The city government of Davao, through the Watershed Management Council (WMC), opened the 2025 Watershed Stakeholders Summit with acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte placing strong emphasis on the shared duty of communities, institutions, and sectors to safeguard the city’s vital water sources.
The summit, which opened on November 27 at the Grand Menseng Hotel, carries the theme “Together for Growth: Working Together Toward a Secure, Clean, and Sustainable Water Supply for the Generations.”
In his message, Duterte stressed that watershed protection remains one of the city’s most urgent environmental priorities.
“As frontliners and advocates of environmental stewardship, we are entrusted with the duty to safeguard these vital resources, bolster our ongoing watershed management initiatives, and pursue long-term, evidence-based solutions that ensure resiliency and sustainability for years to come,” Duterte said.
He highlighted the annual summit as a key venue for government, private sector, and community partners to collaborate and harmonize strategies toward balanced ecological protection and responsible development.
Duterte commended the WMC, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Barangay Watershed Management Councils, Bantay Bukid and Tubig volunteers, IP communities, and other partners for their continued work in preserving Davao City’s natural resources.
WMC Secretariat lawyer Karmela Tongo said over Madayaw Davao that this year’s summit was designed to make conservation efforts more coherent and complementary.
“Ang goal namo this year para ma-streamline gyud tanang effort sa watershed, dili madoble-doble, and makita namo ang areas na wala pa siguro natutukan,” she said.
Stakeholders likewise affirmed a shared commitment to protect the city’s water resources so future generations can continue to enjoy the clean, drinkable water that Davao City is privileged to have today.
Tongo also urged all Dabawenyos to take part in this long-term goal.
During the program, barangays in watershed areas, academic institutions, and partner organizations received conservation and protection posters outlining key environmental laws, prohibited acts, and corresponding penalties.
Each poster includes a QR code that provides access to digital copies of environmental laws and the city’s zoning ordinance.
