CWD Celebrates World Water Day with Tree Planting Activity
Casiguran Water District marked World Water Day with a meaningful celebration on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Orok Cold Spring Resort, themed, “Bayanihan sa Katubigan, Krisis sa Klima Labanan”.
World Water Day is being observed on the month of March in any given year as established by the United Nations in 1993, to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of water resources worldwide.
The celebration started with a Holy Mass led by Fr. Patricio D. Alcantara. The blessing of the newly constructed grotto with Mama Mary statue soon ensued. The statue was donated by CWD BOD Member Eduardo T. Frivaldo.
The grotto site will be further developed and will be known as Marian Garden where resort goers will find tranquil and serene environment.
From grotto site, CWD family took off and conducted the regular tree-planting activity at the Orok watershed. This is being conducted every year during World Water Day celebration. Utilizing CWD’s own tree nursery and propagated bamboo culms, attendees were given seedlings to plant, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the watershed.
After tree planting activity, a short program was held. In his opening message, General Manager Engr. Eduardo P. Tejada emphasized the District’s continuing commitment to maintain and protect its water resources; this has resulted to abundant water supply, very visible at its resort. The Casiguran Water District also stands out as one of the few local water districts to own a resort, which has played a key role in maintaining its good financial standing, affording one of the lowest water rates in the Philippines.
While the District currently enjoys a sufficient water supply, GM Tejada assured that efforts to develop new water sources are still underway. He underscored upcoming projects and expressed gratitude to Honorable Governor Jose Edwin “Boboy” Hamor for his unwavering support, facilitating the provision of funds for water supply infrastructures in Casiguran.
CWD BOD Member Eduardo T. Frivaldo addressed the audience with a special message, stressing the critical role of protecting nature and watersheds amid the growing impact of climate change. He encouraged everyone to take preventive and conscious actions that can contribute positively to the environment.
Another special message came from Director Azalea L. Narvadez, the newly appointed member of CWD Board of Directors. She highlighted key moments from her career and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the CWD family—a surprising yet fulfilling turn in her professional journey. Director Narvadez praised the strong camaraderie, dedication, and unity of the Casiguran Water District team, commending their collective efforts to improve water service delivery. She assured the community that the Board of Directors, together with the Management, led by GM Tejada, will continue to give their utmost effort to provide exceptional service, ensuring access to clean and sustainable water for all.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Board Member/Secretary Engr. Brian B. Espedido, who shared an experience from a progressive city he visited. He noted that while the city was indeed advancing, its water supply service still faced challenges in terms of both quality and volume, a situation exacerbated by climate factors in the area.
Engr. Espedido explained that although CWD currently enjoys a substantial water supply, there may come a time when the municipality faces similar challenges, as both the population and the number of concessionaires continue to grow.
He also expressed his gratitude to Governor Boboy Hamor for his support in helping the District secure funding for upcoming projects, ensuring a sufficient and sustainable water supply for the next 30 years. The Director emphasized that while climate change and water crises are inevitable, proactive action to develop additional water resources must begin now—not when the crisis is already upon us.
The event was attended by CWD Board of Directors, Vice-chairman Mamerto D. Te, Director Frivaldo, Director Narvadez, and Engr. Espedido, GM Tejada, CWD Section Heads and employees, and Orok staff. Representing the LGU-Casiguran is Mr. Marvin Haling together with personnel, who were also present at the event.
The CWD’s celebration of World Water Day serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of preserving our most precious resource for present and future generations.