Dutch-Philippine cooperation on water highlighted at Philwater Conference
On 1 October, the Philippine Water Works Association hosted the virtual edition of the 27th Philwater Conference. The Conference was designed to discuss the Global Water Challenges, focusing on major impacts to the economy and adverse effects to the industry in the COVID pandemic. NWP supported one of the technical sessions during this event, together with the Dutch Embassy.
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Philippines in Manila HE Saskia de Lang delivered a keynote speech during the opening ceremony, highlighting the special anniversary of 70 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
The session 'Dutch Perspective on Converting Challenges into Opportunities during the Pandemic' was moderated by NWP colleague Arjan Braamskamp. NWP's activities within the Philippines, which include the sponsoring of this event, are supported through the Partners for Water Programme.
Water challenges and opportunities in times of COVID-19
The Dutch water sector has shown tremendous resilience during the pandemic by developing a range of products and activities focused on turning COVID-related threats into opportunities.
The plenary technical session focused on two of those Dutch solutions and responses to the pandemic. Frederic Béen of NWP member KWR introduced the Sewer Surveillance Dashboard (COVID detection in wastewater streams) and Patrick Egan of VEI B.V. showed how VEI and its project partners helped mitigate the effects of COVID-19 in the Philippines.
The session was well-received, particularly through its attempt to focus on continued commercial opportunities in pandemic times.
The session can be viewed here. Please note that the recordings cover the entire event, comprising 9 hours in total. You can find this session from 08:03:35 - 09:16:05.
Many of the Dutch solutions and responses to the pandemic can be found in the COVID-19 portfolio published on www.dutchwatersector.com.
For more information on the programme of the 27th Philwater Conference, please visit the conference website.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Arjan Braamskamp, Country Manager Philippines.
