22/05/2026
NWRB and GWSI Hold Webinar on Climate Resilience for Philippine WSPs
The National Water Resources Board (NWRB), in collaboration with Global Water Solutions Incorporated (GWSI), organized a webinar titled Strengthening Climate Resilience of Philippine Water Service Providers on May 20, 2026. The online event gathered more than 500 participants from across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including representatives from water districts, local government units, rural water utilities, private water service providers, national government agencies, development partners, academe, and civil society organizations.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development Assistant Secretary Roderick M. Planta opened the event, underscoring the importance of aligning water sector plans with national development frameworks and stressing the need for coordinated, multi-agency action toward achieving universal water supply and sanitation coverage by 2030.
Keynote speaker Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources encouraged all water service providers to begin strengthening their systems now, emphasizing that early and proactive preparation is key to ensuring continued water service for communities amid the anticipated strong El Niño in the second half of 2026. He also announced the 2026 El Niño National Action Plan for Water, focusing on optimizing water allocation, reducing losses, promoting conservation, and improving coordination among agencies. He also highlighted practical steps such as water impoundment, source diversification, and streamlined permitting, expressing confidence that working together will make a real difference for the communities served by WSPs.
Former DENR Secretary Elisea “Bebet” Gozun set the context of the presentations by providing the Philippine climate outlook and the urgency to build resiliency across water stakeholders. International perspectives were provided by Dr. Thanapon Piman of the Stockholm Environment Institute Asia, who presented climate risk data and called for improved cross-sector coordination. Dr. Thammarat Koottatep of the Asian Institute of Technology shared global best practices in climate-resilient water and sanitation systems, including water reuse, nature-based solutions, and behavior change strategies.
Local case studies were presented by Engineer Jay Tecson of GWSI, who highlighted the growing threats of groundwater depletion, saline intrusion, and surface water scarcity in areas like Metro Cebu, Metro Manila, Iloilo, and Palawan. He encouraged utilities to adopt water demand management programs, reduce non-revenue water, and develop drought and typhoon standard operating procedures within the next 90 days.
The panel discussion, moderated by WASH policy expert Ms. Joanne Dulce, featured additional insights from Engineer Maurice Tobon of GWSI on climate-informed water security planning, senior resiliency expert Engr. Roderick De La Cruz on risk-informed decision-making drawn from California's resilience framework, and senior environmental lawyer Atty. Maria Paz “Ipat” Luna on existing legal mandates for rainwater harvesting and ecosystem-based approaches such as reforestation and coral reef triage.
During the open forum, a question on the top recommendations that small and medium-sized water utilities can take within the next 90 days to strengthen their climate resilience was posed. Engr. Tecson responded by encouraging utilities to start with the basics — establish a baseline of operational data covering production, water use, and aquifer conditions, initiate a water demand management program, and set up a simple but regular monitoring schedule. He reminded participants that these actions require minimal budget and can be done immediately, stressing that "El Niño is not unexpected — its timing may vary, but its return is certain, so preparation is not optional."
NWRB Executive Director Dr. Sevillo D. David Jr. closed the event by encouraging all stakeholders that the time to act is now. He shared that "climate resilience is now central to the future of water service delivery in the Philippines — it is about preparedness, good governance, water conservation, watershed management, and strong partnerships," and expressed confidence that the water sector can make a lasting impact together.
***
Story by: ABA
PHOTO:
