CLARK FREEPORT ZONE (PIA) — The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is supporting a multi-sector initiative that engages students in climate action and challenges them to develop practical water conservation solutions.
During the opening of the Katubig Youth Caravan on March 16 at the Clark Event and Conference Hall in Pampanga, CDC President and Chief Executive Officer Agnes Devanadera urged students to move beyond awareness and take an active role in protecting water resources.
“When there is a typhoon, when the wind blows strong, the bamboo swings, but it does not break easily. And that’s the same characteristic that we Filipinos have. Any problem in any part of the world, we will feel. We have to be pliant. We must be able to respond,” Devanadera said.
She encouraged the youth to use their creativity in developing practical solutions to address climate risks and water sustainability challenges.
During the opening of the Katubig Youth Caravan on March 16 at the Clark Event and Conference Hall in Pampanga, Clark Development Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Agnes Devanadera urges students to move from awareness to action by developing practical solutions for climate change and water sustainability. (Clark Development Corporation)
“Always be very conscious about conservation. That’s what we should be doing. You are very good at having new ideas. That’s the challenge that I’d like to pose to you: come up with some very practical ideas for water conservation,” she added.
Devanadera also highlighted the role of educators in guiding students toward responsible environmental practices.
“You will have to shepherd the youth and their consciousness for conservation and good practices,” she said.
Organized by Clark Water Corporation in partnership with CDC, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau Region 3, and the Environmental Practitioners Association, the event brought together key stakeholders in promoting water sustainability.
Now on its second year, the caravan gathered 30 students from the Philippine Science High School–Central Luzon Campus, Mabalacat Technical Vocational School, and Rafael L. Lazatin Memorial High School for a two-day forum on water resource management, climate resilience, and cross-sector collaboration in line with the observance of World Water Day.
As part of the program, CDC highlighted its initiatives for resource efficiency and climate sustainability, including the rate rebasing exercise, which ensures equitable water regulation in the freeport.
Resource speakers from CDC’s Environmental Permits Division, along with representatives from partner organizations, led discussions on clean water initiatives, water resilience, and disaster preparedness.
Students also visited selected Clark locators to learn more about water resource management and discuss best practices.
CDC also recently participated in the Twinning Arrangements for Decarbonization in Southeast Asia Regional Matchmaking Forum in Jakarta, expanding its ASEAN network for future decarbonization efforts. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)