JCI Manileña Celebrates World Water Day 2015

Water is such a powerful form that can be both a source and a destruction of life at the same time. But unless there is careful utilization of water in the cycle, the environment will always be as generous to mankind.

In observance of water management advocacy, JCI Manileña took part in the World Water Day Celebrations, led by Maynilad and DENR. In this week-long celebration in March 2015, JCI Manileña joined these two esteemed institutions in various activities that promote water and sustainable development.
An awarding ceremony that ushered the celebration was held on March 16, at The U.P. Bahay ng Alumni, Diliman, Quezon City, where JCI Manileña attended and assisted in the award-giving body’s preparations and awards program proper. The awarding ceremony provided a platform for industry players and related external offices and organizations like JCI Manileña to convene for this cause, for awareness and promulgation of the advocacy.
On March 17, JCI Manileña volunteered to a fun and environment-friendly activity, which is the “Plant for Life: Mangrove Planting” in Kawit, Cavite. “Plant for Life” is a sustainability program of Maynilad that aims to rehabilitate the environment through tree and mangrove planting activities. This mangrove planting activity aims to create awareness on the importance of Mangrove planting and how it prevents beach erosion, and the effect on water cycle.
The planting site in Kawit, Cavite, identified by DENR and Maynilad became the battlefield of the volunteers from JCI Manileña, JCI Parañaque Pambato, Maynilad and DENR volunteers, and other non-JCI friends who were merely inexperienced yet enthusiastic with mangrove planting. For most of the volunteers, the activity was not a regular chore; instead, it was a hard, yet enjoyable encounter with the environment that echoed learning and realization on environment issues, and became testimonials on the successful implementation WWD 2015 activities.
“Let’s Run for Water and Sustainable Development” capped the WWD 2015. On March 22, the actual World Water Day, a fun run served as a culminating activity of the WWD 2105 celebration. This event aimed to promote the appreciation of the gift of water and a good environment, and awareness on the value of water for sustainable development, while having fun. Even at an early call time, over a thousand of runners from different sectors, offices and partner organizations like JCI Manileña gathered at the CCP Complex to join the cause and to simply have fun. A quick Zumba session served as a warm-up exercise, which was also able to set the mood of the runners before the run started at 6:00am.
One of United Nations Millennium Development Goals is to ensure environmental sustainability. Environmental concerns are crucial and need knowledge and understanding to be able to execute a fitting activity. The World Water Day advocacy celebration, however, has been a simple yet an effective and engaging tool for JCI Manileña to make a significant contribution to the environment, while having fun and banking an unforgettable experience.