Coca-Cola Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to providing clean and safe water to the country’s vulnerable communities with a ceremonial visit today to the P4WatER project, which launched in 2021. This project is a result of the partnership between Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. {CCFPI}, the company’s social investment arm in the Philippines, the United States Agency for International Development {USAID}, the Federation of Multisectoral Alliance for Development-Negros {MUAD-Negros}, and the local government of Negros Occidental.
P4Water, or Partnership for Water and Economic Resilience, is a four-year partnership that aims to provide safe water access to underserved communities in Negros Occidental through watershed conservation initiatives.
“Water is essential for life, for nature and for every community. As a beverage company, Coca-Cola also depends on water to operate our business,” said Tony del Rosario, Coca-Cola Philippines President. “This is why responsible water management remains a top priority for us at Coca-Cola. Our continuing partnership with USAID, MUAD-Negros, and the local government is a step toward our vision of a world where there is water security for our business, communities, and the environment where we operate, source ingredients, and touch people’s lives.”
“USAID is proud to be part of this initiative that advances the protection, conservation and rehabilitation of watersheds, including here in Bago City,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn. “Watersheds are critical for sustaining clean drinking water and livelihoods for the many families that depend on them.”
CCFPI President Cecile Alcantara; Coca-Cola Philippines Director for Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Atty. Cashmer Dirampaten; USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn; National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Roderick M. Planta; Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose V. Lacson; Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Francisco B. Benitez; Bago City Mayor Nicholas M. Yulo; and MUAD-Negros Executive Director Reynic S. Alo also led a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the P4Water project site to mark the beginning of the watershed conservation initiative.