World Water Day Philippines Interagency Committee, named Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte as a Water Champion. This is “in recognition of her leadership to ensure water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for all. She is honored for spearheading programs for climate action and environmental protection that foster a wider understanding, appreciation, and push towards a truly circular economy”.

Manila Water also joined NHCP’s “Kilapsaw: Tubig at Kalusugang Bayan” in Museo El Deposito to inspire the youth to do their share in water conservation and proper management of wastewater.

All agencies in the World Water Day Philippines Interagency Committee also signed on the pledge wall of commitment to water security, symbolized by a water drop. The World Water Day Exhibit will be featured in public schools and public institutions to spread awareness on the significance of World Water Day and to inspire everyone to act towards the responsible use of water.

In San Juan City, Manila Water joined the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) annual event “Kilapsaw: Tubig at Kalusugang Bayan”, held at the Museo El Deposito in Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine and attended by student council officers and Sangguniang Kabataan officials of San Juan.

Advocacy Manager Jhomel Villanueva gave a lecture on #WaterWais, Manila Water’s long-time advocacy program on water conservation and responsible use of water, and “Toka toka”, the first and only environmental movement in the country that advocates proper management of wastewater (used water) in every household as an important share (or "toka") in reviving our rivers and waterways through waste segregation, regular desludging, sewer line connection and educating the community. The event aims to inspire the youth to become champions of water sanitation and protectors of water resources.

Manila Water is also set to participate in “World Water Day: Leveraging Water for Peace” webinar organized by the City Government of Makati, to be held on March 23.

Manila Water will again discuss Toka Toka and will also give a glimpse on how water goes from the source to tap through Lakbayan, Manila Water’s water trail program that aims to promote awareness on the value of water and the need for wise use of water and proper wastewater management. During the discussion, participants will be exposed to the entire water cycle – from the raw water source to the treatment process and distribution and up to wastewater treatment process.

On Sunday, March 24, Manila Water and Manila Water Foundation, with partners CANVAS - Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development and One Ayala, will be holding an art exhibit entitled “Waterscapes”. The exhibit features commissioned water-themed pieces created by over 100 prominent and up-and-coming local artists.

The exhibit will run from March 25 until April 4, 2024, at the Concourse, 2nd Level of One Ayala Mall in Makati City.