The annual World Water Day Philippines Awards recognized 23 exceptional individuals and organizations for their contributions to water conservation, watershed protection, sustainable water access, and environmental stewardship.
The awards event highlighted this year’s global theme—“Water for Peace”—by celebrating efforts that strengthen community resilience, protect ecosystems, and ensure water security.
Safeguarding water sources and ecosystems
Among the most notable awardees was Pinky P. Tobiano, a chemist and sustainability advocate who received the Kampeon ng Lawa Award from the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). Tobiano was honored for her commitment to rehabilitating Laguna de Bay through waste recovery, volunteer mobilization, and advocacy for environmental responsibility.
Also recognized was Pilotage Trading and Construction Inc., whose initiatives in solid waste recovery around Laguna Lake contributed to improved water quality.
In the local government sector, the Kaagapay sa Tubig-Kanlungan Award, presented by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), was awarded to Mayors Rafael A. Tanjuatco (Tanay, Rizal), Rodel N. Dela Cruz (Teresa, Rizal), and Sidney B. Soriano (Morong, Rizal) for leading watershed protection and sustainable water initiatives in their municipalities.
Inspiring change through education, community engagement
The Water Warrior Awards, organized by Maynilad, recognized community-driven programs that champion water conservation and environmental awareness.
Quezon City University received the Water Warrior Award for Education for integrating sustainability principles into its curriculum and nurturing student-led water conservation efforts.
The MMDA Estero Rehabilitation Program and the Briquettor Association of the Philippines, Inc. (BAPI) were recognized for their work in urban waterway cleanups and reforestation under the Environmental Stewardship category.
Meanwhile, the EMB Agham para sa Tubig at Kalikasan Award was presented to Leave a Nest Philippines, led by Engr. Ronezza Delos Santos, for empowering young researchers to develop innovative, science-based water solutions.
Innovating for water sustainability
Ramon B. Alikpala, former NWRB executive director, received the prestigious PWP IWRM Advocacy Champion Award for his decades-long leadership in shaping national and ASEAN-wide water policies grounded in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). His policy work has helped align economic, environmental, and equitable access objectives in water governance.
The Water-Wise Award, given by the NWRB, honored institutions that have implemented exemplary water conservation practices. Awardees included the Judicial Academy of the Philippines for reducing water consumption through wastewater management systems, and Pigmentex Inc., which pioneered industrial water recycling to significantly cut down on water waste.
Strengthening water access and community resilience
Sustainable water management in agriculture was recognized through the Most Outstanding Irrigators’ Association Award from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Winners included the San Martin North Main Irrigators’ Association, Linoan Magsaysay Communal Irrigators Association, and Bunawan Krislam Communal Irrigators Association, whose effective management of irrigation systems ensures efficient water distribution across Agrarian Reform Communities.
The Huwarang Lingkod Tubig Award by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) recognized exemplary public water districts: Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District (Luzon), Silay Water District (Visayas), and San Francisco Water District (Mindanao) for consistently delivering sustainable and inclusive water services.
The Kampeon ng Katubigan Award, presented by the Philippine Waterworks Association, lauded Iriga City Water District for its “Tubig Para sa mga Katutubong Agta” initiative, which expanded access to clean water among the Agta indigenous community.
Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Water honored Iloilo City’s CENRO with the Kabalikat sa Tubig at Kalikasan Award for its balanced approach to urban development and environmental sustainability.
Women leading the way
Coinciding with Women’s Month, the Women in Water Leadership Award highlighted the impact of female leaders in the water sector.
Honorees included Engr. Rodora N. Gamboa, executive director of the Maynilad Water Academy, for her role in advancing water education across Southeast Asia; Atty. Claudine B. Orocio-Isorena, deputy administrator of the MWSS Regulatory Office, for her gender and development initiatives; and Engr. Josephine B. Salazar, from NIA, for her crisis management leadership during the El Niño phenomenon.
A call to collective action
Delivering the opening remarks, Engr. Ronald Padua, vice president and head of water supply operations of Maynilad, emphasized the urgency of collaboration: “Water and climate are deeply connected. As we face increasing challenges—extreme weather, scarcity, pollution—we must work together more than ever.”
Maynilad president and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez added, “These 23 awardees show us that real change is possible. Their work proves that with commitment, innovation, and community engagement, we can build a water-secure future.”
The event also saw the launch of the National Volunteering Framework in the Water Sector by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), encouraging individuals and communities to take an active role in protecting water resources through initiatives like watershed rehabilitation and water quality monitoring.
Since its launch, the World Water Day Awards have honored over 160 changemakers. With each passing year, the event continues to shine a spotlight on Filipinos making waves in sustainability—one drop at a time. — Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
