The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) sponsored the 2017 Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) Summit which was attended by the Metropolitan Naga Water District’s (MNWD) representatives last June 20-21.

The summit was held at the Manila Ocean Park in Luneta, Manila with this year’s theme “Protecting our Waters through Stakeholders Participation for a Sustainable Future.”

MNWD’s representatives to the summit were Board Chairman Jorge T. Palma and Mr. Vicente Aniceto D. Rubio.

The first day highlights of the summit was opened by DENR-EMB Director Jacqueline A. Caancan who called for partnerships. DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu gave the keynote speech presenting the current situation of the river systems in the Philippines and the government’s thrust of sustainable development through the WQMA principles, practices, and experiences.

EMB WQMA Focal Person Liza A. Acarda -Cuevas led the recognition of participants. Then the underlying objectives of the WQMA and Board Plans for 2017 was discussed by Chief Renato T. Cruz of the EQMD, EMB.

There was a portion for sharing of experiences which was started by EMB Region XII whose representative discussed on WQMA connecting links and creating opportunities through collaborative inter-agency efforts and stressed importance of collaboration and linkages with government and non-government agencies for sure success in environmental management.

Notable was the presentation of the Naga River Watershed WQMA Rehabilitation and Revitalization Program by the Naga City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO). The others who presented their WQMA were: EMB Region VI, improvements of Ilolio-Batiano River System; Best practices of Sinocalan-Dagupan river system WQMA by the EMB Region I, and; the Pure Earth Foundation Inc. on complementation of resources and activities for the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system WQMA surpassing political boundaries of three municipalities in Bulacan.

Summit participants posed for a photo with DENR Secretary Hon. Roy A. Cimatu and other DENR-EMB officials.

MNWD Board of Directors Chairman Mr. Jorge T. Palma (in black polo shirt) with other summit participants.