water news
Pay water bills thru BDO over-the-counter, internet banking and ATM
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cting GM Edwin V. Regalado is pleased to announce that aside from designated DCWD payment centers, all 726 Banco de Oro branches nationwide have already been accepting over-the counter water bill payments since February 14, 2012 while payment via BDO’s internet banking and ATM electronic channels have already become available beginning April 3, 2012 after the system used for the BDO overthe-counter water bill payment was tested and improved. “With these new payment methods, DCWD management foresees a lot of improvements in terms of services to customers considering that they are given more options for their convenience. These new payment methods will also greatly help decongest long queues in DCWD offices and designated collecting centers especially during due dates,” acting GM Regalado said. Over-the-counter payment in BDO banks can be availed by DCWD customers, with or without any existing BDO accounts. All they need to do is fill out the BDO payment slip by writing Davao City Water District, DCWD or Davao Water District in the institution / company name, date, subscriber’s account number and name, and the amount to be paid. Customers can also pay with or without water bill, however, those who do not have water bills are advised to furnish the account number with the corresponding amount to be paid on the BDO payment slip. Payment of bills with notice of disconnection is also allowed but penalties and surcharges shall apply. The second copy of the validated bills payment slip serves as proof of payment in lieu of the DCWD receipt.
Payments can be made partially, in full or in advance and can be made before, on or after the due date. Aside from over-the-counter payment, other modes of payment allowed include cash in peso; debit from account; BDO On-Us check; and local, regional and cashiers / managers checks. Servicing for BDO account holders are up to the bank’s closing time while non-account holders are only up to 5:00 PM. Payments made on weekends and holidays are subject to verification and will be considered transactions on the next banking day. DCWD customers with existing BDO accounts can enroll in http://www.mybdo. com.ph and start using BDO’s internet banking service. Enrollment and use of this service does not require a minimum balance, but maintaining balance for specific BDO accounts still apply. For questions regarding BDO’s internet banking, customers can use MYBDO site’s “frequently asked questions” (http://www.mybdo.com. ph/fo/faq) which answers all possible queries ranging from account creation to the actual payment as well as availing of special services. DCWD reminds customers that the BDO internet banking payment option only covers payments for regular bills (blue) and notice of disconnection (red bill). Customers with shut-off order (yellow bill) and those who want to pay fees for DCWD services such as reconnection, new service connection, among others are advised to pay directly to DCWD offices in Matina and Bajada. Furthermore, the online payment method is only applicable to personal / individual accounts. Corporate bills, especially those computations with withholding tax component, should be paid to any DCWD
office for proper documentation and validation. Customers should ensure that there is enough balance in their bank accounts otherwise, payment will be rejected. Cut-off time for online payment is 8:30 PM and 11:30 PM for ATM. Any payments made after these times and during weekends and holidays will still be subject for verification and will be considered the next banking day. Cancellation of post-dated or recurring payments made through online payment may be done on or before 7:00 PM on the scheduled date. BDO assures customers that all information withheld is private and confidential. However, all electronic banking services are subject to BDO’s terms and conditions. Acting GM Regalado explained that availability of these payment methods is aimed primarily at providing comfort and convenience and improving operational efficiency, in keeping with one of the utility’s thrusts which is customer satisfaction. He also clarified that even in the advent of technology, over-the-counter transactions in DCWD collection offices and the monthly remote collection operations in Mintal and Calinan shall continue. The agreement for the partnership with BDO was signed last November 10, 2011 by acting GM, OIC - Assistant General Manager for Administration Mildred G. Aviles and treasurer and Finance and Property Department manager Bernadette A. Dacanay, and Banco de Oro Unibank Inc.’s Vice President Edgardo R. Marcelo Jr. and Sr. Vice President Jaime M. Nasol. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod)
DCWD empowers... conditions in the communities which included the donation of chairs and one unit of sewing machine to a women’s cooperative in Barangay Marilog. Rice subsidy was also given to day care centers in Barangays Marilog and Tamugan for the Lugaw Araw-Araw project while medical and dental missions were done in Barangays Tamugan, Tawan-Tawan, Cadalian and Carmen benefiting 854 medical and 107 dental patients. According to Community Relations and External Affairs Department manager Imelda T. Magsuci, these projects do not only help DCWD
in its campaign for environmental protection. They also fulfill DCWD’s corporate social responsibility by contributing what it could to improve lives. For years, DCWD has always maintained a close working relationship with the watershed communities. This strategy has been proven to be very effective in securing the success of watershed rehabilitation efforts. This 2012, the District has more projects in store for the upland areas showing its sincerity to not just protect the watersheds but to also improve the living conditions of the very residents who
reside in these areas. In fact, in the opening of 2012, basic skills training on public speaking was conducted for the 15 members of the Women and Environment in the Barangay (WEB), a partner of DCWD in its advocacy on environmental protection. This DCWD sponsored training is in line with the capability building for WEB members who will serve as speakers in fora or seminars on the watershed code in their respective barangays. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod and Sylvia May L. Vosotros)
January - April 2012
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