Since 2015, the Ateneo de Manila University has been part of the Water Alliance, a coalition of leaders from the business and industry, academic and research, and social development sectors. This alliance aims to find solutions for water-related issues in the Philippines.
In 2018, the Water Alliance was able to achieve the following through business approaches and social investment.
Providing several communities with drinkable and safe water systems worth over 80 million pesos with the help of financial assistance from their members;
Creating campaigns for the water footprint management and reduction advocacy while conducting water demand management training where over 20 companies and academic organizations participated;
Contributing consultations and discourses regarding the proceeding Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan;
Preparing a collection of already existing studies and analyses done by top universities in the country, including the University of the Philippines Diliman, Ateneo de Manila University, and De La Salle University that were accomplished for the communities in Pandi in Bulacan, Mulanay in Quezon, and San Isidro in Leyte in order to further enhance their water systems and accessibility;
Developing a water-related studies database and regional development plans which serves as a knowledge base that can assist the Water Alliance and other stakeholders in finding solutions;
Rehabilitating over 150 hectares of forest and mangrove land in Buhisan Watershed, Upper Marikina Watershed, and mangrove areas in San Remigio, Cebu;
Holding annual activities such as the Water Forum which began on September 13, 2018, that functions as a way to showcase solutions, educate and rally the numerous stakeholders. This was in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) where the event was attended by more than 200 people from mixed groups including the private sector, academic sector, NGOs, and the government.
In addition to this, an action plan was created to accompany the development efforts and plans of the government. Through the guidance of the Water Alliance Chairman and First Philippine Holdings President and CEO, Mr. Francis Giles Puno, the Alliance intends to achieve the following goals within five years (2016-2021):
Supply potable water to 190 waterless communities;
Inspire around 140 organizations to implement plans to reduce water footprint and treat wastewater;
Involve themselves in the development of policies and advocacies, particularly supporting the formation of a single regulatory body with a plan of action on water security;
Create area-based solutions with the help of analyses and research.
The Water Alliance remains committed to gather the various sectors of society in order to spread awareness on water security issues and to recognize and establish company-wide and collective actions that each individual and organization can take to assist in addressing the water problems at hand.