The Philippines is finalizing agreements with Hungary for a tied loan package to implement the projects of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in a statement said this was one of the outcomes of the 3rd Meeting of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) held last October 18 and 19 in Budapest.
The projects include an online water quality monitoring system in Laguna de Bay and its tributaries and the purchase of compact water treatment units for use during disasters and other emergencies.
At the 2nd JEC in Taguig last December, LLDA signed a memorandum of cooperation with Hungarian Water Technology Corp. to formalize cooperation initiatives on water management and treatment as well as other projects for the possible funding by the Hungarian Eximbank.
The partnership aims to come up with innovative strategies and solutions to rehabilitate Laguna Lake.
One of the proposed projects is the installation of 47 water quality monitoring station which will be spread across Laguna Lake and its tributaries.
The DTI said these projects are becoming increasingly important as the country responds to various environmental challenges and meet national sustainability goals.
