Manila Water is looking forward to a more fruitful year for its advocacy in spreading appreciation for its water trail. This year, the water company is inviting more schools to participate in their water and environmental education.
As part of its Water Education and Environmental Advocacy initiative, Manila Water has instituted the Lakbayan program. This tour guides participants through the company’s facilities, providing insights into the transformation of raw water into safe and potable drinking water, as well as the treatment processes ensuring the safety of wastewater before its release into the environment. Since the program’s inception in 2006, more than 100,000 individuals from various sectors have benefitted from the Lakbayan experience. Some of them were from the academia, local government units, national government agencies, and private organizations.
Expanding the program in 2023, a specialized tour named “SALIN: Lakbayan para sa Guro,” was also launched in partnership with the Department of Education – National Capital Region. Tailor-fit for public school educators, the program aims to reach out to teachers who can then transfer the knowledge to their respective students.
The tour, contingent on facility availability, commences in Norzagaray, Bulacan, home to the Angat Dam, responsible for supplying 90% of Metro Manila’s water needs. Beyond its water supply role, the dam also generates hydroelectric power and provides irrigation to nearby farmlands. Participants then proceed to Ipo Dam, a diversion dam redirecting raw water away from Manila Bay. Continuing the water trail, the tour moves to La Mesa Dam in Quezon City, where the initial stage of water treatment takes place.
Participants also experience a sense of historical legacy while touring the Balara Treatment Plants 1 and 2, the company’s oldest water treatment facilities. These plants date back to the era of former President Manuel L. Quezon who personally inspected them during his tenure. Inside these treatment plants, participants witness the meticulous processes ensuring the safety and quality of water delivered to customers.
The Lakbayan tour culminates in one of the company’s wastewater treatment facilities, where participants observe the processing of used water to guarantee its safety for aquatic flora and fauna before release into rivers and waterways.
Over the years, the Lakbayan program has received numerous local and international awards for its contribution to water education. It serves as an exemplar of the company’s dedication to best practices and commitment to environmental sustainability. Those interested in participating can contact one of our Advocacy Managers, Mr. Renel Donguya, at renel.donguya@manilawater.com to schedule a tour.#
