MNWD fetes World Water Day

Naga City — The World Water Day every 22nd day of March is an international observance of the most important base of life. The day is an opportunity to focus on and learn more about water related issues such as working to alleviate poverty and hunger, sustainable development, environmental integrity, and human health. It is a day to be inspired to tell others to take action to make a difference.

World Water Day dates back to the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development where an international observance for water was recommended. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. It has been held annually since then.

To be one with the world observance of WWD, the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) held a whole day Water Forum at the MNWD Multi-purpose Hall attended by stakeholders from all over the province.

UN-Water, the entity that coordinates the UN’s work on water and sanitation set the theme for this year’s WWD which is “Water and Jobs,” because today, almost half of the world’s workers — 1.5 billion people — work in water related sectors and nearly all jobs depend on water and those that ensure its safe delivery. Yet the millions of people who work in water are often not recognized or protected by basic labor rights. The theme is focusing on how enough quantity and quality of water can change workers’ lives and livelihoods and even transform societies and economies.

“Better water, better jobs” is the kicker for this year’s theme.

On the Water Forum day, General Manager Cesar Federizon gave the opening remarks while Chairman of the Board Engr. Aquiles Lo delivered the welcome address. Director Jorge Palma presented the overview video on the activity.

Engr. Enrique O. Gita, department manager of Water District Development for Bicol and the Visayas at the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), talked and answered queries on LWUA’s programs, policies, rules and regulations on water and watersheds.

The afternoon session resource person was Yolanda G. Sa-Ong, from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional office. She is the Chief of Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section. Sa-Ong discussed the programs, policies, rules and regulations on water and watersheds.

The attendees from the academe and other water utilities, all stakeholders as Director Palma stressed, actively participated in the open forum and action planning.

Awarding of certificates led by GM Federizon capped the event.

Also in attendance were MNWD Directors Marilissa J. Ampuan and Socorro B. Felix, Engineering and Water Resources Division OIC Engr. Virgilio B. Luansing, Water Utilities Management Development Officer Vicente Aniceto Rubio, Jeremias P. Aban, Jr. – Division Manager A, Admin/General Services, Materials & Supply Mgt. Division, Virginia I. Nero- Division Manager A, Customer Services Division, Ricardo B. Felix III- Division Manager, Human Resource Division, Emma A. Cuyo- Division Manager, Accounting Division, Roque S. Francisco- Division Manager, Pipeline, Leakage and Control & Non-Revenue Water Management Division, Ulysses B. Follosco – OIC, Water Distribution and Restoration Division, Edgar E. Credo- Action Officer, Water Production and Electro-Mechanical Division, and Gemma B. Englisa- Acting Division Manager, Water District Development- Bicol, from LWUA

(L-R Photo) MNWD General Manager Cesar H. Federizon gave the opening remarks and MNWD Board Chairperson Aquiles D. Lo delivered the welcome address.

MNWD Director Jorge T. Palma presented the overview video on the activity (upper photo);
(left lower photo) LWUA’s Water District Development for Bicol and the Visayas Department Manager, Engr. Enrique O. Gita talked and answered queries on LWUA’s programs, policies, rules and regulations on water and watersheds and, DENR Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section Chief Yolanda G. Sa-Ong.

Very supportive MNWD Board of Directors (L-R) Mrs. Socorro B. Felix, Dr. Marilissa J. Ampuan,
Mr. Jorge T. Palma, Board Chair, Engr. Aquiles D. Lo and Mr. Adolfo L. Olivan (not in the picture).

The attendees: Camarines Sur Colleges and Universities, Water Utilities, Government Sector and media practitioners.