The Philippines is looking to international partnerships and increased investments to boost its water security in the face of climate change and rapid urbanization.

Key public and private sector representatives from the local water utilities, including Manila Water and Maynilad, as well as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, visited Denmark to be updated on the latest Danish innovations on the management and efficient use of water.

The delegates met with officials of Danish water companies and key water facilities in Copenhagen and Aarhus. They also visited two Danish water giants, Kamstrup and AVK, which showed off their smart water solutions that can monitor leaks and reduce non-revenue water.

The Philippines is seeking to achieve universal access to water by 2030. According to the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan, the total investment required to reach this goal is $19.45 billion.

MWSS Administrator Leonor C. Cleofas said the water delegation to Denmark was relevant to the local water industry, noting that two of the companies the delegates met with are already working with and helping MWSS on its water infrastructure projects.