Mikey Belmonte bags Water Warrior Award

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Councilor Belmonte was conferred the “Water Warrior Award for Advocacy Leadership” during the 2024 World Water Day Awards in recognition of his contributions as an active partner of Maynilad in championing access to safe water, reliable sanitation and environmental responsibility.

The awards ceremony was held by Maynilad, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to mark World Water Day.

As a champion of Quezon City’s urban poor and housing concerns, Councilor Fernando Miguel “Mikey” Belmonte works towards ensuring the fundamental rights of the less privileged are always addressed, especially the right to decent housing and access to potable water.

“This award is a testament that, regardless of our work and specialization, we can all be champions of water and the environment. And that the key to the sustainable use of our resources is to mainstream these in all our targets and priorities,” Belmonte said.

While the traditional connotation of a housing unit has largely been limited to the basic four walls, windows, doors and a roof, Belmonte innovated the housing projects by ensuring water, sewerage and other infrastructure as well as ancillary services are provided before turnover.

“This award is a true testament to our long-running advocacy on water and the environment. We as civil servants must take the lead in mainstreaming water and environmental concerns in all our interventions. Only in doing so, shall we be able to truly build sustainable and livable communities,” Belmonte said.

The DENR, NWRB and Maynilad recognized seven Women for Water Leadership Award and 21 Water and Environment Champions. Leading the awards ceremony were DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, Maynilad president and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez, and NWRB executive director Ricky Arzadon.