The Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) celebrated one of the most anticipated events of all water districts across the Philippines, the World Water Day.Ph 2018 carrying the theme, “Nature for Water” MNWD Report to the People at the Robinsons Place, Naga City last 22nd of March, Thursday.

It was indeed a reason to celebrate for the MNWD community as the occasion was attended by Atty. Salvador S. Panelo, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel whose authority will be instrumental for the effective management of Mt. Isarog Natural Park (MINP) as the main water recharge area for the province of Camarines Sur; Sec. Antonio A. Cablitas, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Investments and Toshikazu Nomura, Director & Chief Executive Officer of Global Utility Development Corporation Ltd. who will be vital to advance MNWD’s financial viability; and Dr. Christopher G. Newhall, Former US Geological Survey Volcanologist and Mirisbiris Garden and Nature Center Consultant whose expertise will guide us in developing suitable projectsfor MINP.

Also present at the event are members of the MNWD Board of Directors headed by Chairman Jorge T. Palma together with Dr. Marilissa J. Ampuan, Monina Lily A. Claveria, Adolfo L. Olivan, and Michael R. Pauig. Mayor John G. Bongat at the same time graced the occasion and gave a message of support, assuring the public and the MNWD Management of LGU-Naga’s strong involvement in all of its endeavors.

The event highlighted a number of segments: press conference with the media; the introduction of a sophisticated line of delegates from the central government, distinguished guests from the local government and various agencies, and other partners by Dir. Ampuan; the Welcome Remarks which provided the public an initial overview of water statistics in an international perspective by Dir. Claveria, Rationale of the event which emphasized the importance of Unity and Water in order to attain nature-based solutions by Chairman Palma; Overview of MINP Geological Compositions and Status by Dr. Newhall; MNWD’s Performance from 2015 to 2017 and future projects by AGM Virgilio M. Luansing I; Endorsement of Support on Water Projects by Sec. Cablitas who also commended the report on MNWD’s Performance; Panibagong Panunumpa sa Panunungkulan and Effective Protected Area Management for MINP by Atty. Panelo; Brief Talk on Water Projects by Mr. Nomura; and awarding of Certificates of Commendation to honorable guests and partners.

The event ended with a closing message from Dir. Pauig acknowledging all the guests and participants, reiterating the reason of the celebration, and reinforcing the campaign on water conservation.

As Chairman Palma puts it, “The World Water Day Celebration is not only about defining practical solutions but also, it is about showing our people and partners, our sincerest gratitude for their transformational intervention to the success of the MNWD.” (Auria S. Gonzales)

ARRIVAL OF GUESTS. The MNWD staff welcomed the distinguished guests, Sec. Antonio A. Cablitas (2nd from right) and Mr. Toshikazu Nomura (4th from right) for the World Water Day.Ph 2018 celebration.

MORNING WITH THE CHIEF LEGAL COUNSEL. Atty. Salvador S. Panelo (3rd from left) was welcomed at the Avenue Plaza Hotel by the MNWD family together with Mr. Jeremias P. Aban Jr. Division Manager A, AGS&MSMD (3rd from right).

THE MAIN EVENT. The arrival of guests at the Robinsons Mall for the main event of the World Water Day.Ph 2018.

ISAY AND THE PARTICIPANTS. The MNWD employees pose with ISAY, the official mascot of MNWD (above pictures). Meanwhile, the participants composed of MNWD employees and distinguished guests gathered for the celebration (below picture).

BEHIND THE SCENE. The MNWD ushers and usherettes who welcomed and assisted the guests and participants during the event together with AGM VirgilioLuansing I (7th from right) and Mr. Vicente Rubio, OIC Environment and Water Resources Division (2nd from left).

PRESSCON. The press conference was conducted prior whereby guests and MNWD management answered issues and future plans regarding water sustainability within MNWD’s service coverage area.

THE MNWD FAMILY WITH THE GUESTS. The MNWD family together with the guests posed for a group picture to commemorate the World Water Day.Ph 2018 celebration.