ANGARA PROMOTES WATER MANAGEMENT THROUGH TECHNOLOGICAL EXPANSION AND RELIABLE POLICIES

The rapid depletion of freshwater, one of the most important resources of the world and basic requirement of human life is a concern that is currently being attended to by Senator Edgardo J. Angara.

"The Singapore International Water Week, which I will be participating this week, is a yearly gathering of policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, experts and practitioners from around the world to discuss water issues and explore investment opportunities," informed Angara who authored the Renewable Energy Bill.

Angara is also set to attend the annual meeting of top government officials and international water leaders, the Water Leaders' Summit, which aims to tackle government policies and business issues that will help in the infrastructural and urban planning for an effective water resources management in the different parts of the world.

Sustainable Cities: Infrastructure and Technologies for Water - the conference's theme focuses on innovation -based water solutions for cities, and creating viable policies and business climate for the effective use of technology to solve global water problems.

"The Philippines, in contrast to what many think, is water-critical in that it ranks lowest in terms of freshwater availability per capita in the Southeast Asian region. This very alarming figure should set us all in motion in creating practical and feasible procedures to promote water management and resources sustainability," he added.

In the conference, issues such as investing in producing technology and developing innovations for water development will be discussed in relation to present global economic and financial anxiety.

He added, "The solution to our water problem is neither instant nor cursory. It requires extensive changes in the way we manage our country's resources and how we consume these resources. Technology may be key to solving our water problems. All over the world, water purification, desalinization and wastewater treatment technologies are being developed and commercialized. The possibilities are exciting and promising."

According to 2008 Singapore International Water Week data, more than 8,500 delegates and trade visitors from 79 countries were present in the event with more than US $270 million deals closed. This year's convention likewise seeks to raise the awareness and continue the attention for developing long-term solutions on water problems through effective policies and technological expansion.

"Innovative technologies - combined with sound national policies, adequate investments in infrastructure, sanitation and sewerage, and serious environmental conservation - will ensure that this generation and the ones after us will have enough water to drink," he said.