Reiterating the
University’s commitment to sustainable development, AdZU President Fr. Karel
San Juan, SJ, in his speech at the Groundwater Management Plan (GMP)
Presentation last May 11, 2018 at a local hotel, expressed his enthusiasm over
AdZU’s partnership with government, stating, “We are clearly on the same page
as far as priority for sustainable development is concerned.”
The groundwater
management project is a collaboration among AdZU, the Ateneo de Manila
University, City government, the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) and the
Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy,
and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), with the two
latter agencies funding the project. “Our partnerships are centered in our
common desire to make Zamboanga a better place now and in the future,” Fr
President pointed out.
The groundwater
management project, with the AdZU-Geo-informatics for a Systematic Assessment
of Flood Effects and Risks in Mindanao (Geo-SAFER) as a co-implementor, will assess and
monitor the groundwater of the city by constructing ground water monitoring
wells with real-time capability to assess both quality and quantity of
groundwater. “These technical interventions have become strategic in making our
City more sustainable, more secure, more safe, and more progressive,” Fr San
Juan stated.
The need to manage the
city’s water resources came about when Zamboanga was tagged as a potential water
critical area in 1997, resulting in the development of the Groundwater
Management Plan for Zamboanga City and Surrounding Areas by the project
proponents.
Through the project,
information obtained about water quality will be used to determine the potability
of groundwater which can impact human health and the quality of life of
Zamboanguenos in general. The monitoring systems will also provide the tools to
assist both national and local government units in formulating policies to
protect this vital resource and to improve environmental quality.
Other initiatives by
the University, Fr San Juan stated, in pursuing its mission of sustainable
development include mangrove-planting and bamboo-planting activities, which he
said all help mitigate the casualties brought about by climate change.
Fr San Juan was one of
the three keynote speakers at the event, along with DOST Secretary (DOST)
Fortunato dela Peña and NWRB executive director Sevillo David, Jr. City Mayor
Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar delivered the welcome remarks.
