State-run Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) announced a plan to safeguard the country’s natural resources, with a focus on water security.
MWSS administrator Leonor Cleofas unveiled the initiative during the second anniversary of the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) held at the MWSS compound in Balara, Quezon City.
“The MWSS, as the primary water security provider for Metro Manila, parts of Cavite and Rizal, and Bulacan province, shares this mission with its environmental and social arm, the Million Trees Foundation,” Cleofas said.
Cleofas noted the importance of environmental stewardship fostered through the AMTC’s various initiatives.
“The seed we planted in 2017 has flourished, impacting countless lives and reminding everyone of their environmental responsibility,” she said.
“This success stems from our initiatives, including the development of the Million Trees Foundation Inc. [MTFI], a nursery, an Eco Learning Center and a growing network of partners,” Cleofas said. “These partners include national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, the private sector, and schools supporting our tree-planting and greening projects in critical watersheds.”
Cleofas said these watersheds include Angat, Ipo, Kaliwa, La Mesa, Laguna Lake, Umiray and Upper Marikina. These areas are crucial for the region’s current and future water sources.
Cleofas also underscored the MWSS’s commitment to watershed management. “A 25-year Integrated Watershed Management Roadmap is in place for Angat, Ipo and La Mesa,” she said. “This roadmap aims to ensure the sustainable development and management of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa Republic of the Philippines MWSS Corporate Office Watersheds, providing clean and safe water by 2047.”
Similar roadmaps are being developed for the Umiray-Kaliwa-Kanan Watersheds and Laguna de Bay and Upper Marikina Watersheds, said Cleofas.
“These efforts represent significant steps toward achieving an integrated watershed management roadmap, combining local and scientific knowledge while encouraging collaboration across all societal levels,” she said.
Cleofas expressed gratitude to the MWSS’s institutional partners, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Manila Water Company, Maynilad, San Miguel Corp., Luzon Clean Water Development Corp. and the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council.
“Your unwavering support is essential to the success of these endeavors and the realization of our shared vision,” she said.
Cleofas concluded by reiterating the MWSS’s commitment to the AMTC and environmental protection.
“We celebrate our achievements and recommit ourselves to the Annual Million Trees Challenge, following Arbor Day last June 25,” she said. “This year’s celebration underscores our hope for future generations to continue this environmental pledge through tree planting.”
The MWSS remains dedicated to its mandate of delivering clean and potable water, promoting water conservation, and ensuring water security through innovative and sustainable watershed management practices. The organization builds a culture of public service within itself and among its stakeholders, recognizing the value of investing in future generations for a more adaptable and prepared society.