The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines through MASHAV – Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation and the United States Agency for International Aid (USAID) through the Safe Water held a Water Security Strategies seminar to share with the government and water concessionaires in the Philippines the expertise and experience of Israel on water resource management.
Like all countries in the region, Israel faced a variety of challenges in the water sector. The Middle East is a dry area and more than 50% of Israel is actually desert. “Israel invested in technology to support the growing demand and urbanization in the country. The technologies were introduced together with good policies and regulations that made Israel the leading country in the world in managing the water sector. From desalination to reuse of sewage, minimum loss of water and more,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss shared. “Through this seminar, we hope that the Philippines’ key implementing agencies will gain insights from the Israeli experience and adapt them to local conditions,” he added.
Director Susan Abano of National Water Resources Board (NWRB) shared the challenges of the Philippines as water availability continues to fall as demand expands. Engr. Rodel Rik Tumanda of Maynilad, Engr. Jon Michael Esteban of Manila Water, and MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Ty presented their perspectives on managing water scarcity in the Philippines. These were analyzed by the Israeli water delegation and presented advanced solutions to better manage the water sector of the country.
The Israeli companies highlighted Israel’s innovation and technology to inspire and encourage the Philippine water sector, businesses, and LGUs to invest in technologies that will help manage water sustainably. Among the Israeli companies who presented their water technologies were ARAD Group, Atlantium, Okiana, and Watergen. This water delegation offers cutting-edge Israeli technologies in the areas of advanced metering infrastructure, water and wastewater management and treatment solutions, water control solutions, and turnkey projects.
Around 50 officials from the Philippine national government agencies, local government units, private sector, and academe attended the seminar on November 17. Notable government officials who participated were Usec. JV Llamas of DILG, Asec. Roderick Planta of NEDA, Atty. Patrick Ty of MWSS, and Mayor Glenn Flores of Alaminos, Laguna. Also in attendance was Mr. Rene Meily, President of PDRF.
