UDM Empowers Communities Through Water Education and Sustainable Management “Drop by Drop: Building a Culture of Safe Water Use” Promotes Awareness on Clean Water and Responsible Practices
“Drop by Drop: Building a Culture of Safe Water Use” Promotes Awareness on Clean Water and Responsible Practices
By: Rhodora C. Bernal and Alistair B. Selorio
In steadfast pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Universidad de Manila (UDM) reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability and community engagement through a short seminar on Water Management in Local Communities entitled “Drop by Drop: Building a Culture of Safe Water Use.”
The seminar was held on October 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Brgy. 659-A, Ermita, Manila, and brought together university faculty, students, and local residents to learn about safe and sustainable water practices.
Organized and spearheaded by Dr. Rhodora C. Bernal, Director of the UDM Gender and Development Office and Adviser of the Philippine Nursing Student Association (PNSA); Dr. Alistair B. Selorio, Director of the National Service Training Program (NSTP); and Dr. Vanessa Vargas-Martinez, BSE Science Program Head and Adviser of the Society for the Advancement of Science Education (SASE), the activity served as a collaborative platform for environmental education and community empowerment. Officers and members of PNSA and SASE played key roles in facilitating the event, showcasing the university’s culture of volunteerism and social responsibility.
Among the participants were Hon. Robert A. Bunda, Barangay Chairman of Brgy. 659-A, and Ms. Esmeralda Delos Reyes, Barangay Secretary, who both expressed appreciation for UDM’s continued partnership and outreach in their community. Also in attendance were Dr. Manuel Richard B. Martinez, Assistant Director of the Quality Assurance Department and SDG 17 Focal Person; Dr. Ronnie F. Sta. Maria, Director of Faculty Development, Curriculum, and Instruction and SDG 4 Focal Person; and Dean Enriquito Mahinay, Dean of the College of Health Sciences and SDG 3 Focal Person. Their presence underscored the strong institutional collaboration within the University toward achieving the SDGs through education, health, and partnership-based initiatives.
Serving as Resource Speaker, Dr. Ricardo C. Reyes III, UDM Faculty Member, delivered an insightful lecture on “Understanding Safe Water Use and Simple Ways to Conserve Water.” His talk emphasized the crucial link between water conservation, community health, and environmental sustainability. Participants learned practical steps toward reducing water waste and promoting a shared responsibility for safeguarding clean water resources.
Aligned with the University’s commitment to community education, this initiative also provided water management educational opportunities for local residents, empowering them with knowledge and skills to manage water resources responsibly. The seminar encouraged participants to adopt sustainable water practices at home and in their communities—contributing to a culture of conservation and resilience.
This initiative directly supports SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, while also contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). It also aligns with UDM’s framework to identify and engage with local stakeholders through educational partnerships and to provide inclusive, community-based learning opportunities focused on sustainability and responsible resource use.
By fostering dialogue and action on environmental issues, the Universidad de Manila continues to uphold its mission of creating transformative learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom—empowering both students and communities to take meaningful steps toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, one drop at a time.
