The Department of Science and Technology in Davao Region (DOST-11) and the Hydrology for Environment, Life, and Police (HELP) Davao Network are pursuing a sisterhood agreement between this city and Kumamoto City, Japan, to address water-related challenges through sustainable and resilient management of water resources.

In a statement Monday, DOST-11 Director Anthony Sales said the partnership is expected to influence each other’s strengths, experiences, and technologies in ensuring a secure and stable water supply for the people.

“It is imperative to forge strong alliances with cities like Kumamoto, which have demonstrated excellence in sustainable water management. This partnership is one of our many initiatives to achieve a water-secure future,” Sales said.

Kumamoto City, located on the island of Kyushu, is known for its pristine groundwater that supplies over 700,000 people with residential, agricultural and industrial water needs.

Given the abundant water resources, Kumamoto City conducts extensive groundwater studies in a wide variety of disciplines to ensure that the abundant water resources of the Kumamoto Region will be continuously available for future use.

Similarly, this city also relies on groundwater resources to supply the needs of its more than 1.7 million residents.

During the Davao City Water Summit last month, Kumamoto City Mayor Kazufumi Onishi presented his city’s sustainable water management practices.

Kumamoto City’s initiatives include the promotion of cross-sectoral and trans-municipal groundwater conservation activities, comprehensive and multi-level water-related disaster prevention, and continuous strengthening of the flood evacuation plan.

“These projects are also backed by scientific techniques. We believe that by enacting policies based on scientific methods, we can contribute to the goal of water for sustainable development for the next generations,” Onishi said.

Meanwhile, Davao City Councilor Pilar Braga, concurrent chairperson of the HELP Davao Network, said water issues and challenges in this city require the need for everyone to work for efficient water management.

“Hopefully, Davao City and Kumamoto City can progress together towards building a mutually beneficial partnership anchored on wise water stewardship,” she said. (PNA)