BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Water District (BWD) was recognized as one of the world’s climate smart utilities at the recently concluded 3rd International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress and Exhibition 2024, held from August 11-15, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. This year, the IWA Recognition Program expanded its scope and opportunities for recognition, aiming to increase awareness of the mitigation, adaptation, and leadership potential among water utilities worldwide.
A total of ninety-two applications were received by IWA from around the world. Following a rigorous review process by three different experts and independent jury members, only twenty-eight applications were selected for recognition as Climate Smart. Sixteen utilities in the early stages of their climate-smart journey were recognized in the Entrant Category, while twelve utilities demonstrating substantial progress were honored in the “Achiever” category, which includes the Baguio Water District.
Represented by Administrative Division Chief, Atty. Chanell Dolor D. De Guzman-Bitao, BWD received its Certificate of Recognition on August 15, 2024, at the Metro Toronto Convention Center. Other water utilities recognized in the “Achiever” category included Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Philippines), Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (USA), Ruhrverband (Germany) Igua Saneamento (Brazil), Aguas Andinas (Chile), Obras Sanitarias S.E. MGP (Argentina), Aguas e Energia de Porto (Brazil), National Water Supply and Drainage Board (Sri Lanka), Scottish Water (Scotland), Aquapolo (Brazil), and Water Authority of Fiji (Fiji).
In response to the escalating challenges of climate change, BWD has prioritized its journey towards climate resilience as BWD invests in state-of-the-art water treatment technologies, energy efficiency measures, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship through tree-planting initiatives and water conservation awareness campaigns.
Through these efforts, the Summer Capital’s lone public water utility continues to advocate for transformative change in the water utilities sector collaborating and forging partnerships with various stakeholders, including local government, and community organizations. By BWD
