Press Release
May 13, 2010

WATER SUMMIT BEGINS TODAY; AURORA HOSTS GLOBAL EXPERTS

BALER, AURORA - At the height of the El Niño phenomenon, Senator Edgardo J. Angara welcomes global experts and industry leaders on water to find solutions to the country's water crisis. Angara, with the Congressional Commission on Science and Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), is hosting the country's first Water and Sanitation Conference today.

"This is a milestone in the country's efforts to curb the water crisis suffered by millions of Filipinos. With health, lives and livelihoods gravely affected by the drought and the threat of water shortage in the future, we are here to create solutions they can use in the long run-and not just a temporary relief," said Angara, Chair of the COMSTE.

Highlighted in the summit are issues on water supply and demand management, alternative sources and flood control. The conference is attended by technology developers in the energy sector, research institutes, academic leaders, executives of the water industry both from the public and private sectors, development agencies and members of the diplomatic corps.

Apart from the highlights of the summit, Angara also cites an important advantage of Aurora - a province abundant of water. The province has preserved its agro-marine resources throughout the long summer heat in the past four months.

Earlier this year Angara assured the region that "Aurora will share its water supply to the neighbouring provinces and tackle long-term solutions to prevent aggravated drought and damages in resources. Our resources will benefit not only the people of Aurora, but also the whole region. We are fully capable of that, and all we need are the technologies and expertise."

Speaking today are Luzon Development Manager Antonio Magtibay, Jess Laigo of the Energy and Development Corporation of the Philippines, Maynilad Water Services Engineering Head Julius Caesar Iglesia, Manila Water Operations Manager Mark Mulingbayan, Ming Jiang of the Forbes-recognized EDAW-AECOM China, CTI Japan Senior Country Officer Hitoshi Kin and UP Institute of Civil Engineering's Leonardo Liongson.

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