The Lakbayan is Manila Water way of educating the people about the source of water. At the moment they are going to different Barangays, Offices, Schools, Municipality and invite them for a Lakbayan Tour which is really interesting. They usually conduct it every week.
The Lakbayan started with a lunch at Cafe Via Mare at GT Toyota UP Diliman. we had a sumptuous and fellowship with the Mommy bloggers and tour coordinator.
Lunch
Lunch with the Mommy Bloggers
We proceeded to the Lakbayan Center for series of seminar and lecture about Manila Water
"Water is the most basic necessity of life"
at the Lakbayan Center
Manila Water Story
For years now Manila Water is committed in bringing you quality water from the tap, they also share the same commitment and care in ensuring that used water from daily household activities are properly cleaned and treated before it is brought back to our rivers and waterways.
Before the 1997 Public-Private Partnership in which Ayala-led Manila Water entered to take responsibility of Metro Manila's East Zone, only 3% of the whole Metro Manila is connected to sewers, while the rest of the used water either go to poorly-maintained or improperly designed septic tanks then to the city's natural bodies of water. No wonder our rivers are polluted.
Because of this, most of Manila's waterways have been clogged and rendered biologically dead due to pollution. What's more disheartening is the fact that our bodies of water have turned into sources of disease. As it's contribution, Manila Water took part in the rehabilitation of the three major river systems in the city-Marikina, San Juan and Pasig River. A total of 38 used water treatment plants were put into place to treat used water from households to bring back used water to the rivers as Class C effluent water, though not yet potable, but can support marine.
True to the vows of Manila Water to protect the main waterways of the city, Toka Toka was launched in 2012 as the country's first and only environmental movement advocating proper disposal of used water. It encourages households through local government units do their share in any of the four ownable acts: Regular cleaning of septic tanks to ensure quality sanitation through dislodging every 3-5 years. Next connecting residences to Manila Water's world-class sewer lines, proper waste management and by taking part in Manila Water's goal to improve situation of our river systems through clean-up drives,informative sessions and plant tour like lakbayan, and other activities to influence others to take part in this important step to a cleaner environment in Metro Manila.
They compared the compassion of a mother to her children with the way they ensure the safe potable water supply they deliver to the people 24/7. At the same time since mother nurture their children with love and affection. Molding them to have the best and be the best, Manila Water encapsulates it's concern for each customer not only through every drop of water consumed,but also by being a good housekeeper of the world we are living in. By helping them promote the wise and responsible use of water to protect the precious natural resource; by taking part in Toka Toka to revive our beautiful river, together we can safeguard the future of the next generation. This is Manila Water way of showing care in every drop today and for the generations to come.
After that very informative talk we were asked to stick a leaf with our name on it to be part of the people who will help to the advocacy of Manila Water.
Then we proceeded to the Meterology Center where they showed us the water meter. They taught us how to read the water meter and how it is tested before they deliver it to the customer. i even asked how true is it that if we open the faucet if full blast the meter will turn fast and it will affect the water rate?well if was explained at it is not true, it will only turn fast if there is a leak.
After that we went to Manila Water Laboratory Services. There we where shown how the microbiologist test the different kinds of water. We went to different laboratories which my daughter enjoyed so much.
Then we took a longer trip to Water Treatment and Distribution Plants. We took a trip to see how raw water are treated to be safe and potable water.
Sorry we were not allowed to take photos it's a restricted area. So we just took a photo before we went there with our hard hat.
Off we go
Payatas Treatment Plant
Last destination we went to UP STP (Sewage Treatment Plant). Now this is the part wherein we saw all the filthy stuff we dispose from the toilets and sink. How it is treated to be Class C effluent water that can support the marine.
Pizza
More Pizza
It was such a wonderful and educational tour for us. We were served snack after the trip. Then the awarding followed.
Awarding time
Thank you very much to the staff Manila Water for the warm welcome they gave us. They are very accommodating to us.
We really enjoyed the lakbayan tour.
For Mommies out there who also want to experience the Lakbayan you can visit their Facebook and twitter account at
www.facebook.com/manilawater
www.twitter.com/ ManilaWaterPH
Customers can chat with trusted agents by calling their Hotline 1627 for water concern and queries.
Thank you also Mommy Bloggers Philippines
