Water Sustainability Sought at 30th PAWD National Convention

Water district officials and suppliers nationwide converged at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel last February 11-13, 2009 for the 30^th Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) National Convention.

Hosted by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), this year's national convention was guided by the theme "Water and Sanitation: Our Responsibility, Our Legacy". This yearly event aims to serve as an avenue for stakeholders in the water service industry to find ways on how to address the decreasing water supply of the country and the deteriorating waste water system.

The event convened at least 1,000 participants from 500 water districts from all over the country. Delegates were composed of water district officials, local and foreign suppliers, water utilities experts, engineers, traders and innovators

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Board Chairman Prospero A. Pichay, Jr. graced the annual event. In his speech, Sec. Duque reaffirmed DOH's support for the institution of water safety plans for public health.

On the other hand, Chairman Pichay vowed LWUA's sustained financial and other development assistance for the country's numerous water districts in assuring the people's basic right to clean water. Mr. Pichay added that LWUA is seeking ways to find more cost effective water treatment technology available locally rather than importing from suppliers abroad.

Activities during the event included technical paper presentations, products and services exhibition, and the 14th PAWD National Oratorical and Poster Making Contest. Third year high school student Mr. Jemimah Pearl C. D'lonsod from Southpoint School in Davao City emerged as champion for the National Oratorical contest. Mr. D'lonsod represented Davao City Water Disrtict. Mr. Jonathan Dave P. Ubiña of Metro Tuguegarao Water District , won second place while Mr. Rafael Victor R. Villanueva of Butuan City Water District from Angelicum Montessori School in Butuan City went home as third runner-up.