On May 5, 2025, Liveable Cities Philippines hosted its second Lab of the year, zeroing in on a vital issue facing the nation: equitable access to clean water. As part of the 2025 Liveable Lab series themed “sustain+ability,” the event brought together changemakers from business, civil society, and academia to explore how we can make water access fairer, more sustainable, and truly inclusive.

The Lab featured thought-provoking talks from key leaders. Atty. Jo Kristine Gerona Celera of Manila Water shed light on the regulatory and infrastructure hurdles in delivering water services. Arvin Longcop of Water.org highlighted the power of inclusive financing and strong partnerships. Atty. Juan Lorenzo Tañada of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners spoke on the role of businesses in responsible water stewardship, while Elvin Ivan Uy of PBSP shared how private sector efforts can spark real change at the community level.

The event wrapped up with a dynamic panel discussion, sparking open conversations on how we can build communities that are more water-resilient. More than just a forum, the Lab served as a reminder: ensuring safe, reliable water for all will take collective, long-term action—and that work starts now.