Recent natural disasters, including typhoons and earthquakes, have starkly exposed Cebu's profound vulnerability to severe water supply difficulties. This pressing challenge has catalyzed a major gathering of local and international experts for the Water Secure PH Forum, commencing on November 27, 2025.
A Collaborative Response to a Critical Challenge
The forum is a significant initiative organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 7 in partnership with Hydronet Consultants Inc. and the Asian Institute of Technology Thailand. It also receives crucial support from the Global Water and Climate Adaptation Center. The event strongly encourages participation from all Local Government Units (LGUs), aiming to equip them with practical tools and methodologies to prevent future water scarcity and flooding.
Addressing the Water Paradox
During a media launch held on Monday, November 26, 2025, Bryan Ybañez, DOST Cebu Provincial S&T Director, highlighted the forum's core mission. He explained that the workshop is strategically designed to solve Cebu's unique "water paradox," a situation where destructive flooding and critical water shortages occur simultaneously.
The forum will provide specialized training for decision-makers from local governments, water providers, and academic institutions. The focus will be on a powerful new assessment tool known as the Water Security Index (WaSeC). According to Ybañez, this represents a standardized methodology for evaluating urban water security, among other essential resources.
Forging a Path to Resilience
The ultimate goal of this initiative is to empower communities to create concrete, actionable plans. These plans are vital for strengthening Cebu's resilience against the growing threats of climate change, water shortage, and flooding. By adopting a proactive and science-based approach, the province aims to secure a more sustainable and water-secure future for all its residents.
