KIDAPAWAN CITY, March 20, 2026 — The Metro Kidapawan Water District (MKWD) successfully concluded “FLOWS: The Whirl,” a two-day youth symposium uniting students in the protection of local water resources. Organized by the MKWD Community Relations and Public Information Unit, the event is part of the FLOWS series, Future Leaders Owning and Working on Shared Responsibility, a flagship program under the PAU Water Initiative designed to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship among the next generation.
Held on March 19 and 20, the symposium convened 40 students from seven schools across MKWD service areas, Notre Dame of Kidapawan College, Kidapawan City National High School, Saniel Cruz National High School, Magpet National High School, Matalam High School, Makilala National High School, and Bulakanon National High School. Activities took place at the MKWD Regional Training Center, the MKWD Filtration Plant, and the Perez Watershed. The program was anchored on three international observances: the International Day of Forests, World Water Day, and Earth Day.
The FLOWS is anchored in the principle that water security is a collective effort requiring LGUs, barangays, schools, media, civic groups, businesses, consumers, and employees to work together. The program gives students a vital role in that effort, positioning them as active stakeholders in ensuring water remains Potable, Accessible, and Unlimited for their communities.
The symposium also featured a visit from MKWD mascot Kid Tubig, reinforcing the message that environmental advocacy can be both meaningful and engaging. By the close of the two-day program, all 40 participants formally pledged their commitment to the PAU Water Initiative.
Extending their advocacy beyond the event, participants will produce short videos on water and environmental issues. Entries will be featured on the MKWD Official Facebook Page, with winners to be announced on Earth Day, April 22, 2026.
Students gained hands-on technical experience through a series of lectures and field activities. Guided by DENR-EMB XII’s Mr. Ralph Mico S. Posadas and Ms. April Patricia L. Fontanilla, participants conducted water-quality testing on samples collected from local rivers and streams. MKWD Forester Mr. Noli S. Baquid and Mr. Alex P. Bitchayda of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office led watershed lectures, followed by site visits to the MKWD dam and tree nursery, a facility supporting the LGU Kidapawan’s Canopy ’25 initiative. Students also toured the MKWD Filtration Plant, seeing firsthand how the technical lectures of Engr. Ramil A. Condez and Mr. Eduard Paul O. Laquihon translated into actual water treatment processes that ensure safe and reliable service across the district.
The symposium extended beyond technical learning. Ms. Carolyn V. Bautista, RSW, of the City Social Welfare and Development Office, discussed the link of water security to gender equity, focusing on the Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), a timely reflection of this year’s World Water Day theme, “Where water flows, equality grows.” In a practical session, Ms. Sandre Fina Fatima C. Ontal equipped students with the knowledge to identify and report water leaks and maintenance issues to MKWD, giving them an immediate, actionable role in community water management.
