Baguio Water District Named Among 2025 Utility of the Future Today Honorees
FUTURE-READY. The Baguio Water District (BWD) made history as the first Filipino water utility honored under the Utility of the Future Today (UotFT) Program during the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) held at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA, on September 30, 2025. The award, presented by UotFT Partners and Judges led by Mr. Mickey Conway (2nd from right) of the National Association of Water Agencies and Mr. Peter Grevatt of the Water Research Foundation (3rd from left), was received by Ms. Luzvimin G. Ramos, BWD Internal Audit Division Manager, and Atty. Ariana G. Pacunayen, BWD Corporate Attorney B (front, holding the certificate and wearing a green suit, respectively). -BWD file photo
By: Mark Victor Pasagoy, photo courtesy of BWD
The Baguio Water District (BWD) has been recognized as one of the forty-one (41) 2025 Utility of the Future Today (UotFT) Honorees, achieving a historic milestone as the first Philippine water utility to join this distinguished roster of leading water agencies worldwide.
The recognition was formally conferred during the 2025 Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) at McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA, on September 30. Representing the District were Ms. Luzvimin G. Ramos, Internal Audit Division Manager and Atty. Ariana G. Pacunayen, Corporate Attorney B.
BWD is only the sixth non-U.S. and non-Canadian water agency to be named to the list since the program’s launch in 2016. Previous international honorees include Aarhus Vand and VCS Denmark (both from Denmark, 2016), Queensland Urban Utilities (Australia, 2019), Watercare Services Limited (Auckland, New Zealand, 2019), and the Dubai Municipality, Department of Sewage and Recycled Water Networks (United Arab Emirates, 2023). Since its inception, the program has recognized 241 water agencies worldwide.
The UotFT Recognition Program celebrates forward-thinking water utilities that move beyond traditional water supply and wastewater management services to become leaders in resource recovery and sustainable water management. Spearheaded by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the WateReuse Association, and the U.S. Water Alliance, with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the program highlights excellence in five key areas: (1) Water Reuse – recycling treated water for sustainable use; (2) Resource Recovery – harnessing energy and nutrients from water systems; (3) Watershed Stewardship – protecting and enhancing local water resources; (4) Energy Efficiency – reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint; and (5) Community Engagement – building partnerships with stakeholders and the public for long-term impact.
As a first-time honoree, BWD was cited for its outstanding work in watershed stewardship and environmental protection – a critical mission for a city dependent on fragile watershed reservations as its primary water source.
Central to its effort is the “Adopt-A-Watershed” program, which mobilizes schools, government agencies, civic groups, and non-government organizations (NGOs) in tree planting, nurturing, and clean-up activities. These initiatives not only safeguard water sources but also strengthen community ownership of environmental sustainability.
“Being recognized as a Utility of the Future Today honoree affirms BWD’s long-standing commitment to balancing the water needs of Baguio residents with the responsibility of protecting our watersheds for future generations,” said BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca. “This recognition belongs not just to our institution, but to the community we serve—because true watershed stewardship is a shared responsibility.” he added.
Watershed stewardship underscores the belief that all natural systems are interconnected. Through adaptive management, long-term vision, and collective action, BWD continues to ensure that Baguio’s vital water resources remain sustainable amid urbanization and climate challenges.
With this international honor, BWD now stands among the elite group of global utilities driving innovative, sustainable, and community-centered water management practices – a milestone achievement that firmly places the Philippines on the map of global water sector leadership. -BWD
