Through the leadership of Isabela State University’s International Organization on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Inc. (IO-CCA-DRRM), a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Japan Water Agency (JWA) and the City of Santiago, Philippines, was held on July 16, 2022, 6:00 PM at the Mango Suites, Santiago City. As this newly forged partnership accentuates the promotion of water security and UN-SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) in the City of Santiago, it then adheres to the advocacies of the transformative and innovative leaders of the international organization, Dr. Ricmar P. Aquino, ISU and IO-CCA-DRRM President, and Dr. Orlando F. Balderama, Vice President for Research and Development, Extension and Training.
Being at the forefront of integrated water resources management ventures in the Philippines, Dr. Aquino and Dr. Balderama are both pioneers of Japan-Philippines collaborative efforts on flood and sediment management in the ASEAN region. Thus, they are able to link the City of Santiago, a first-class independent component city dubbed as the investment hub and commercial center of the Cagayan Valley Region, Philippines, and the Japan Water Agency, a government agency in Japan that contributes to the world’s Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) efforts.
The ceremonial signing of MOU aims to establish a partnership between the aforementioned parties in conducting collaborative activities and projects to achieve water security in Santiago City and sharing knowledge on water issues concerning flood and sediment management of Magat Dam and Cagayan River Basin. Initially, the Japanese delegates and the dignitaries from the IO-CCA-DRRM were warmly welcomed at the Hall of City Government of Santiago as the gigantic poster displayed in front of the seat of government symbolizes the immense hospitability of Santiagueňos and the enormous need of the city to conduct international collaborative projects for the investigation of flood and sediment management of Magat Dam and Cagayan River Basins as a part of effective mechanisms to achieve UN-SDG6 and water security in the city.
Afterward, a short program and a welcome dinner for the city’s potential partners were prepared by the Offices of City Mayor, City Planning and Development, and City Environment and Natural Resources. Dr. Aquino commenced the momentous event by conveying a message of commitment to support the community linkage between the City of Santiago and JWA. As a response, Mr. Akinobu Nishida, the Team Leader representing Mr. Toshiro Suzuki, the Director General for International Affairs of Japan Water Agency, also expressed his profound intent to cooperate with the city’s efforts in the promotion of UN-SDG 6 and water security. “The Japan Water Agency has contributed to the development of Japan by promoting water resource development and flood control measures. We strongly hope that this kind of knowledge will be beneficial for further development of Cagayan River Basin and Santiago City,” he added.
As the Stakeholders Forum on Integrated Flood Risk Management in Cagayan River Basin concluded, the collaborative efforts among stakeholders in various partner agencies in the ASEAN region will just begin. As the international partners return to their respective countries, they carry hope and motivation to fortify synergy on integrated water resources management in the global landscape.
