Edwin de Chavez, FPIP Utilities Inc. regulatory compliance and ESH lead and chair of the San Juan Sub-Basin Watershed Management Council, expresses his support for ‘Abot-Kamay Para sa Laguna de Bay’Fpip Utilities Inc. (FUI) has extended its support to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) as it launched its latest initiative, “Abot-Kamay Para sa Laguna de Bay: Mission in Action—Solid Waste Recovery,” in Poblacion 1, Santo Tomas, Batangas, on Feb. 21, 2025.

 The initiative is a continuation of the LLDA’s efforts to clean the lake’s surroundings and improve the water quality. It has similar initiatives implemented in Rizal, Laguna, Pasig and Muntinlupa. The launch aims to strengthen solid waste management activities in the area, offering a more comprehensive approach to waste recovery.

In his message of support, Edwin de Chavez, FUI regulatory compliance and environment, safety and health lead, and chairperson of the San Juan Sub-Basin Watershed Management Council (SJWMC), shared his enthusiasm for the project. He highlighted how it can bring local government units, private organizations and communities together to ensure the protection and preservation of Laguna de Bay.

“Nagagalak kaming malaman na may isang bagong proyekto na naman ang sinisimulan para matugunan ang kritikal na isyu ng single-use plastics sa mga daanan ng tubig at mga kalapit na lugar. Gaya ng alam nating lahat, ang mga plastik na ito ay maaaring makagambala sa balanse ng ating ecosystem. Maaari rin itong magdulot ng polusyon sa lupa, tubig at maging sa hangin, lalo na sa pamamagitan ng microplastics,” de Chavez said.

“Ngunit ang mas nakagagalak ay ang pagtutulungan sa pagitan ng LLDA, lokal na pamahalaan ng Batangas at iba’t-ibang entidad mula sa pribadong sektor. Umaasa akong magbibigay inspirasyon ito sa mas nakararami pang residente, negosyong pangindustriyal at komersyal at maging sa mga lokal na organisasyon para magtulungan na maipatupad ang mga regulasyon para sa kalikasan at mga proyekto para mapangalagaan at maprotektahan ang Laguna de Bay,” he added.

FUI, the water arm of First Philippine Industrial Park, offers a complete range of sustainable and reliable water solutions to over 150 locators.

(Story by:Charizze Henson)