Southeast Asia, with its diverse landscape, is at the forefront of dealing with the effects of climate change. We encounter a range of climate challenges, including rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, intensified tropical storms, and more frequent floods. These weather shifts impact various aspects of life, such as the environment, agriculture, and water management.
Responding to the distinctive challenges posed by Southeast Asia’s climate, Manila Water has elevated climate action to a fundamental commitment by issuing a comprehensive Climate Change Policy across the group. This policy, established as early as 2007, has evolved over the years, aligning with emerging trends, scientific research, and regulatory policies. At its core, our climate action emphasizes four key components, adaptation, resource efficiency, transition to renewable energy, and wastewater management.
Adaptation
With a focus on adaptation, we prioritize water security, asset resilience, and emergency preparedness and response. To proactively address future water scarcity challenges and accommodate the escalating demands of our growing customer base, we are implementing a service enhancement strategy. This strategy revolves around bolstering water security through the development of new water sources, an integrated approach to managing key watersheds with nature-based solutions, and the construction of new facilities while retrofitting existing assets. This ensures service continuity and expedites recovery in the event of a disaster.
As we forge ahead on this path, our unwavering commitment extends beyond delivering services—it encompasses leaving behind a legacy of responsible environmental stewardship that positively influences future generations
For disaster scenarios, Manila Water maintains trained first responders with essential resources, including mobile treatment plants, generators, and critical spare parts. These assets enable our team to engage in timely rescue operations, execute rapid repairs, and provide temporary relief to affected communities.
Efficiency
Our expertise in Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Management and Leakage Detection is fundamental to strengthening the company’s resilience against water shortage risks. Particularly in the East Zone of Metro Manila, our NRW program has reduced water losses, dropping from 63 percent in 1997 to below 15 percent in 2022—surpassing the World Bank’s stringent standard of 25 percent. This reduction not only translates to measurable savings in water volume but also sets off a ripple effect, leading to reduced energy consumption and, consequently, fewer emissions contributing to climate change.
“As we forge ahead on this path, our unwavering commitment extends beyond delivering services—it encompasses leaving behind a legacy of responsible environmental stewardship that positively influences future generations.”
The success of achieving low NRW levels can be credited to a comprehensive approach involving active leakage control, expedited turnaround times for leak repairs, the implementation of pressure management techniques, and the systematic replacement of aging and deteriorated meters.
Low-carbon economy
Integral to our commitment to a low-carbon economy is the dual strategy of transition to renewable energy and the implementation of effective wastewater management. In a move toward greener transportation, we recently introduced electric vehicles (EVs) into our fleet. These EVs, thoughtfully equipped with portable chargers and plans for fast-charging stations strategically positioned, mark a substantial leap in our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint associated with our vehicle usage.
Adding another dimension to adopting clean energy solutions, we embarked on constructing a 2.5 MWp solar project in 2023. The solar facilities, meticulously designed to operate on 100 percent renewable energy, are not just an investment but a strategic, long-term asset. They will be crucial in supplying clean energy to designated Manila Water facilities, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
Wastewater management is a key component in managing our GHG emissions and, in turn, our contribution to the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement through a 75 percent reduction and avoidance of GHG by the country by 2030. Within the domestic wastewater sector, the primary focus revolves around expanding sewer and sanitation coverage. This strategic expansion serves as an effective measure to mitigate the release of methane emissions originating from septic tanks.
Unwavering commitment
In conclusion, our commitment to Manila Water transcends the role of a utility provider. As we aspire to be a global leader in delivering quality water and environmental services, our mission is deeply anchored in providing services tailored to the unique needs of the communities we serve. Through the implementation of sustainable solutions and the cultivation of purpose-driven, empowered, and innovative teams, Manila Water emerges not only as a service provider but as a true champion of positive change.
Our journey towards sustainability serves as a living testament to this mission. The seamless integration of climate action into our strategy underscores our active role in shaping a future where communities thrive, economies exhibit resilience, and the environment is diligently safeguarded. As we forge ahead on this path, our unwavering commitment extends beyond delivering services—it encompasses leaving behind a legacy of responsible environmental stewardship that positively influences future generations.