In observance of the ASEAN Environment Week, the Climate Change Commission (CCC), with the support of Manila Water Company, Inc, will be conducting a study tour on water conservation today at the main office of Manila Water Company along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

The study tour, to be preceded by film showing and lectures at the Manila Water Lakbayan center, will be participated by members of the high school science club from the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS).

“Our supply of clean, safe drinking water is threathened by an ever-increasing population and climate change,” Climate Change Commission Vice Chair Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering said. “The need to protect and conserve our water sources has become one of the top priorities of our government,” she added.

“This study tour aims to give the students a deeper understanding and appreciation of how clean, safe water is supplied for household consumption and how they can help conserve this important natural resource. We hope that after this tour, we can inculcate a sense of urgency in conserving our water supply and lessen our water footprint,” Sering said.

Manila Water Company conducts the study tour as part of their corporate social responsibility.

“Water is one of the key resources of any nation. Its use transcends different sectors, from agriculture, business, transport and energy among others. We should know how to wisely use it for its lack will make a great impact on our economy,” she said.

“If we are able to prompt water conservation on the individual level, just imagine what we can achieve as a nation in terms of conserving our water supply,” she added.

The CCC will also conduct a climate change seminar and workshop at UPIS shortly after the study tour to further strengthen the students’ understanding on the connection of climate change and water supply. Teachers and Manila Water personnel will also attend the workshop.

“As early as now, we want to empower the next generation against the potential impacts of climate change in our water supply. Being one of the top ten countries most vulnerable to the impacts of this global phenomena, our water supply is at risk and we must know how to mitigate and adapt to these perils,” Sering said.

“To be resilient against climate change means knowing how we can bounce back from its impacts. To be able to bounce back, we must know what effects we can expect. And the next generation must know these effects now,” she said.

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July 19, 2012