Antipolo joins ‘Toka Toka’ environmental campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Following the recent partnership sealing of Manila Water with the municipalities of Rodriguez and Angono in Rizal Province for the Toka Toka environmental advocacy, another partnership was closed this time with the city government of Antipolo to reinforce efforts on used water management. 

Manila Water Corporate Strategic Affairs Group director Ferdinand Dela Cruz welcomed the partnership with Antipolo Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares, saying that the company’s advocacy on used water management has gained greater traction in the province with the inclusion of Antipolo City in the roster of the east concessionaire’s Toka Toka partners. 

“Manila Water and Antipolo have always been great partners in ensuring that potable water from renewable surface source is available to the residents of this progressive mountain city.  But today, we want to focus on joining forces with the government of Antipolo to manage its water resource through used water management, which is the essence of the ‘Toka Toka’ campaign,” said Dela Cruz during the ceremonial partnership sealing. 

Dela Cruz also underscored the importance of undertaking environmental initiatives as a critical factor in sustaining water resources for the next generation of Filipinos. 

“This project marks a new beginning for everyone to commit to environmental sustainability. We need to help one another in managing our water system, Dela Cruz said. 

For his part, Ynares  expressed his appreciation in collaborating with Manila Water as the Ayala-led company continues to strive in ensuring that potable water would be available to the remaining 13 percent of the city, specifically in Brgy. Cabading and Sitio Umilang. 

Both parties have agreed to further promote the environmental campaign through regular coordination meetings with the barangays in the city; the implementation of the monthly “Barangay Day” to enable marginalized households to have greater access to potable water supply; and the participation of various barangays in clean-up drive programs in the area.

Now on its third year, “Toka Toka” was created with the goal of educating the general public on used-water management and its effects on rivers and waterways four simple acts that include proper disposal of garbage; desludging of septic tanks, connecting to Manila Water’s sewer network; and supporting the company’s community-based sanitation and used-water projects. 

 Manila Water is the private concessionaire of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System that provides water and used water services to more than 6.2 million residents of parts of Quezon City and Manila, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pateros, Makati, Taguig and several towns in Rizal Province.