DENR Leads Philippine Water Week Exhibit at Trinoma Mall

Manila, Philippines — In celebration of the Philippine Water Week and the international observance of World Water Day last March 22, the importance of water and ways to conserve was staged in an exhibit at the Trinoma Mall from 23-27 March.Dubbed, Makibahagi: Pagyamanin ang Tubig Natin, the exhibit is located at the 4th Floor, Cinema Lobby of Trinoma was made possible through the collaboration of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in partnership with the Ayala Foundation, Ayala Malls and Trinoma Mall.DENR Secretary Lito Atienza stressed the importance of effective collaboration to address the country's water problem."It is ultimately up to every citizen to be informed, responsible and involved when it comes to the problem of water supply and quality, which we also know is a global concern. Also effective collaboration between the government and the private and corporate sectors on the water problem is the call of the hour," Atienza said.The activity is also in support of the United Nation's declaration of the "Water for Life Decade" from 2005-2015 which aims to promote efforts to fulfill international commitments made on water and water-related issues by 2015.Also part of the program for the opening of exhibit was an environmental skit entitled "Water Warrior" that will be shown to the public. The mini-play is a project of the Ayala Foundation in cooperation with the Sustainable Energy Development Programme of the United States Agency for International Development. Another highlight of the event is the launching of a story book for students entitled "Bakawan" by Ms. Michelle Oblea, the country's Miss Philippines Water 2008. The "bakawan" or mangrove book forms part of the Bright Minds Read kit of the Ronald McDonald House Charities.Other exhibitors joining the EMB-DENR are the DENR's various offices such as the National Solid Waste Management Commission, River Basin Control Office, National Water Resources Board, Laguna Lake Development Authority, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, and Manila Bay River Coordinating Office. For the private sector, joining the exhibit are Manila Water, Nestle Philippines and Maynilad Water Services as well as other government agencies such as Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System and Local Water Utilities Administration. PEMSEA exhibited materials on the East Asian Seas Congress through the River Basin Control Office.