QCU Faculty Members and Officials Engage with Maynilad for Site Visits as Part of Its Off-campus Water Conservation Support Efforts
In celebration of World Water Month, officials and faculty members from Quezon City University (QCU) participated in the Faculty Learning Experience on Water Education (FLEx Water Seminar) hosted by Maynilad Water Services, Inc. through the Maynilad Water Academy (MWA) on March 25, 2024. This seminar aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of water treatment processes, challenges, and sustainable solutions, fostering collaboration between academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
The day began with the delegation departing from QCU at 8:30 AM and arriving at the La Mesa Water Treatment Plant in Fairview, Quezon City, at 9:05 AM. Mr. Oliver Sta. Ana, Head of Academic Services at Maynilad Water Academy, warmly welcomed the participants, marking the start of the formal program.
Under the guidance of the Head of Water Supply Operations at La Mesa Treatment Plant 2, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on various water treatment processes. They explored the complexities of treating different water sources, such as surface water, seawater, and groundwater, while also examining common treatment methods like screening, coagulation, flocculation, and disinfection. Additionally, they gained insights into the ISO standards for quality and environmental management, which are essential for maintaining global standards in water treatment.
A major highlight of the seminar was the comprehensive overview of La Mesa Treatment Plant 1 and La Mesa Treatment Plant 2. Participants were impressed by the advanced technology and substantial capacity of both plants, designed to meet the water demands of Metro Manila while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Mr. Edmundo Perez provided historical insights, shedding light on Maynilad’s evolution since its establishment in 1945 and addressing challenges related to water distribution across the Philippines. Discussions on raw water sources, such as the Angat Dam and Laguna de Bay, underscored the urgency of implementing sustainable water management practices.
Furthermore, the seminar delved into Maynilad’s innovative initiatives, including the New Water program aimed at transforming wastewater into potable water. Participants engaged in discussions on the potential of wastewater recycling to alleviate urban water scarcity issues and explored Maynilad’s community partnership initiatives, emphasizing sustainability principles.
After the informative sessions, participants enjoyed a sumptuous buffet lunch at Finio’s before embarking on guided tours of La Mesa Treatment Plant II and the Project 7 Sewage Treatment Plant. The site visits provided firsthand insights into water treatment processes and the importance of environmental stewardship. The seminar holds significant relevance for QCU and the broader community, enhancing participants’ understanding of water management and fostering collaboration between academia and industry. It equips educators with essential knowledge to impart to students, addresses urgent environmental challenges, and inspires social responsibility and innovation in future leaders. The seminar also presents opportunities for QCU to explore collaborations and initiatives with Maynilad, enhancing its reputation as a forward-thinking institution committed to addressing real-world challenges and promoting sustainable development.
