It was attended by representatives from the local government units (LGUs), water districts, government and non-government organizations, private companies and other interested organizations and individuals.
On the Water-Food Nexus
Philippine Water Partnership (PWP) representative, Ms. Yolanda Gomez, made a brief presentation on the Water-Food Nexus during the conference.
The presentation on the Water and Food Nexus in the context of watershed management was intended to provide the participants some solid background information in order to understand it, its importance and how it relates to water security of the country. It also underscored the importance of the nexus approach as a way to better understand the interdependencies between water and food system and how to ensure not only water security but food security as well.
The presentation concludes with the following suggestions:
- Need to better understand the WAF nexus in the context of watershed management
- Education and awareness on the nexus approach as it relates to the ecosystem
- Interactions between policy makers working on water, food and the environment
On the "Watershed Management: Strategies for Water and Food Security''
This topic was presented by Engr. Cristeta Escober-Mesias from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Office in the Bicol Region. NIA is a government-owned and controlled corporation responsible for irrigation development, constructs, operates and maintains national irrigation systems. As such and in keeping with the theme Conference, the presentation was focused mainly on NIA’s initiatives on watershed management as a strategy towards the achievement food and water security.
Engr. Mesias explained the joint efforts of between NIA and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in terms of its watershed protection programs. In addition, she also explained the reforestation initiatives being implemented in the major such as: the Upper Pampanga River Basin and Jalaur River Basin.
Furthermore, she informed the group of the latest initiative of NIA involving LGUs and NGOs in its effort towards watershed protection as well as NIA’s involvement in the International Network for Water and Environment in Paddy Fields (INWEPF) whose main focus are: food security and poverty alleviation; sustainable water use; and partnership. She also urged the participants to work closely with NIA’s programs and in helping forge a closer relationship among LGUs and Water Districts.