USAID launches 2 partnerships for PHL water security
IN celebration of World Water Day, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) launched on March 23 two partnerships to increase access to clean, safe, water and sanitation services in the Philippines.
The first partnership, with Cocacola Foundation Philippines Inc. and the Multi-sectoral Alliance for Development (Muad)-negros, will help conserve 12 watersheds and create sustainable livelihoods in Negros occidental, a USAID news release said.
The second partnership, with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), will protect water resources in Palawan by improving watershed management.
Through these partnerships, USAID’S Safe Water project will leverage its science-backed studies, analyses and expertise with partners’ human and capital resources to expand watershed protection that will help guarantee sustainable livelihoods.
USAID Philippines Mission Director lawrence Hardy II led the signing of the memorandum of understanding with Coca-cola Philippines President Antonio del Rosario and Palawan Governor and PCSD Chairman Jose Alvarez.
“Watersheds play an important role in supplying clean water to communities. It is our global commitment in Coca-cola to replenish and to protect our water resources. That’s why we are one with USAID and Muad-negros to protect these sanctuaries and to empower the lives of the people living near the watersheds,” del Rosario said.
“I am confident that our collaboration will empower communities to become better environmental stewards, uplift lives, and safeguard forests and watersheds through our collective efforts and partnerships to bring a water secure future for Filipinos,” Hardy pointed out.
About 12 million Filipinos do not have access to safe drinking water, and 80 percent of the population is not connected to wastewater treatment services.
USAID promotes water security by working with governments, the private sector and non-government organizations to increase access to water and sanitation services for vulnerable and underserved communities.
It also supports improved water resource management to promote clean drinking water, food security, and economic growth.
Since 2013 alone, USAID has invested P1.5 billion ($30 million) to increase access to water supply and sanitation services for underserved communities, the news release said.