The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region XII commemorates World Water Day 2025 in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) XII. DILG XII, through its Project Development Unit (PDMU), conducted a symposium on March 21, 2025, focusing on the theme "Glacier Preservation: Bayanihan sa Katubigan, Krisis sa Klima Labanan," emphasizing the impact of climate change and the status of waterbodies in Region XII.

We held the event in a hybrid setup, using both Zoom and in-person sessions at Wagi Hall, DILG Regional Office. The sessions provided participants with a deeper understanding of ways to manage climate change through mitigation actions and shared insights from Local Government Units (LGUs) on their Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP). Additionally, as part of raising awareness, the resource person highlighted key points on how to lessen the “carbon footprint.”

The symposium also discussed the status of water bodies and the water quality management system in Region XII, where DENR-EMB XII presented data on the current condition of rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater sources in the region. Findings revealed that pollution and illegal waste disposal continue to threaten the bodies.

Furthermore, the activity paved the way for DILG and DENR-EMB to discuss conducting a capacity development for LGUs on the Water Quality Management Area (WQMA), as environmental protection is a key criterion.

Ms. Maysheen C. Natividad, Information Officer II, and Mr. Willie V. Loyola, Senior Environmental Management Specialist of DENR-EMB XII, served as the resource persons.