The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) has brought together government, local units, water providers, and businesses to strengthen national water security, launching the Canada-funded four-year BRIDGE Project focused on Baguio and Antipolo Cities.
Despite overall water abundance, communities and businesses across the country face shortages, flooding, and unreliable supply — challenges worsened by climate shifts, urban growth, and fragmented efforts. The recent Cluster Connect forum aims to align action, with government setting policy, local governments leading implementation, and private industry bringing resources and expertise.
Officials stressed that no single sector can solve water challenges alone. Leaders from DENR, the Office of the Presidential Special Envoy for Disaster Risk Reduction, and local governments highlighted critical needs: better local data, technical support, and coordinated planning. Water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad shared their ongoing work to maintain supplies during crises and expand service to underserved areas through community partnerships.
With El Niño impacts expected, PDRF also shared preparedness updates. Private firms explored joint initiatives including shared data, pooled funding, and coordinated projects, with outcomes feeding into a new Private Sector Engagement Roadmap for integrated water resource management.
