To mark the second anniversary of the Toka Toka Partnership Program, the Ayala-led water and used water concessionaire Manila Water and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau-National Capital Region (DENR-EMB-NCR) has renewed its commitment to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
Manila Water Group Director for Operations Geodino Carpio said the partnership which started in 2012 covering joint environmental projects that are geared towards engaging, educating and influencing stakeholders to do their ‘Toka’ for the environment would further enhance cooperation between the company and the DENR.
The Toka Toka environmental advocacy is a movement that seeks to enjoin individuals, communities and institutions to do their share in protecting the environment and reviving the river systems in Metro Manila.
“The renewed commitment between Manila Water and DENR-EMB-NCR is in line with the current thrust of Manila Water which is ‘Let’s Partner to Transform Communities’. Together, both agencies help each other towards a common goal which is rehabilitating waterways,” Carpio said.
For her part, DENR-EMB-NCR Regional Director Vizminda Osorio said one of the commitments under the new agreement is the department’s participation in the Lingap Sapa Project, which is a parallel activity with its Adopt-An-Estero Program.
“We, at DENR-EMB-NCR, are pleased to have found such an active environmental partner in the likes of Manila Water through their Toka-Toka Program” Osorio said.
Also present during the ceremonial signing ceremony of the renewal of the partnership are DENR-NCR’s OIC Regional Director, Lourdes Wagan and Manila Water OIC for Corporate Strategic Affairs Group and concurrent Corporate Communications Head Jeric Sevilla Jr.
Some of the significant programs of Manila Water that has seen collaboration with DENR-EMB included the tree planting activity during Arbor Day as well as the provision of Toka Toka pahayagan sites and implementation of Toka Toka information dissemination seminar in different barangays.
Photo shows Manila Water officials headed by Operations Group Director Geodino Carpio (3rd from right) joined by DENR-EMB-NCR Regional Director Vizminda Osorio (3rd from left), DENR-NCR OIC Regional Director Lourdes Wagan (2nd from left), Manila Water OIC for Corporate Strategic Affairs Group and Corporate Communications Head Jeric Sevilla Jr. (2nd from left) together with Manila Water Branding and Market Research Head Fernando Busuego at the recently-held renewal of Toka Toka’s environmental vows.