Executives and government partners stressed that without active engagement at the grassroots level, long-term efforts to protect waterways and public health cannot be sustained.
During the company’s celebration of the 13th anniversary of its flagship environmental advocacy, Toka-Toka, Manila Water highlighted how the program has evolved from an educational campaign into a collaborative movement involving hundreds of barangays.
The milestone event, held at Elements Eton Centris, brought together national agencies, LGUs, and community partners for the second annual Tokasangga Awards, which honored standout barangays pushing sanitation awareness and desludging initiatives.
Community partnerships as operational force multiplier
Sixteen barangays emerged as Desludging Achievers, while 74 others earned citations for their consistent participation in environmental programs—demonstrating the expanding reach of joint action in ensuring cleaner waterways and safer communities.
“Local community leaders share the pulse of our customers. This [Tokasangga] is our way of recognizing the essential work that you do for your communities and for the environment,” Manila Water president and CEO Jocot de Dios said in a press release.
Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage system (MWSS), and various LGUs echoed the value of grassroots engagement.
MWSS board of trustees chair Atty. Elpidio J. Vega said communities have become indispensable partners in meeting sewerage and sanitation mandates. MWSS chief regulator Patrick Ty added that customers who actively participate in Toka-Toka help accelerate waterway rehabilitation and watershed protection.
Shared responsibility amid growing sanitation needs
MMDA planning office director Shiela Quinco, speaking for MMDA Chair Romando Artes, emphasized that wastewater and environmental protection are “not just engineering concerns nor work designated only to the government—it is a shared responsibility.”
Quezon City climate change and environment sustainability assistant department head Vincent Vinarao noted that barangay coordination significantly reduces risks and operational costs across the sanitation chain.
As Manila Water expands its sewerage and sanitation infrastructure, Toka-Toka continues to serve as a crucial platform inspiring communities to take their toka—their share—in shaping a cleaner, healthier environment. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
