West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad), together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and National Water Resources Board (NWRB), recognized 26 water champions at the World Water Day Philippines Awards 2024 (WWD.PH Awards) held in Quezon City.
WWD.PH Awards honors outstanding individuals, institutions, and programs that promote water and environmental sustainability in the country.
Recipients of Maynilad’s “Water Warrior Award for Advocacy Leadership” were Quezon City Councilor Mikey Belmonte, GMA Cavite’s Water District General Manager Juliet M. Nacita, Mt. Balagbag Farmers Association of San Isidro San Jose Del Monte City, Inc., and Telus Philippines, Inc., for demonstrating extraordinary accomplishments in promoting water sustainability and environmental responsibility in their respective constituencies.
The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau’s “Innovation in Marine Litter Education Award” went to Save Philippine Seas, for developing programs and educational tools that will help in marine life protection and conservation.
NWRB’s “Water Wise Award” went to the City of Makati, Universal Robina Corporation Pampanga Plant, and URC Misamis Oriental, for their exemplary commitment to promote water conservation consistent with the agency’s regulatory mandate and advocacy.
Meanwhile, the “Kampeon ng Lawa Award” recipient of the Laguna Lake Development Authority went to SanGuilmo Bamboo Advocates Inc., for its contributions in the rehabilitation of Laguna de Bay.
The Local Water Utilities Administration’s “Huwarang Lingkod Tubig Award” national winner was Hagonoy Water District, while the regional winners were Baliwag Water District, Metro Kalibo Water District, and Metro Kidapawan Water District. They were recognized for being role models among water districts in water conservation and environmental initiatives.
“The true champions of our planet are those who safeguard our precious water resources. As we celebrate today’s awardees, let their dedication inspire us all to act in protecting and preserving our water resources,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez in his speech during the event.
Completing the list of honorees were the National Irrigation Administration’s Most Outstanding Irrigators Association Award given to the Bingon Farmers Irrigators, Association, Inc., Triple L Irrigators Association, Inc., and Bayaning Magsasaka Irrigators, Association, Inc.; Metro Pacific Water’s “Mainuswagong Ilig Award” conferred to Metro Iloilo Water District; Philippine Water Works Association’s “Kampeon sa Katubigan Award” given to MWSS, One Meralco Foundation, Manila Water Foundation, and Power 4 All for their joint project, Water Access for the Dumagats of Ipo Watershed; Philippine Water Partnerships’ “Legacy Award” given posthumously to Engr. Francisco A. Arellano; and the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands’ “Bayani ng Katubigan Award” given to the local governments of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental, and Pangil, Laguna.
Maynilad also gave recognition to five inspiring women for their respective roles in promoting greater water access and a healthier environment. The recipients of the “Woman Leader in Water Award” were DENR Secretary Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga, MWSS Administrator Leonor “Bobby” Cleofas, Department of Finance (DOF) Usec. Catherine Fong, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, and Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.
The WWD.PH Awards serves as the culminating event of the country’s week-long celebration of World Water Day.
Since 2015, the WWD.PH Awards has recognized a total of 141 individuals, institutions, and programs that have contributed to achieving water and water-environment sustainability in the country. Each WWD.PH-participating government agency and private company submits their nominees, which are then screened and vetted by a multi-organization committee before being included in the list of awardees.
