ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines — Manila Water Company has expanded its educational outreach by formalizing a partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Divisions of Antipolo City and Rizal. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed on World Water Day, March 24, 2026, aims to broaden the reach of the Salin – Lakbayan Para sa mga Guro Program.
The initiative is designed to turn public school teachers into effective water stewards by providing them with first-hand knowledge of the water cycle and utility management:
- Facility Site Visits: Educators visit Manila Water’s treatment plants and wastewater facilities to see how water systems operate.
- Learning Sessions: Teachers participate in workshops to better understand water conservation and sustainability.
- Classroom Integration: The goal is for teachers to bring these practical insights back to their students, fostering a culture of responsibility among the youth.
- Expansion: While the program has already reached over 430 teachers in Metro Manila’s East Zone since 2023, this new agreement specifically targets the growing populations of Antipolo and Rizal Province.
- World Water Day Theme: This year’s focus, “Water and Gender: Where water flows, equality grows,” highlights the pivotal role of female educators in shaping community values regarding water access and environmental care.
- Broad Support: The signing was attended by high-ranking officials, including Manila Water COO Arnold Mortera, MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty, and DepEd Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Rodrigo Rodriguez.
Manila Water COO Arnold Mortera emphasized that empowering teachers is the most effective way to empower communities. Meanwhile, DepEd representatives highlighted the “shared responsibility” of the private and public sectors in building a sustainable future.
The partnership comes at a critical time as the Philippines faces increasing pressure on its water resources due to climate-related disruptions and rapid urban expansion in the Rizal region. By educating the educators, Manila Water hopes to secure a more water-conscious generation of Filipinos.