SOSE Research on Hydrology Contributes to UK–Philippine Partnership to Ensure Water Security

No problem is too big for Dr. Maria Aileen Leah G. Guzman, Chair of the Department of Environmental Science, who is currently at the forefront of addressing the issue of water security in the Philippines. With her dedication and expertise in the field of water resources, she is playing a pivotal role in the “Philippine Hydro Hub” project which aims to advance hydrology research in the country.

A joint initiative funded by the UK Department for Science Innovation and Technology and the British Council, the Philippine Hydro Hub involves a collaborative network of researchers from the British Geological Survey, Ateneo de Manila University, and the University of the Philippines.  The project aims to generate valuable insights into the country's water resources.

“As a Filipino and as an environmental scientist, I look forward to the Philippine Hydro Hub to build the capacity of Filipinos not only to conduct research on hydrology but to develop innovative solutions to manage our water resources and to develop our resilience to climate change as a Nation and as a society,” says Dr. Guzman. Her sentiments echo the vision of the Hub to empower Filipinos to address water security challenges. To do this, the Philippine Hydro Hub plans to bridge the gap between research and real-world applications by connecting experts with local communities to ensure that the findings are translated into practical solutions.

The project's potential benefits are far-reaching and include sectors such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure. Through careful planning and execution, the Philippine Hydro Hub can help secure a sustainable water future for generations to come, one drop at a time.