Caravan marks World Water Day

Water districts in C. Visayas unite for water conservation

In celebration of International World Water Day, the Central Visayas Association of Water Districts (CEVAWD) and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) held a water caravan to highlight the theme of this year’s celebration – Water Cooperation.

The caravan was done by regions and for Central Visayas, Cebu was the point of convergence for water districts coming from Cebu and Negros Oriental.

The objectives of the caravan are to be one with the global community in the celebration of the World Water Day; to enhance cooperation among various water stakeholders in the country; to increase positive awareness for LWUA, the water districts and other partner agencies; to draw people’s attention to the importance of fresh water and the need to conserve it.

Water districts from Negros Oriental converged at Tampi Port in San Jose town and together, crossed to Cebu. They joined the water districts in the southern part of Cebu and converged in Carcar City before proceeding to SM City Cebu for the culminating program.

Water districts from northern Cebu, including the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), converged in Mandaue City and proceeded to SM City Cebu.

During the program, MCWD general manager and CEVAWD president Armando Paredes welcomed the guests. Acting Vice Governor Julian Daan and LWUA chairman Rene Villa also gave their respective messages.

Villa emphasized that water districts remain to be the source of the safest and most inexpensive supply of water.

To demonstrate water cooperation, Chairman Villa, Vice Gov. Daan, GM Paredes, representatives from the regional offices and general managers of participating water districts joined the ceremonial delivery of a bucket of water.

Then, Villa turned over the symbolic 2013 plaque of appreciation to Paredes for hosting the activity.

Also in line with the observance, the MCWD held a handwashing activity in Ibo Elementary School in Lapu-Lapu City on March 22 to promote awareness on sanitation and clean environment.

Almost 200 grade 1 pupils were taught the proper way of washing hands. The children were also treated to a party. A clown spearheaded the children’s games.

This is part of MCWD’s corporate social responsibility and the water district also hopes to teach children about water conservation.