Bonifacio Global City – Celebrating to the theme of "Flowing Together Through Collective Action: Private Sector Pathways Towards Water Security," the USAID Safe Water and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), highlighted the critical role of the private sector in addressing water security in the Philippines, as it marked the successful project closeout USAID Safe Water.

The event gathered leaders from the business sector, civil society organizations, and government agencies to reflect on the progress made in water security through private sector initiatives at the headquarters of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc., on August 22, 2024.

The partnership between USAID Safe Water and PBSP through the Water Alliance, a multi-sectoral partnership initiated by the business sector, has been instrumental in fostering corporate water stewardship (CWS) across the country, with projects focusing on watershed protection, improved water access and sanitation, and enhancing efficiency of productive use of water.

To date, the Water Alliance has installed 147 different types of water systems for communities and schools, including water stations, mobile and portable water treatment systems, hand washing facilities, and rainwater catchments, providing clean and safe drinking water to 5,778 families and over 8,098 students and school personnel in approximately 40 provinces and municipalities across the country.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Dr. Carlos Primo David delivered the keynote address stressing the importance of private sector engagement and participation in realizing the nation’s water security goals. He emphasized that collaboration among various stakeholders including government, businesses, and civil society is essential for achieving the water security commitments outlined in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.

“We have the private sector which is important and I think we now have a system to know what the problems are, how to solve them and we are together in moving forward and just a matter of really doing things. Along the way we will be able to provide water to approximately 40 millions Filipinos who still do not have access to safe water,” Usec. David shared.

Usec. David also discussed the efforts of the possibility of having a separate water resources department in the government.

“I know that a creation of the department is important as it will be a big boost in the water scarcity problems, but it will not solve the 40 million Filipinos not having water access overnight. But it may enable few policies that could really help, so there is still work to be done for us,” he added.

The closeout event recognized key accomplishments, including the significant strides made in promoting corporate engagement in water resource management (WRM) and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. The event also focused on the barriers and incentives for increased private sector investment in these areas, aligning with the priorities set by the DENR and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

A panel of speakers underscored the initiatives of businesses in watershed conservation and protection. They also focused on the involvement of the private sector in enhancing water and sanitation services, particularly in small towns in addressing local challenges and ensuring that there is a sustainable access to clean water.

The event concluded with a resounding call to action by PBSP Executive Director Elvin Ivan Y. Uy, urging continued collaboration and investment from the private sector to meet the water security challenges facing the nation. He expressed the importance of multi-stakeholder partnership especially among the business community in tackling complicated water issues."

The Water Alliance will continue to facilitate unifying actions towards finding solutions to this urgent problem. The private sector can leverage its capability and assets with those of the government and the development community. As water security is our shared risk and opportunity, it is our moral and social obligation to direct our collective efforts towards a secure water future for all,” Elvin Uy said.

The event concluded with a ceremonial pledge marking a renewed commitment to strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration and elevating the private sector's role in ensuring universal and equitable access to safe, affordable, and reliable water and sanitation services for all Filipinos.