MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has called on its Asian counterparts to improve overall water security and wastewater management system amid threats of climate change.
The MWSS recently signed a memorandum of understanding in Korea with members of the Asia Water Council (AWC), an international organization consisting of more than 100 members representing over 26 countries.
MWSS administrator and AWC director Reynaldo Velasco said the AWC-initiated MOU will afford the MWSS and the Philippines to share the importance of development in the water industry and for the solution of water problems in the Asian region amid need for mutual understanding among the members.
“In an era of climate change, international cooperation and in adherence to the United Nations Sustainable Goal No. 6 on Water and Sanitation, the MOU will afford MWSS and the Philippine water supply industry access to modern research and technologies under the aegis of Build Build Build policy of President Duterte,” Velasco said.
Apart from MWSS, signatories include the Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water), China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Global Institute for Water, Environment and Health and the International Water Resources Research Institute.
The agencies aim to promote the water industry and resolve problems in the Asian region through the conduct of joint research and sharing of test-beds owned by the respective agencies and supporting their operation.
It also aims to support the promotion of AWC and their products, and provide other cooperative support and needed assistance.
Meanwhile, the Philippines is set to host the 8th AWC Board Meeting, General Assembly and Elections in March 2019 in Manila following the unanimous approval of the Board.
MWSS along with its three concessionaires Maynilad Water Services Inc., Manila Water Co. Inc., and Bulacan Bulk Water will co-host the event.