Belgium to help Cebu tackle water woes

CEBU, Philippines — The Belgian government is seeking to deepen economic and development cooperation with Cebu by supporting long-term, science-based solutions to the province’s growing water security challenges, Belgian Ambassador to the Philippines Vladislava Iordanova said.

Speaking during a multi-stakeholder event focused on water sustainability in Cebu, Iordanova said Belgium is working with local government officials, universities and civil society groups to help address potable water access, groundwater management and urban development pressures in one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.

“We believe water security is fundamental to sustainable urban growth,” Iordanova said in an interview.

“Our goal is to foster international cooperation and share expertise so that solutions are tailored to Cebu’s specific needs,” she added.

The initiative comes as Cebu faces mounting concerns over groundwater depletion, saltwater intrusion and infrastructure gaps amid rapid population and economic expansion. Belgian support is being channeled through academic collaboration, technical advisory and community-based water access programs.

Two Belgian universities are currently partnering with the University of San Carlos under the CarAqCol Project,” an initiative aimed at developing Filipino researchers specializing in aquifer systems, salinization risks and resource-efficient water management.

The program seeks to train the next generation of PhD candidates and technical experts who can design localized solutions for the Visayas region.

Beyond research, Belgium is also backing civil society-led projects focused on improving access to potable water in underserved communities. These initiatives involve installing physical distribution systems and supporting awareness campaigns on sustainable water use.

Iordanova said she held discussions with Cebu Governor Pamela Barecuatro and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival on integrating water security considerations into urban planning. “We are aligned on the importance of linking water management with urban development strategies,” she said.

The lady ambassador noted that Belgium plans to sustain engagement through follow-up visits later this year, including participation in a potential water summit in Cebu. The discussions are expected to broaden to include “Team Europe” partners to expand access to international technical expertise and financing mechanisms.

Water cooperation forms part of a wider push to strengthen economic ties between Belgium and the Philippines as both countries mark 80 years of diplomatic relations.

A Belgian maritime delegation from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges — Europe’s second-largest port — is also exploring partnerships in port infrastructure modernization, training and advisory services.

“These engagements show that our relationship is not only diplomatic but also economic and development-oriented,” Iordanova said. “By building bridges across sectors — from water and urban planning to maritime logistics — we aim to contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth.”

Belgium is expected to return to Cebu in July for a “Belgian Day” event and again in October 2026 to continue discussions on water management and infrastructure cooperation.

Local stakeholders say the partnership could help accelerate long-term solutions to one of Cebu’s most pressing challenges. As the region positions itself as a major investment and tourism hub, ensuring reliable water supply is increasingly seen as critical to sustaining growth and competitiveness.

Ambassador lordanova was in Cebu for a three-day official visit facilitated by Enrison Benedicto, honorary Consul of Belgium in Cebu.