The Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) recently concluded the 40th PAWD National Convention on February 11-13, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

With the theme “Water Districts: Addressing challenges through innovations,” the three-day convention saw the participation of 190 member-water districts with over 1,200 water professionals in attendance across the Philippines hosted by the Southern Tagalog Association of Water Districts.

The primary aim of the convention is to showcase pioneering solutions that water districts can adopt and apply to their respective service areas parallel to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – a pressing concern of national importance.

The convention witnessed various theme-based sessions such as Current Policies, Plans and Financing Sources for Water Districts; Climate Change and Environmental Concerns; Data and Documentation; Putting Water Management as Priority in Challenging Times; and Innovative Approaches in NRW Management apart from the inaugural, plenary session, and display of exhibits and technology summit spread over 3 days.

In his message, Jeci A. Lapus, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Administrator underlined the importance and necessity of developing alternative water sources as opposed to the conventional pumping of groundwater source. Thought-provoking indeed, his presentation emphasized on the sad reality of over extracting groundwater in Asian cities like Bangkok (Thailand), Jakarta (Indonesia), Tehran (Iran), and the San Joaquin Valley in California, USA – sinking land areas due to groundwater stores depletion.

Suffice to say, the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) is heading in the right direction as it aligns its flagship projects – construction of the Bicol River Surface Water Treatment Facility and Septage Treatment Facility – to the sustainable global targets in the water sector.

The convention was definitely an opportunity not only to the water districts but also to administrators and policy-makers, researchers, corporations, environment organizations, and other professionals who aim to protect and restore water ecosystems.

The MNWD highly supports PAWD in this undertaking through the leadership and participation of the Board of Directors (BODs) with Chairman Jorge T. Palma and General Manager Virgilio B. Luansing I at the national convention. (Auria S. Gonzales)

MNWD DELEGATES. Representing the MNWD at the 40th PAWD National Convention were (left to right) GM Virgilio B. Luansing I, BOD Chairman Jorge T. Palma, Dir. Monina Lily A. Claveria, Dir. Marilissa J. Ampuan, and BOD Researcher – Analyst B Rina E. Jamuat.

LWUA ADMINISTRATOR. In his message, LWUA Administrator Jeci A. Lapus underlined the need for alternative water sources due to the detrimental effects of groundwater stores extraction.

LEARNING SESSIONS. One of the topics discussed during the Learning Session was about Climate Change and Environmental Concerns specifically on Global Warming which, according to Engr. Ludwig O. Federigan (3rd from left), one of the presenters, should be given utmost attention especially by the water sector.

TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT AND EXHIBITORS. Part of the convention is a showcase of various water-related technologies, equipment, and research breakthroughs from local and international corporations.