PHOTO: Two young Filipino engineers were welcomed at the opening ceremony of IHE-Delft Institute for Water Education for academic year 2018-2019 on 18 October 2018.

Engr. Chen Lester R. Wu of University of the Philippines-Los Baños and Engr. Christopher R. Gaon of Manila Water pursuing higher studies in urban water and sanitation at the world’s largest international graduate water education facility based in Delft, the Netherlands.

They joined 150 other students from a dozen other countries that include Vietnam and Indonesia in earning expertise as they learn and understand the many challenges and concerns in “living with and dealing with water”.

IHE-Delft Filipino professor, Dr. Philamer Torio, Senior Lecturer in Water Services Management, Integrated Water Systems and Governance Department and another Filipino student, Ms. Maria Luisa Salingay, a PhD fellow in water quality assessment of surface water (in the flood prone-communities of Butuan, PH and Can Tho, Vietnam) were also on hand to welcome Engrs. Wu and Gaon.  Officials from the Philippine Embassy in The Hague, First Secretary and Consul Shirley E. Banquicio and Attaché Maria Helen B. Operio, were also on hand to welcome the new arrivals

The Philippines and the Netherlands have closely worked together on opportunities and cooperation in sectors with societal challenges, water cooperation included. The two countries have inked the Memorandum of Understanding on Manila Bay Development early this year. (IHE-Delft photo)