The Philippines remains committed to preserving its water resources and addressing aridity caused by climate change, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said.
Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje told participants to the Seventh World Water Forum that the government recognizes the inherent role of water in sustainable development and climate. The forum kicked off on April 12 and will conclude on April 17 in Gyeongbuk, South Korea.
“Despite being continuously confronted with issues on water management and depletion, our country commits to support the Seventh World Water Forum Ministerial Declaration through enhanced institutionalization and implementation of the Philippine Integrated Water Resources Management Framework,” Paje said.
He said the Aquino administration is bent on protecting its water resources and to making communities more resilient to climate change and the roll out of infrastructure improvements to increase access to clean water.
The massive reforestation program being implemented by the Aquino administration, he said, demonstrates the government’s commitment to arrest aridity.
However, Paje said there is a need for appropriate financing, infrastructure and relevant technologies for water regulation and management to ensure the availability of water to areas and communities.
Major objectives and outcomes of the forum, he said, will be integrated into the country’s national program for water management.
Paje said the government will translate existing policies into concrete actions and align them with the Seventh World Water Forum’s Implementation Roadmap.
Held every three years since 1997, the World Water Forum is one of the biggest international water events where all stakeholders can work together on joint approaches to global water challenges.
This year’s theme is “Water for Our Future,” which aims to identify actions and solutions to support implementation of the post-2015 development agenda on water.