The Climate Change Commission joined the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO) in the launching 20r23 Sex Disaggregated Water Data Project during the MWSS RO’s 27th Anniversary Celebration, held at the Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay City.

MANILA - The Climate Change Commission (CCC) supported the new 2023 Sex Disaggregated Water Data Project of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Regulatory Office (MWSS RO), which aims to ensure access to potable water across the country.
During the launch of the project, the CCC recognized persistent water scarcity impacting several regions of the Philippines that disproportionately affects women and vulnerable communities. This issue conflicts with the Magna Carta of Women, which ensures women equal rights to land, water, and other natural resources within their communities or ancestral domains. It underscores the need for gender-responsive water management to guarantee equitable access to resources, particularly for marginalized groups. 

MWSS RO’s  climate initiative focuses on ensuring the availability, accessibility, quality, and safety of clean water. This project draws from the survey “Gender and Water: Unveiling Gender Dynamics in Water Access and Use in the Philippines,” which supports innovative planning, budgeting, programming, and policy formulation.

The CCC emphasized the importance of integrating sex-disaggregated data to address water scarcity challenges and shape inclusive water sector policies. CCC Commissioner Rachel Anne S. Herrera stated, "This project offers a crucial opportunity to incorporate gender considerations and recognize women’s unique needs, roles, and contributions in the management and distribution of water resources."

She also emphasized women’s key role in water conservation and their essential involvement in decision-making processes related to water management policies.

"Women are at the forefront of water conservation efforts in many communities, shouldering the responsibility for household water use. By involving them in planning and policymaking, we can develop more effective and inclusive water management systems," Herrera added.

Meanwhile, Secretary Robert E.A. Borje, CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director, supported this emphasis, highlighting the importance of integrating gender considerations in water management.

"The impacts of climate change on water are one of the major concerns, and our policies must address the diverse needs of all sectors. With this approach, we can assure the development of effective and resilient water management systems."  Borje stated.

The launch of the Sex-Disaggregated Water Data Project is part of the MWSS RO’s 27th Anniversary Celebration, themed “Milestone in Motion.” The event gathered representatives from local government units, academe, policymakers, and non-government organizations.

The CCC remains committed to foster collaborations with stakeholders and government agencies to mainstream gender-responsive climate action, ensuring equitable water management and climate-resilient communities.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.