- GCIP has officially launched its flagship Baguio Water Supply Project, which will support local government and water operators to develop climate-smart integrated water management solutions for Baguio City, Philippines.
- The project was launched at a strategic meeting between GCIP and Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong.
- Further discussions with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have begun the process of understanding Baguio’s water supply challenges.
With a growing population, booming tourism industry and increasingly extreme and unpredictable rainfall, the Philippines is becoming a water-stressed country. A recent survey of Philippine groundwater and river basins found that water stresses affect 22 cities across the country – from the economic powerhouse of Cebu City to the sprawling capital of Manila. Without rapid and drastic intervention, these and other cities will face increasingly severe water shortages.
In response, the UK Government, through the Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme (GCIP), is improving the capacity of the national government, local government units and principle water operators in the Philippines to develop integrated urban water resources management solutions and link finance and investment for climate-responsive water infrastructure projects.
As part of this mission, GCIP has officially begun its Baguio Water Supply Project, a cornerstone of the its work in the Philippines and a significant advancement in the city of Baguio’s pursuit of sustainable urban infrastructure. The year-long project will provide local government and water operators with the technical assistance they need to develop climate-smart integrated water management solutions – ensuring more efficient and sustainable management of water collection, distribution and disposal.
The project was launched during a strategic meeting between the GCIP team and Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the city’s water supply systems. A key component of the launch involved in-depth discussions with the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Baguio. These discussions focused on existing research and data essential to understanding the water supply challenges facing the city. The findings from this research will play a crucial role in shaping the project’s sustainable development strategies.
In a further demonstration of GCIP’s commitment to green infrastructure, the team conducted a site visit to a local water treatment plant. This visit, carried out in collaboration with the Baguio Water District and city government officials, highlighted the importance of integrating advanced, eco-friendly solutions into the city's water supply system.
The Baguio Water Supply Project is central to GCIP’s broader mission to develop green, resilient cities. By addressing Baguio City’s pressing water supply challenges, the project will help ensure a sustainable and secure water future for its residents.
