PDRF calls for business support on water security in Antipolo and Baguio
A four-year project funded by Canada will focus on water management and climate resilience, with particular attention to women and Indigenous peoples.
The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) has launched a Canadian-funded initiative covering Antipolo and Baguio while urging businesses to take a larger role in tackling water security risks. The organisation cited climate change, growing demand and infrastructure shortfalls as threats to supplies and business operations.
The four-year Building Resilience through Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (BRIDGE) Project aims to improve water management and climate resilience. PDRF president Rene Meily said it would involve water concessionaires, local authorities and other partners, paying particular attention to the needs of women and Indigenous peoples.
Both cities are implementing partners and face increasing demand alongside constrained local government resources. Antipolo Vice Mayor Roberto Puno Jr. said the population was approaching one million, increasing pressure on water and wastewater services. He identified shortages of trained personnel, data and feasibility studies.
Rhenan Diwas, head of Baguio’s City Environment and Parks Management Office, said water security required a broader response than small annual environmental programmes could provide, making private sector support necessary.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna urged businesses to use water more efficiently, prevent avoidable losses, consider reuse where suitable and factor water risks into investment and operational decisions.
Manila Water president and CEO Roberto Jose Locsin urged international partners to strengthen local capabilities and establish structures that would allow investments to deliver benefits beyond the grant period.
