A pioneering work that aims to account the water footprint of major land property developments in the country is currently being spearheaded and implemented by the School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM) and Manila Water Philippine Ventures. As one of the largest companies that provides freshwater to various development property all over the Philippines, Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWC) has seen the need to quantify and value both water consumed and polluted resulting from their business’ daily operations, both from residential and commercial properties. The project was aimed at providing solutions to the increasing issues of water scarcity, risks, and sustainability particularly at the corporate and industry levels.
The research team, with Dr. Rico C. Ancog and Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez as the project lead, presented the project’s results to the President of Laguna Water Company, Mr. Virgilio “Perry” C. Rivera, Jr., together with his team, last February 28, 2018 held at Laguna Water office in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Benchmarks for blue and grey water footprint of a business firm were computed covering both construction and operational phase. This would then provide definitive information on the impacts of water demand on the available water supply in the area. Correspondingly, responses to sustain freshwater supply across businesses establishments over time were formulated for inclusion in their strategic planning and management.
Through this project, SESAM further targets its aims of contributing to strengthening industry-academe linkage in the context of sustainable water management in the Philippines. (Christina Corales, Glenn Oca, and Alvin Dolores).
