The importance of conserving water amid the growing population, impacts of climate change and the increasing demands of agriculture and industry, got the emphasis in a virtual event hosted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 on Friday, March 26, 2021.

In support of the advocacy of water conservation, regional office conducted the Inter-SRO Infographs Competition which highlighted the World Water Day 2021: Disiplinado sa Impormasyon sa Tubig virtual event. 

DILG Cebu Province racked up the highest score from six judges to win first place coupled with a P5,000 cash prize. DILG Siquijor and Cebu City placed second and third and won P3,000 and P2,000, respectively. 

LGCDD Chief Maria Thelya Oporto spearheaded the online awarding.

The activity mainly promoted water conservation and showed support to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

“Even in this time of the pandemic, I encourage everyone to promote and practice the conservation of water, that we can protect ourselves from COVID-19 by frequently practicing hygienic measures such as proper handwashing and at the same time conserving this valuable resource,” read part of the message of Regional Director Leocadio Trovela delivered by LGMED Chief Atty. Ian Kenneth Lucero. 

“There is an urgent need to minimize the water wastage which is brought about by the overuse and mismanagement of water despite its scarce supply,” it added. 

Resource speaker, Edna Inocando, MCWD’s Public Information Division Manager, shared to participants the ways and alternatives of conserving water including her insights on the water crisis.  

“For us in MCWD, we value water very much considering that it is our mandate to provide safe potable water and protecting the water sewage system in Cebu,” she said. 

The morning activity was part of the back-to-back program in line with the Department’s relaunch of the Disiplina Muna advocacy.