Baguio Water District (BWD) earned another international recognition for its climate resilience efforts, securing a place in the Achiever Category of the International Water Association’s (IWA) 2026 Climate Smart Utilities Recognition Programme.
The recognition was announced in connection with the program held in Glasgow, Scotland, from October 4 to 8, 2026.
Of the 152 applications received worldwide, 45 were shortlisted for independent expert review, and 41 utilities were recognized.
These included 20 in the Achiever Category and 21 in the Entrant Category.
Four Philippine water utilities received recognition, with BWD the country’s sole awardee in the Achiever Category.
The recognition highlights BWD’s sustained efforts to integrate climate-smart practices into water resource management, infrastructure development, and service delivery amid the growing challenges climate change poses to water supply and security.
“Climate change presents real challenges to our water supply, and we must ensure that our systems are prepared to respond. This recognition encourages us to continue improving our facilities, protecting our water sources, and finding better ways to manage our resources for the people we serve,” GM Royeca said.
Among BWD’s key initiatives are the operation and maintenance of the Sto. Tomas Rain Basin and the Busol Rainwater Harvesting Facility, which help augment water supply during the dry season. Meanwhile, a rainwater harvesting facility in the Buyog Watershed, initiated by the City Government of Baguio, is nearing completion under a new contract, further supporting efforts to strengthen the city’s water security.
BWD has also fully operationalized its Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, enabling real-time monitoring of key facilities and supporting more efficient operations and faster responses to system irregularities.
The district has likewise reduced non-revenue water (NRW) to approximately 17%, below the industry average of around 20%. Complementary measures include adoption of typhoon-resistant infrastructure standards, the expansion of solar-powered lighting at operational facilities, and sustained watershed protection and reforestation efforts.
Recognizing that climate resilience extends beyond infrastructure, BWD also strengthens its emergency preparedness and disaster response measures, implementation of its Water Safety Plan (WSP), and climate risk assessments. Preventive maintenance, contingency planning, emergency response protocols, and coordination with partner agencies are integrated into its routine operations to help maintain service continuity during disasters and other disruptions.
BWD’s climate-smart initiatives build on its previous international recognition. In 2025, the District was named as aUtility of the Future Today honoree by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) for its efforts in sustainable utility management and operational innovation.
Royeca emphasized that BWD will continue working with the City Government of Baguio, partner agencies, and communities to protect watersheds, strengthen water security, and ensure that its infrastructure is responsive to the city’s evolving needs.
“Beyond the recognition, what matters most is how these efforts translate into more reliable water services and better protection of our water resources. We will continue building on this progress to help secure Baguio’s water future,” he said. NLMonitor
