As we approach the commemoration of the 2024 World Water Day on March 22, with the theme "Leveraging Water for Peace," the global focus on sustainable freshwater resource management intensifies. Esteemed government figures, industry leaders, and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) converge to underscore the vital role of sound water management in realizing a water-secured global community. Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene is recognized as a fundamental human need, essential for health and overall well-being.

Aligning with this global endeavor, the Philippine government actively engages in this advocacy, demonstrating its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 of Ensuring Water Access and Sanitation for all. The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) has prioritized the passage of the proposed National Water Resources Act during the 19th Congress. This legislative initiative aims to establish the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and set forth a national framework for water resource management.

Acknowledging that water supply is pivotal to sustainable development across various sectors such as agriculture, food and beverage, infrastructure, manufacturing, and construction, as well as impacting domestic use for sanitation and hygiene, a collaborative approach is imperative. The involvement of the government, private sector, and other stakeholders is crucial to developing a well-integrated strategy for water resource management, ensuring a secure water supply in the years ahead.

AmCham Philippines and Coca-Cola stand as prominent stakeholders advocating for a water-secured Philippines. In line with this commitment, the forthcoming event, titled "Sip & Sustain: Water Security for the Philippines," will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas among pertinent industry leaders and NGOs. The primary objective of this event is to facilitate the sharing and alignment of diverse perspectives and insights, with the explicit aim of drafting a document that significantly contributes to the establishment of the Department of Water Resources (DWR). These concerted efforts aim to substantially improve the quality of life in Filipino communities, guaranteeing enduring access to safe and sustainable water for future generations. In pursuing this objective, this endeavor is made to leverage water for peace, thereby fostering stability and prosperity within the nation.