The DILG National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), through the Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation and Preservation Program (MBCRPP), spearheaded an educational exposure tour for representatives from all 17 NCR local government units (LGUs) on September 19, 2025.

Dubbed “Watch the Flow (WTF): Educational Exposure Tour on Wastewater Treatment Facilities of Metro Concessionaires”, the activity was held at the Parañaque Water Reclamation and New Water Facility of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and Marikina North Sewage Treatment Plant of Manila Water Company, Inc.

The initiative aimed to provide LGU participants with a first-hand understanding of wastewater treatment processes and technologies, bridging theory and practice while highlighting the critical role of wastewater management in public health, environmental protection, and sustainable urban development. It also sought to strengthen LGU support for compliance with environmental laws and the ongoing rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Participants toured the Maynilad Parañaque Water Reclamation and New Water Facility, the country’s first potable water reuse plant, as well as the Manila Water Marikina North Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), both of which showcased advanced treatment processes that reduce wastewater discharges, protect waterways, and contribute to sustainable water management in Metro Manila.

In his closing remarks, Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division (LGMED) Unit Chief Arnie C. Paquiz urged LGUs to translate their learnings into concrete local actions: 

“Hinihikayat ko ang mga LGU na gamitin ang kanilang natutunan sa proseso at pamamahala ng wastewater treatment na nagbigay sa kanila ng unang karanasan kung paano ito isinasagawa bago i-discharge sa kapaligiran, upang mapalakas ang ugnayan ng kaalaman at aktwal na aplikasyon, at mapagtibay ang kamalayan sa kahalagahan ng wastewater treatment para sa kalusugan ng tao, at pangangalaga ng kalikasan,” Chief Paquiz mentioned.

Through this initiative, DILG-NCR, in partnership with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI) and Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI), reinforces the vital role of collective action in advancing sustainable water management, safeguarding public health, and securing a resilient future for communities.