The DENR-RBCO in partnership with the Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI), Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI) and Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) launched the World Water Day 2018 Kickoff Activity entitled, Nature Walk cum Sungka Tournament last March 15, 2018 at La Mesa Nature Reserve, Novaliches, Quezon City. The said kickoff activity is one of the major events in the WWD 2018 celebration.
Different partner agencies, bureaus and offices actively joined the said event with the aim to educate and increase the awareness of the people on the significance of water in nature. Designed to be a physical and educational activity, participants were delighted with the sights and sounds of nature. The walk along the 5-km trail was guided by marshals from MWCI and Bantay Kalikasan of ABS-CBN Foundation. Participants were able to familiarize with the native trees and birds in the Nature Reserve and gained a deeper appreciation of the value of taking care of ecosystems and protecting the watershed.
The DENR-RBCO Executive Director, Dr. Antonio M. Daño, delivered an essential point to the participants on the value of watersheds in the Philippines. “Water is very essential to us. If there is no water, there will be no life on Earth†he said.
Also, Executives coming from the MWCI and MWSS gave their messages about this year’s theme, Nature for Water, to the participants and to widen their advocacy in protecting and conserving the Philippines’ water resources. Present in the program is the Executive Director of the NWRB, Dr. Sevillo David, Jr. who gave his support in the conduct of the Kickoff Activity.
Meanwhile, the Philippines Water Partnership (PWP) representative bagged the first place in the Sungka Tournament organized by the MWSI. Resource mobilization and strategic planning were the focus of the game.
The said event was attended by more than 200 participants from the partner agencies, different offices and media groups. The whole program and the venue was organized the MWCI.