Water company embarks on H2O Boracay project

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

With the rapid tourism growth and urbanization, the Boracay Island Water Company (BIWC) is embarking on programs and activities to protect the environment of Boracay Island and mainland Malay.

 

BIWC launched a holistic environmental management platform called Highland to Ocean (H2O) to ensure the preservation and protection of the watershed down to the ocean. 

“We have to make sure the rehabilitation of watershed, rivers, waters and the coastal resources. We believe we have to expand and to strengthen the advocacies of BIWC employees on environment protection,” said BIWC Sustainable Development Officer Adel Lumagod.

H2O project also engages the communities and stakeholders on the importance of protecting the waterways and sources through watershed, coastal resource, information education and communication, and river management programs.   

Tree planting activities by 297 volunteers in Nabaoy River in mainland Malay to avoid flooding of the water source as well as reef coral rehabilitation, coral assessment and underwater cleanup were conducted by BIWC and partners. 

Lumagod said “for the past eight years, the company plays an important role in sustaining the island by providing water and wastewater services to empower people, promote tourism, protect the environment and enhance sustainable development.”

BIWC also partnered with LGU Malay for “Amot Amot Kita sa Malimpiong Boracay” – the first and the only environment movement in the island on used water and its effect to coastal resources.

The campaign advocates proper management of wastewater and solid water in every household and establishments as their share (Amot) in sustaining the pristine waters and beaches of Boracay Island. 

It also focuses on education awareness and cleanup activities around the island in partnership with LGU, barangays and the Boracay Foundation, Incorporated (BFI).

With the advocacy and support of 1,238 volunteers, “Amot Amot Kita sa Malimpiong Boracay’ was adjudged a Silver awardee of the 2017 Anvil Awards on Public Relations.