Manila Water partners with Jollibee to widen Toka Toka program

MANILA, Philippines - Toka Toka, Ayala-led Manila Water’s advocacy for used water management, gains additional significant support as it engaged Jollibee Foods Corp. as its latest partner.

Manila Water East Zone Business Operations Group director Ferdinand Dela Cruz said the Toka Toka partnership deal signing with Jollibee, together with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau National Capital Region (DENR-EMB NCR), is very significant and symbolic in promoting environmental awareness.

“This is part of our commitment to environmental protection as well, signifying our adherence to our respective organizations’ core values,” Dela Cruz added.

Dela Cruz’s statement was echoed by Jollibee Foods Corp. Country Human Resource vice-president Theresa Jotie who said Jollibee is very grateful to be part of Manila Water’s program geared towards the revival of Metro Manila’s rivers and waterways.

“Part of Jollibee’s ’toka’ or share in the project include participating in tree planting activities, pollution control and prevention, solid waste management program and segregation, as well as information campaign on used water education,” Jotie said.

“This advocacy is very timely, especially since the problem with environmental protection is enormous and the participation and responsibility of each individual is very important. Through this partnership, we want to give back to the people and the environment,” Jotie added. 

For her part, DENR-EMB NCR regional director Vizminda Osorio paid tribute to Manila Water and Jollibee for the partnership saying it would encourage other like-minded companies to join the national advocacy.

Manila Water has already engaged the DENR-EMB NCR in Toka Toka, with the signing of a partnership pact late last year.

“Toka Toka” is Manila Water’s campaign focused on educating the general public on used water management.  It zeroes in on simple acts that each individual could claim as their own share towards the ultimate goal of ensuring cleaner and safer rivers in Metro Manila.

Of particular attention is given to the three main tributaries in the metropolis: Marikina, Pasig and San Juan Rivers.

The four simple acts that each individual could claim as their own “toka” are: Proper disposal of garbage, desludging of one’s septic tanks at home, connecting one’s home to Manila Water’s sewer line, and supporting Manila Water’s community-based projects.