The partnership between MWSS Regulatory Office (RO) and Manila Water towards mainstreaming Gender and Development (GAD) in the water sector has reached new heights.

On 09 August 2023, the MWSS RO and Manila Water signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will serve as a framework document in which both parties agree to explore ways to promote GAD and emphasize the gender-water nexus, including the role of women in communities as the primary collectors and managers of water.

MWSS RO Chief Regulator, Patrick Lester N. Ty, and Manila Water President and Chief Executive Officer, Jose Victor Emmanuel A. de Dios, signed the MoU. Also present during the event were MWSS RO Deputy Administrator for Administration and Legal Affairs (ALA-DA) and Gender and Development Focal Point System (GFPS) Chairperson, Claudine B. Orocio-Isorena, and Manila Water Enterprise Regulatory Affairs Group Director, Jo Kristine Celera.

The MWSS RO and Manila Water have agreed on the following matters: identification of activities for collaboration to promote gender and women development in water management and sanitation; conceptualization and organization of participatory activities aimed at improving access to clean and potable water, providing sanitation facilities, and offering information on best hygiene practices; collaboration with other stakeholders on activities, programs, projects, policies, and mechanisms related to GAD; and improvement of existing activities to continually promote gender equality, women empowerment, diversity, inclusivity, and a violence-free society.

One of the recent GAD mainstreaming activities that Manila Water launched was the “Lingap Eskwela: Project Drink 72 and Distribution of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Kits,” which took place on 05 September 2023, at Vito Belarmino Senior High School, Quezon City. Manila Water, led by President and CEO De Dios, distributed refrigerated drinking fountains for public schools through this initiative. MWSS RO ALA-DA Isorena represented MWSS RO at the event.

Quezon City 3rd District Representative Franz Pumaren, Schools Division Office-Quezon City Superintendent Carleen S. Sedilla, and Vito Belarmino Senior High School Assistant School Principal and OIC Mr. Johannsen C. Yap, received the drinking fountains and WASH kits on behalf of the teachers and students.

Meanwhile, in her remarks, MWSS RO ALA-DA Isorena highlighted the importance of both WASH and water conservation. She also emphasized the need for clean and accessible hygiene facilities for the safety and privacy of those who will use it, especially female learners, faculty members, and staff.

During the same event, the MWSS RO, through its GFPS, distributed WASH kits. Each kit contains rubbing alcohol, bath soap, feminine wash, mouthwash, sanitary napkins, toothbrush, and toothpaste.

The MWSS RO remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing GAD in the water sector.

Learn more about MWSS RO’s GAD activities: https://ro.mwss.gov.ph/gad-activities/…

Empower her. Conserve Water.