This March 22, the Agricultural Training Institute supports the celebration of the World Water Day (WWD) which is an international observance and opportunity to learn more about water-related issues.

The celebration this year is about focusing attention on the importance of water. This year’s theme, ‘Leaving no one behind’, adopts the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that as sustainable development progresses, everyone must benefit. Sustainable Development Goal 6 is crystal clear: water for all by 2030 which, by definition, means leaving no one behind.

WWD 2019 also zeroes in on the water crisis by addressing the reasons why so many people are being left behind without safe water and what can be done to reach them.

Likewise, water is essential in the field of agriculture especially in these times were several areas in the country are experiencing El Niño. The Philippine Rice Research Institute urges farmers to adopt technologies that will help them cope with the phenomenon.

Farmers in irrigated areas are advised to use water efficiently so it can reach tail-end areas in the irrigation system. In areas with limited water supply, meanwhile, farmers are recommended to diversify their produce for various sources of yield and income.

To provide support in the issue, Department of Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said the department has coordinated with local government units and other key stakeholders, positioned pumps and engine-sets for water distribution in tail-end areas, released crop insurance payments to insured farmlands, and prepositioned seed reserves for rice and corn.

The WWD 2019 celebration also has its localized theme “Hawak Kamay, Tubig Kaagapay” and several activities by various organizations will be conducted across the country to spread awareness. For more information, visit www.worldwaterday.org and facebook.com/WorldWaterDayPhilippines.