Manila Water works with DENR in used water mg’t advocacy

MANILA, Philippines - “Toka Toka,” Ayala-led Manila Water’s advocacy for used water management, has gone full steam as it engaged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) National Capital Region as its latest partner.

In a formal launch of the partnership held recently at the EMB-NCR office in Quezon City, regional director Vizminda Osorio expressed her gratitude as more and more private entities, such as Manila Water, are getting involved in the drive to care for the environment, especially in the metropolis.

Osorio said, “We at EMB-NCR cannot do the work of cleaning up the esteros (creeks) just by ourselves. Partnering with Manila Water gives us an opportunity to expand our programs since most of Metro Manila’s waterways are already biologically dead.”

During the same program, Manila Water group director for East Zone business operations Ferdinand de la Cruz reiterated the company’s commitment to educate the general public that each one can do his part in taking care of the environment, especially Metro Manila’s waterways, through proper used water management.

“Because of the magnitude of the problem with the pollution of our waterways and rivers, we need the contribution of every concerned agency, corporation, organization and even individuals to address the issue. Manila Water recommends very specific acts that each one of us can easily accomplish to help clean up the metro’s rivers,” De la Cruz said.

The commitment toward partnership was confirmed by the EMB’s national leadership through the presence of its assistant director, Eva Ocfemia, during the event.

Ocfemia affirmed the agency’s support, even at the national level, of Manila Water’s advocacy. “We are one with Manila Water in their Toka Toka movement. We are looking at expanding the movement to the national level while we help encourage the public to support the advocacy through concrete actions,” Ocfemia said.

“Toka Toka” is Manila Water’s latest campaign focused on educating the general public on used water management. It zeroes in on simple acts that each individual can claim as their own “toka” or share toward the ultimate goal of ensuring cleaner and safer rivers in Metro Manila.

Of particular attention is given to the three main tributaries in the metropolis: the Marikina, Pasig and San Juan rivers. The four simple acts that each individual can own as their “toka” are: dispose of garbage properly; desludge septic tanks; connect the household to the Manila Water sewer line; and support Manila Water’s projects for communities.