MWSS, AWC move to improve water security

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has firmed up ties with the Asia Water Council (AWC) in line with the objective of improving Metro Manila’s overall water security and wastewater management systems.

This developed after AWC and K Water president Hak Soo Lee and company visited MWSS Tuesday.

MWSS Administrator Reynaldo Velasco said, “We thank K Water through Dr. Lee for helping MWSS in the strengthening and retrofitting of Angat Dam as part of their commitment with SMC in operating Transmissions 1 and 2 turbines which is crucial to the government’s water security program particularly on the possible occurrence of the Big One with Angat Dam supplying 96 percent water to Metro Manila and nearby provinces.”

“We are honored to be partners with MWSS and we look forward to future joint projects including the setting up of an MWSS-AWC-K Water InstituteAcademy to serve the Philippine water industry,” said Dr. Lee who added that K Water runs an academy whose roster of alumni included Manila Water president Ferdinand de la Cruz.

The visit of Dr. Lee comes on the heels of the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Velasco at the 7th AWC Board of Council in Daejoon City, South Korea last September.

The Asia Water Council consists of more than 100 members, organizations, representing more than 26 countries worldwide.

Velasco who also serves as AWC director said the AWC-initiated MOU will afford the MWSS and the Philippines to cooperate and to promote the water industry and resolve problems in the Asia region through the conduct of joint research and sharing Test-beds owned by the respective agencies, and supporting their operation.

Through the MOU, the MWSS can also support the promotion of AWC and their products; and can provide support as well to cooperatives.