In observance of World Water Day 2025, the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands (SCPW) launched the Green Filters Replication Toolkit on 31 March 2025 at the Panguil River Ecopark in Pangil, Laguna.
The activity brought together representatives from the Municipal and Barangay Local Government Units of Pangil, other LGUs from Rizal and Laguna, national government agencies, academe, civil society, and local community members. Mayor Gerald A. Aritao, through Municipal Administrator Mr. Eugene M. Reniva, welcomed the participants and expressed appreciation for SCPW’s partnership with the LGU of Pangil, particularly in establishing the Green Filters Facility at Panguil River Ecopark—a key initiative under the Living Lakes, Biodiversity and Climate Project (LLBCP).
In her opening remarks, Ms. Amy Lecciones, Vice President and Executive Director of SCPW, emphasized the importance of
collaboration in addressing water pollution and wetland degradation. She highlighted how the Green Filters Facility demonstrates a practical, community-based approach to wastewater treatment using nature-based solutions, contributing to the protection of the Pangil River and Laguna de Bay, the country’s largest freshwater lake.
Learning sessions featured expert presentations on wetland conservation and water management. Engr. Jocelyn G. Sta. Ana of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) shared the current state of Laguna de Bay and presented encouraging water quality results from the Green Filters Facility, showing a significant reduction in E. coli levels—evidence that constructed wetlands can effectively improve water quality when properly monitored. Dr. Perlie Velasco of the University of the Philippines Los Baños discussed a framework for implementing constructed wetlands in the Philippines, while Ms. Ma. Cheryl F. Prudente of SCPW and Green STEPS explained the design, operation, and maintenance of the Green Filters Facility as a sustainable alternative to conventional wastewater treatment.
A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the Green Filters Replication Toolkit, designed to guide LGUs and communities interested in adopting similar nature-based solutions. The program also included a guided tour of the Green Filters Facility and an open forum, where participants discussed system capacity, expanded monitoring—such as greenhouse gas emissions—and the importance of continuous water quality testing across different seasons.
By bringing together local leaders, technical experts, and communities, the World Water Day 2025 activity underscored why initiatives like this are crucial to wetland conservation. Strengthening awareness, sharing knowledge, and empowering stakeholders help protect wetlands—our lifeline for water security, climate resilience, biodiversity, and community well-being—for present and future generations.
