Navigating the Future of Philippine Water Infrastructure at Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025
The Philippines continues to grapple with water supply challenges driven by aging infrastructure, pipeline leakages, and rising demand amid climate change. These issues not only strain utilities but also threaten the country’s long-term water security. To address these growing pressures, there is an urgent need for the water sector to embrace digital and advanced technologies — tools such as smart sensors, data analytics, and automated monitoring systems that can enhance efficiency, reduce losses, and build more resilient pipeline networks.
One of the companies addressing this challenge in water pipelines is Tenchijin Inc., a Japanese company that develops innovative solutions using satellite data analytics. Tenchijin combines Space Data and AI analysis technology to visualize hidden risks and untapped potential in different areas from water infrastructure and agriculture to disaster prevention. Through their technology, KnoWaterLeak, they lead the identification of potential leakage areas in water pipelines in Japan, enabling utilities to prioritize maintenance, reduce water losses, and provide safety for the citizens. By leveraging this advanced approach, Tenchijin demonstrates how space technology can play a vital role in improving the efficiency and sustainability of water infrastructure.
As the Philippines explores similar pathways toward modernization, innovations like Tenchijin’s KnoWaterLeak highlight the transformative potential of digital tools in addressing long-standing challenges in the country’s water sector. The upcoming panel session, “Digital Pathways: Navigating the Future of Water Infrastructure in the Philippines,” will feature discussions on how technologies such as satellite analytics, IoT monitoring, and smart data systems can be integrated into national and local utilities — alongside the policy frameworks and partnerships needed to enable their widespread adoption.
Session Panelists |
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Engr. Susan P. Abaño Chief of the Policy and Program Division National Water Resources Board Engr. Susan P. Abano is the Chief of the Policy and Program Division of the National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Philippines. She graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. She finished her Masters of Science in Hydrology at the National University of Ireland in 1988.She started her water resources career at the National Irrigation Administration in 1981 and transferred to the NWRB in 1983. She has been connected with the government service for 43 years.During the more than 40 years in service, she attended several local and international trainings pertaining to topics such as Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Water Resources Assessment, Groundwater Management, and Water Resources Information Systems and has been a frequent resource speaker on these topics in various seminars/forums/meetings conducted by different organizations here and abroad.She led local funded projects such as Groundwater Management Plan for Water Stressed Cities, Comprehensive Water Resources Assessment for Major River Basins, Construction and Development of Groundwater Monitoring Wells with telemetry and internationally funded projects for KOICA entitled “Integrated 3D-GIS Water Resources Management Information System for the Pampanga River Basin” and the International Atomic Energy Agency funded project “ IAEA Water Availability Enhancement for Water Resources Region 2 and 10, Philippines using Isotope Technique”. She is also involved in various projects implemented by other agencies and the academe.She has been teaching as a part time at the Ateneo de Manila – Department of Environmental Science since 2022. |
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Engr. Dale Santiago Head of Leakage Technology and Innovation Maynilad Water Services, Inc. Dale Santiago is the Head of Leakage Technology and Innovation at Maynilad Water Services, Inc. where he spearheads the adoption of new technologies to advance Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction. With a solid background in mechanical engineering and nearly a decade of experience in the water industry, Dale has led pilot trials and integration of AI-powered diagnostics to optimize leak detection strategies.His dedication to innovation was recognized in 2024 when his team won Maynilad’s Innovation Festival for their project that repurposed a drainage inspection tool for water pipeline leakage investigation. Dale showcased this achievement as a plenary speaker at the 2025 Maynilad Technical Summit, themed Game Changers: Innovation Catalyst, Change Leaders, Paradigm Shifters, Visionary Disruptors.Furthering his commitment to knowledge sharing, Dale served as one of the trainers for the Solomon Islands Water Authority, where their team conducted specialized training on acoustic leak detection and NRW management. |
Moderator |
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Neil Clarence Diaz Assistant Manager, Human Development Division Leave a Nest Philippines, Inc. Neil Clarence Diaz, born and raised in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, completed his senior high school at Mindanao State University – General Santos City and earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence, from West Visayas State University in Iloilo City. Passionate about science, innovation, and technology, he is committed to creating a positive impact on society. During his time in college, Neil co-founded and served as the pioneer CEO/President of SPARK Hub, a student organization that empowers students to transform their ideas into innovative solutions for societal benefit. He is also dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding Artificial Intelligence as he develops AI-driven solutions that address community challenges. Now, as a member of Leave a Nest, Neil continues to extend his advocacy for science and technology from the university to the global stage. |
The Hyper Interdisciplinary Conference in the Philippines 2025 will be held on November 8, 2025 at Quezon City University – Main. This year's event is centered around the theme, “Decoding Traditions, Recoding Innovation: Navigating Toward Adaptive Solutions.” The conference serves as a vital platform for researchers, startups, government stakeholders, and companies to come together and present their ideas for a more progressive and sustainable Philippines. By encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing across various fields, we aim to foster solutions that are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and deeply rooted in community needs. This highlights the deep connection between science and culture, recognizing that our cultural perspectives influence how we interpret and apply science and technology, while scientific progress, in turn, has the power to enrich and transform cultural practices.
HYPER INTERDISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES 2025
- Date: November 8, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM
- Venue: Quezon City University – Main
- Theme: Decoding Traditions, Recoding Innovation: Navigating Toward Adaptive Solutions
For more information about HIC in the Philippines 2025, please visit the page below:
https://hic.lne.st/en/schedule/ph2025/
If you are interested to join as an attendee (free of charge for those affiliated with academia, government institutions, and university-based startups), you can do so by registering via the link below:
https://global.lne.st/Attend-HICPH2025
Or, scan the QR code below:
