Stakeholders are united in calling for the government to continuously improve the country’s water management, as aired during the 7th edition of the Water Philippines forum from 19 to 21 March at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City on Wednesday.

"Water Philippines is supporting the Bagong Pilipinas program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who has been calling for improved water management across the country," said Datuk Ir. Abdul Kadir Mohd Din, FASc, advisor of ASIAWATER, Informa Markets, the organizer of Water Philippines.

"The event aims to contribute by showcasing the latest innovations in water filtration and wastewater treatment as well as the best practices for managing water resources," he added.

The National Water Resources Board highlighted that approximately 11 million families in the Philippines currently face challenges in accessing clean water.

The statistic, while concerning, also underscores an opportunity for collective action and improvement in water resource management.

In 2020, there were around 26.39 million families in the Philippines, indicating that nearly half still encounter difficulties in securing this vital resource.

The Philippines is an archipelago surrounded by rich water resources and experiences significant weather events, including typhoons that can lead to flooding.

These extreme weather patterns, alongside rapid population growth, water pollution, and management challenges, have contributed to the ongoing water accessibility issues.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need for sustainable solutions. Efforts are underway to enhance water management practices and invest in infrastructure that supports cleaner water access for all.

“With the theme ‘Shaping the Future of Water Management,’ Water Philippines 2025 serves as a platform for highlighting innovative solutions and sharing knowledge and best practices that local water industry leaders and players can utilize and adopt,” Datuk Kadir adds.

The exhibition and conferences feature local and international leaders and are focused on international sanitation, water supply, industrial wastewater treatment, and purification practices and technologies, among others.