Committed to driving innovation and enabling effective information management, AccessGov plays a key role in launching the WMIS-GAWA Project with the municipality of General Nakar.
BALARA, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES February 5, 2024 – The Municipality of General Nakar, in partnership with AccessGov Solutions, Inc. and the two concessionaires of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI) and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI), launched the General Nakar Automatic Tracking and Watershed Patrol App (GAWA) for watershed management and protection at MWSS Administration Building, Katipunan Road, Balara, Quezon City on September 26, 2023.
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Municipality of General Nakar along with the two concessionaires of MWSS, Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI) and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI), and AccessGov Solutions joined forces for an innovative digital initiative for the protection and management of watershed resources.
GAWA, an innovative Android-based mobile application, was developed by AccessGov as a dedicated companion for forest patrol officers that sends back information to the watershed information system. This app primarily aims to help the Sustainable Integrated Area Development (SIAD) Project Office of the Municipality of General Nakar achieve its goal of becoming a model for other local government units (LGUs) and other intragovernmental collaborations towards effective environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.
The launch event was attended by the Sustainable Integrated Area Development (SIAD) Project Office of the Municipality of General Nakar, MWSS, MWCI, and MWSI; wherein users were provided with demonstrations and insights into the features, benefits, and functionalities of the mobile application. Additionally, it facilitated a deeper understanding of how the application plays an integral role in the effective management and protection of the country’s watersheds. With these, attendees gained opportunity to discuss novel ideas on how to better improve the state of watershed management initiatives and the broader environmental goals of their respective organizations through digital interventions.
Also present during the unveiling was General Nakar Mayor Eliseo R. Ruzol, who expressed his support for the event. “I am pleased to share my enthusiasm for the General Nakar Automatic Tracking and Watershed Patrol App (GAWA), a groundbreaking initiative developed as part of the Web-based Watershed Database and Management Information System with Forest Monitoring Application and Subscription Project (WMIS-GAWA Project). As the Municipal Mayor of General Nakar, Quezon, witnessing the launch of this project filled me with optimism about its potential to revolutionize our municipality’s approach to watershed management,” Mayor Ruzol stated.
As part of the municipality’s WMIS-GAWA Project, the application strives to enhance their capacity for informed decision-making based on real-time data, improving their ability to address environmental challenges effectively through digital transformation. “Our vision for General Nakar, ‘Champion ang Nakarin’, embodies a spirit of service excellence, and the GAWA project aligns seamlessly with this vision. By leveraging technology to enhance our watershed management efforts, we are taking a significant step towards becoming a paradigm for other local government units (LGUs) in the country,” Mayor Ruzol added.
Aside from this, one of GAWA’s key aspects is to contribute to the livelihood of the Indigenous People (IPs) residing in the watershed communities. Through the digitalization of the process of tracking biodiversity in General Nakar watersheds, Mayor Ruzol believes this will help not only to preserve the IP’s natural heritage, but also to provide them with sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Underscoring the project’s significance, MWSS Administrator Leonor C. Cleofas, the first woman appointed as administrator of MWSS, acknowledged the potential for broader application, stating, “MWSS recognizes the exemplary benefits brought about by this digital platform to ensure the sustainability of water supply and resiliency of the watersheds and, therefore, considers its potential replication or scaling up in other watersheds encompassing present and future water sources.”
Along with other purposes in mind, the WMIS-GAWA Project was also developed to help the municipality adhere to the national laws and policies aiming to promote sustainable development, protect natural resources, and improve public service delivery.
By showcasing exemplary watershed management practices, demonstrating unwavering commitment to sustainable environmental stewardship, and actively fostering community engagement, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the Municipality of General Nakar along with the two concessionaires of MWSS, Manila Water Company, Inc. (MWCI) and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (MWSI), and AccessGov Solutions collectively stand as willing champions of the cause; dedicated to preserving and conserving water resources.
Meanwhile, AccessGov Solutions President Bryce Refuerzo said that success of the GAWA App launch underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to driving digital transformation within government sectors, with a specific focus on advancing environmental sustainability.
“By facilitating a more efficient management of watersheds through this digital platform, we’re demonstrating the transformative power of technology. Our aim is to inspire and lead by example, proving that digital innovation can significantly enhance public services and environmental stewardship alike,” he added.
In the meantime, AccessGov plans to introduce similar solutions to different stakeholders and partners across the Philippines and the region that are for environmental conservation and protection as well as watershed and forest management. Together with other stakeholders and government agencies and local government units alike, AccessGov taps on the collaborative dynamics of these parties jumping on significant leaps towards the improvement of developmental work and public services.
About AccessGov
AccessGov is a leading information management and technology company headquartered in San Pedro City, Laguna, Philippines. Through its extensive array of e-governance and community-driven initiatives, the organization assists businesses and municipalities in enhancing their public service delivery. This objective aligns with its mission to provide transformative solutions and promote digital literacy across local and national governments.
Media Contact
Company: AccessGov PH
Contact: Bryce Refuerzo
Email: info@accessgov.ph
Address: San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines 4023
Website: https://www.accessgov.ph/