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MANILA, Philippines — Local government fellows representing 22 local government units from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and Sulu gathered online last September 3, 2025 at 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon for the Learning Forum on Climate-Resilient LGU Water Supply and Sanitation Systems, an initiative organized by The Asia Foundation, Galing Pook Foundation, and Global Water Solutions, Inc.
The online forum provided a critical platform for exchanging knowledge on how LGUs can better prepare, design, construct, and upgrade water supply and sanitation (WatSan) systems to withstand the increasing impacts of climate change. Experts and practitioners presented frameworks, resources, and regulatory requirements to guide municipalities in mainstreaming resilience into their WatSan planning and investments. These include Ms. Elisea "Bebet" Gozun, Senior Institutional Development Specialist and Water Resources Advisor; Dr. Emma Porio, Resilience Fellow and Board of Trustee of the National Resilience Council; and, Engr. Jay Tecson, President and CEO of the Global Water Solutions, Inc.
The forum was facilitated by Ms. Veronica Villavicencio, Galing Pook Mentor.
Recognizing the diverse contexts across BARMM, the discussions emphasized differentiated strategies for island municipalities, which face challenges like limited freshwater sources and logistical constraints, and mainland municipalities, which confront flooding, watershed degradation, and rapid population growth.
These approaches highlight the need for climate-smart solutions that are locally adaptable, ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable access to water for communities regardless of geography.
The esource speakers underscored that building climate resilience is not only about infrastructure but also about systemic change—integrating resilience into LGU planning, financing, and implementation processes. By doing so, local governments can better protect communities from water insecurity while promoting public health, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
The forum concluded with a strong call for collaboration among LGUs, development partners, and communities to transform water and sanitation systems into anchors of resilience for the region.
