East Zone concessionaire Manila Water achieved another milestone as its premier environmental program TokaToka intensified its advocacy in Rizal Province combining two of its leading programs, Lakbayan and LingapSapa. The former is an information, education and communication program on the proper treatment of water and used water, while LingapSapa is a program that utilizes the resources of different agencies in the clean-up of creeks and water bodies within its concession.
In partnership with the municipal government of Rodriguez and the Department of Interior and Local Government Region IV-A, about 200 participants joined the clean-up drive followed by an interactive seminar that provides a deeper understanding on how the residents can give their share or ‘Toka’ to help protect waterways.
Manila Water’s head of Corporate Strategic Affairs Group Jeric Sevilla, Jr. said the TokaToka movement is a pioneering advocacy as it is the only environmental movement in the country that focuses on promoting used water consciousness.
Sevilla explained that the TokaToka movement encourages the public to join by adopting and/or practicing any of the four ownable acts namely: (i) desludging of septic tanks; (ii) connecting to Manila Water’s sewer network, (iii) supporting the company’s community-based sanitation and used water projects and (iv) proper waste segregation and disposal.
A similar program was also conducted in Barangay Ampid Dos, San Mateo, Rizal with Mayor Christina Diaz gracing the activity. In her message, Diaz stressed the importance of discipline and a sense of community in maintaining the cleanliness of the waterways in the community.
“I thank Manila Water for being an active partner in helping the LGU achieve its targets and by actively participating and supporting the various environmental programs of the municipality,” the local chief executive said.
Another Lakbayan cum clean-up activity in Barangay Dolores, Taytay Rizal was also held through the help of the local government of the said municipality. Taytay’s First Lady Joan Gacula joined the volunteers in clearing the Tungtong Falls which the municipality hoped to restore to its pristine beauty and serve as an eco-tourism spot.
In the same token, a clean-up drive combined with Lakbayan was also held in the municipality of Cainta where volunteers joined Mayor Kit Nieto and Councilor Ruru Ferriols in leading the clean-up drive in Karangalan Vista Verde Creek.
The volunteers were joined by the Environmental Army of Cainta along with students of University of Rizal System, members of Kiwanis Club – Cainta Chapter and residents of Vista Verde Subdivision.
“We, in Manila Water, have always been a staunch advocate, partner and supporter of environmental programs and we recognize the value of like-minded partners like the various local government units in Rizal Province to make a significant impact in environmental protection. We are confident that the TokaToka program will further raise the consciousness of the people and encourage them to do their share in protecting the environment,” Sevilla said.
Employees of East Zone concessionaire Manila Water team up with LGU volunteers during the first joint TokaToka and Lakbayan advocacy held in Rodriguez, Rizal.