UP-CIFAL Philippines Opens Second Batch of the Professional Course on Water Governance

26 August 2025—The University of the Philippines – Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (UP-CIFAL) Philippines, in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), formally opened the second batch of the Professional Course on Water Governance, gathering government officials, water practitioners, and experts committed to addressing one of the defining issues of our time.

The program combines lectures from experts across institutions such as Futurewater Asia, Philippine Business for Social Progress, UP Los Baños School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM), UP Marine Science Institute, UP Institute of Civil Engineering, and Maynilad Water Academy. Through case studies and peer-to-peer learning, participants will gain practical tools to address water governance in ways that link water management with gender equality, human rights, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr. Ebru Canan-Sokullu, Head of the UNITAR Global Water Academy, emphasized to participants that water governance is one of the defining issues of the present time. She shared that 2.2 billion people still lack access to safe drinking water, while more than half of the global population faces scarcity. With climate variability making droughts and floods more severe, she encouraged learners to see beyond infrastructure and technology, and to engage actively in shaping governance systems that ensure participation, accountability, and collaboration.

UP President Angelo A. Jimenez highlighted the paradox of the Philippines’ water situation. Despite abundant resources such as rivers, lakes, and high rainfall, he explained that access to safe and reliable water remains unequal. He attributed this to fragmented mandates, overlapping policies, and limited local resources, compounded by climate change and population pressures. The course is an opportunity to build governance systems that are responsive to the realities of communities and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UP-CIFAL Philippines Director Michelle R. Palumbarit urged participants to think innovatively. She stressed that while technical knowledge is essential, the course also encourages learners to explore political, social, and cultural dimensions of water governance, reminding them that their insights and solutions have the potential to create lasting impact in their institutions and communities.

The Professional Course on Water Governance reflects UP-CIFAL Philippines’ continuing mission to build the capacities of leaders and institutions in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly on ensuring equitable access to water and leaving no one behind.