Crystal Flow 2015 January - April

what’s

about the

COVER

INSIDE?

3 - editor’s note Celebrating life through environmental protection 4 - From the GM’s desk Creating legacies, ensuring the future 5 - lWUa hails DCWD as huwarang lingkod tubig 6 - Tamugan river is upcoming major water source for Davao City 7 - Soon-to-rise office complex to improve DCWD’s services 8 - Pipeline bridge construction under way 9 - new laboratory testing rates bared 10 - Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera joins DCWD family 11 - Employees’ photographs highlight World Water Day celebration

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12 - World Water Day 2015: Water and Sustainable Development, an in-house photo contest and exhibit 14 - Newly promoted personnel Salamat...Paalam...

15 - Harnessing the power of I 16 - all aglow 18 - DCWD partners with DepEd for upland educational assistance 19 - Youths, environment advocates gather in 15th Eco Camp 20 - Employees go green Tribal scholars thank DCWD for earned college degrees 21 - legally speaking 22 - Feature 23 - Fun and Games 24 - Did you know that...

Ma. luisa l. Jacinto, Mpa Secretary Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. Member Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera Member

TOP MANAGEMENT engr. edwin V. regalado, Mpa General Manager Mildred G. Aviles, CPA, MM OIC - Assistant General Manager for Administration Engr. Exequiel B. Homez OIC - Assistant General Manager for Operations Cover concept by Maria Editha C. Monje Cover design by Jonas A. Capute Jr. The design depicts Davao City Water District’s efforts to address the escalating water demand of Davao City while ensuring water resource sustainability for the future generations by utilizing Tamugan River as a surface water source reducing groundwater dependability, thus preventing possible environmental threats caused by over extraction of groundwater before they happen.

Mission We commit to supply potable and affordable water 24 hours a day, provide wastewater treatment services, operate efficiently, take a proactive role in environmental concerns and keep a competent workforce.

Goals • Achieve an improved quality of water in Cabantian and Panacan service areas in accordance with Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.

• Attain a 98% Employee Satisfaction Rating.

• Exceed by 50% the projected water demand covered by our available resources.

• Increase availability of water to all customers from 90% to 100%.

• Fully implement Phase 1 of the Septage Management Program.

Core strateGy Efficient and effective management of all resources for water security in Davao City.

Corporate philosophy Service with Dignity and Honor

CRYSTAL FLOW: The official publication of Davao City Water District.

Your contributions are welcome at the DCWD Public Information / Relations Division Office. No part or whole of this newsletter will be printed without prior approval.

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eduardo a. Bangayan Chairperson atty. abdul M. Dataya Vice - Chairperson

Vision Best water and wastewater service provider with utmost care for the people and the environment.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS Bernadette A. Dacanay, MBA, MA-Hum Finance & Property paquito C. ebero Commercial Services engr. noel C. Montaña Production ariel l. noble, MBa Corporate Planning roberto s. De los reyes, llB General Services Atty. Richard D. Tumanda, RN Legal engr. rosanna Vicenta t. Cabanag, Mpa OIC, Pipelines & Appurtenances Maintenance / Non-Revenue Water Management Office Engr. Oscar C. Dela Cruz, MS-ERM OIC, Engineering & Construction Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr. OIC, Community Relations & External Affairs / Official Spokesperson hilton p. husain, Cpa, MBa OIC, Accounting ruth G. Jabines, MBa, DM-hrM OIC, Human Resource engr. reynaldo M. petalcorin OIC, Information & Communications Technology engr. arnold p. sarabia, Mpa OIC, Internal Audit

Crystal Editorial Board MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE, MPA Editor-in-Chief

MADONNA C. LLAGUNO Associate Editor

JOVANA CRESTA T. DUHAYLUNGSOD News Editor

ENGR. REYNALDO M. PETALCORIN Copy Editor

JAMAE CONCEPCION G. DELA CRUZ Features Editor

JERELL J. LEONIDA Circulation Chief

JONAS A. CAPUTE JR. Artist

ATTY. BERNARDO D. DELIMA JR. Adviser

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CWD has its hands full as the first quarter of this year unfolds and this issue encapsulates the District’s efforts to juggle its commitment as a water utility in between receiving a national recognition alongside transitions and forging partnerships for improved water service.

This issue shares DCWD’s pride for having been conferred the Huwarang Lingkod Tubig award by the Local Water Utilities Administration for its consistent and continuing commitment of promoting the global celebration of World Water Day that likewise tugs all other monthly celebrations that it observes: Earth Month, Ocean Month, Environment Month, Recycling Month and its very own spearheaded Davao Citywide Water Consciousness Month.

Significant activities involve and influence the community to be ever mindful and caring for our planet.

It then highlights major projects lined up

by DCWD, all to improve the water utility’s service to the people of Davao such as the development of Tamugan river as a new major surface water source to meet the growing water needs of the city, the construction of DCWD’s office complex to improve customer service efficiency and the near completion of its pipeline bridge construction at Bankerohan to improve water supply in many of its service

connections under the Dumoy Water Supply System. Also this year, DCWD implements new rates for its laboratory testing services.

On top of these, DCWD welcomes a new member to its Board of Directors, Atty.

Charmalou D. Aldevera, and honors the loyal and top performing employees of the water utility through the 6th Grand Awards Night.

Also included are the continued environmental protection efforts embodied in various educational assistance projects for DCWD’s upland partners and multisectoral approach in promoting environmental conservation though the employees and the youth.

With all these, we hope that you share with us the honor in serving the people of Davao City as you read every page of this issue.

Thank you!

MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com

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editor’s note

Celebrating life through environmental protection

from the gm’s desk

Creating legacies, ensuring the future

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he year 2015 marks a special place in DCWD’s history as it kick starts major projects that would define the future of our operations and subsequently the city of Davao.

For years, we have planned and toiled and finally we see the onset of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD and the construction of DCWD’s office complex which are our way of preparing for the growing water demands of Davao City in view of its fast expansion.

These projects reflect DCWD’s attitude of foreseeing the direction of its operations, preparing for possible challenges and attending to its day-to-day responsibility as a water service provider and steward of water resources.

It is because of this attitude that DCWD has become one of the largest water utilities

and model water district in the country. What DCWD is today and the various achievements and recognitions it has been reaping over the years are perfect reminders of the effort and determination of the past and present members of the DCWD family that we all need to replicate and surpass. This we owe to our predecessors and most especially to the people we serve.

And it is with great pride to see that we have all been able to embody this kind of commitment evident in our respective efforts to improve DCWD’s established systems based on the challenges of the present times.

However, it is with even greater satisfaction to witness that we are starting to create our own set of legacies through our individual effort to excel in our respective fields.

Given all of these, hope abounds in every corner of our offices that we will be able to leave marks that will not only bring us pride but will also ensure the bright future of DCWD and improve water service to the Davaoeños.

As we venture to more projects, surpass challenges along the way and achieve more accomplishments, let us remain united, steadfast and honest to our sworn commitment, and we shall prevail with utmost humility.

Hence, at the start and at the end of the day, let us all continue to serve with dignity and honor.

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO General Manager 2

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water news

LWUA hails DCWD as Huwarang Lingkod Tubig

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he Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) conferred Davao City Water District with Huwarang Lingkod Tubig award last March 16, 2015 at the UP Bahay Alumni in Diliman, Quezon City.

DCWD received the award during the interagency Philippine Water Awarding ceremony, an event in line with the World Water Day celebration and participated in by different government agencies, organizations and individuals who were recognized champions in addressing water issues. It was hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Maynilad and LWUA.

PI/RD manager Maria Editha C. Monje receives the award from LWUA administrator Andres F. Ibarra (L) and senior deputy assistant administrator Edgardo C. Demayo.

LWUA gave Huwarang Lingkod Tubig award to only three water districts in the country, one each from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that it recognized for their consistent best efforts in implementing high impact World Water Day activities and programs in their respective communities and for their willingness to participate and cooperate with LWUA’s long term partnership in promoting safe and clean water and sustainable development.

After thorough review of more than 500 water districts, LWUA selected Palawan WD for Luzon, Metro Iloilo WD for Visayas and Davao City WD for Mindanao whose success stories were described by LWUA as “inspiring and worth emulating by other water districts”.

Public Information / Relations Division (PI/ RD) manager Maria Editha C. Monje received the award on behalf of DCWD. For many years now, DCWD through the PI/RD, has been implementing activities in line with global celebrations and World Water Day is one of them. Since 2008, various undertakings in the annual celebration of World Water Day have even been intensified like photo exhibit, water facts and trivia day, sticker brigade, water caravan, fun run and inter-agency photo contest in recognition of the major role that DCWD plays in responding

DvM Monje is all pride as she shows the trophy and certificates given by LWUA and other agencies.

and bringing to public consciousness various water-related issues.

GM Edwin V. Regalado thanked LWUA for the recognition and pledged that DCWD will stay committed in taking a proactive role in water and environmental concerns.

World Water Day is celebrated globally every March 22 as declared by the United Nations General Assembly. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) S Crystal flow

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water news Witnessed by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, DCWD and Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (AAII) sign the contract for the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD. In photo with him are (from L) GM Edwin V. Regalado, Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan, J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation president Jose Virgilio R. Angeles Jr. for AAII and DCWD official spokesperson Bernardo D. Delima Jr.

Tamugan river is upcoming major water source for Davao City

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avao City Water District has secured Tamugan river to provide and anticipate the growing water needs of Davaoeños and their rapidly growing population and the emergence of new industries. Based on extensive study, said river was found to yield enough quantity, is of acceptable quality and is viable and suitable for drinking water.

Aside from Tamugan, other rivers that were taken into consideration and analyzed were Lipadas, Talomo, Davao, Tagulaya, Sibulan and Panigan. The study showed that Tamugan river had the most favourable results in terms of location, water quality, watershed management and river slope and terrain around the intake.

The DCWD management pronounced the immediate need to develop Tamugan river as Davao City’s new water source.

Based on a trend analysis conducted

by DCWD, the city’s water demand is increasing rapidly and the water utility’s existing water sources, which are mostly groundwater, will not be enough in the near future. Unfortunately, exploration for new groundwater sources especially in the northern part of the city had been unfavourable. Added to this, DCWD also wanted to lessen its dependence on groundwater mindful of the dangers that over extraction may cause land subsidence, drying up of wells and saltwater intrusion.

As early as the 1990s, DCWD already eyed the use of Tamugan River as the best alternative water source for the city. However, per previous assessment, it would entail high development

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cost. Because of this, the water utility postponed pursuing the plan and focused on watershed rehabilitation instead. DCWD had a major breakthrough when J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation (JVACC) in consortium with Aboitiz Equity Ventures submitted an unsolicited proposal for a joint venture to develop Tamugan River.

This catapulted the creation of DCWD’s Joint Venture Selection Committee which facilitated the realization of the Tamugan Surface Water Development Project (TSWDP) which later was renamed to Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD. The consortium is also now known as Apo Agua Insfrastructura, Inc (AAII).

The project which is a joint venture of DCWD and AAII consists of two parts.

First is the implementation of treated bulk water supply facilities by AAII that entails the construction of an intake structure / weir, raw water transmission lines, water treatment plant, hydroelectric power plant and treated water transmission lines.

The second part is the construction and rehabilitation of the primary distribution pipe mains, storage facilities and pipeline appurtenances by DCWD. The first four years of the project will be allotted for the preliminary and construction periods which will run from 2016 to 2019, while the water delivery period will span 30 years beginning 2019.

GM Edwin V. Regalado explained that the project will supply DCWD’s Cabantian, Calinan, Dumoy, Panacan and Tugbok water supply systems (WSS). These were identified according to order of prioritization in terms of service coverage, transmission

line route and impending water quality issues. DCWD will also create three additional WSS, namely, Mandug, Indangan and Talandang to expand the water utility’s services to additional six barangays in the city. Lubogan, Malagos, Riverside and Toril WSS will continue to operate using groundwater.

Enumerating the projected benefits GM Regalado said that once operational, the project will be able to reduce groundwater use, thus protecting the long term security of Davao’s groundwater source and save on power cost; improve water quality and water supply in District 2 or the northern parts of the city served by Dumoy WSS and including those served by Cabantian and Panacan WSS; increase DCWD’s water yield up to 121 million cu.m per year; improve water pressure and water volume of existing connections; serve more barangays in the city from 108 to 114 barangays; and add 36,000 service connections and benefit more than 1,000,000 people.

For these developments, no less than Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte himself lauded the efforts of DCWD to ensure water supply availability in Davao City.

This he expressed after the contract signing of DCWD and AAII for the project last March 17 at the Marco Polo Hotel.

Signatories were Board Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan and JVACC president Jose Virgilio R. Angeles Jr. for AAII. Mayor Duterte signed as witness along with GM Regalado. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

water news

Soon-to-rise office complex to improve DCWD’s services

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avao City Water District has started the construction of its Matina office complex to improve customer service and prepare for impending massive service expansion and influx of customers with the completion of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD in four years’ time.

The project, with construction cost of 575 million pesos, will be composed of a seven-storey main building with a functional roof deck, three-storey water quality control laboratory building, two-storey building with functional roof deck multi-purpose / canteen and one-storey record storage building in Catalunan Grande.

Construction period is about two years.

GM Edwin V. Regalado said that the soon-to-rise office facilities are very timely and much needed to address the increasing water service demands of the city and DCWD’s growing workforce. From the 300 employees servicing around 40,000 service connections in the 1980s, DCWD’s work force has grown four folds and now servicing close to 200,000 service connections.

Currently, the water utility operates offices in scattered locations all over the city in Bajada, Madapo, Matina, Talomo and Toril.

Once the facilities in Matina are completed, DCWD will house almost all of its services in one location, centering its operations to serve the public better.

Most of the other offices will be vacated and utilized as additional collection centers and motorpool for DCWD vehicles.

DCWD foresees improved processing time of all customer transactions with the whole first floor of the seven-story building allotted for the basic services of the water utility including

additional collection booths for faster water bills payment.

Ample parking space will also be provided.

GM Regalado added that the DCWD Matina office building needed to be demolished as it had encroached the national highway and was already very old.

Originally, the building was one-storey and an additional floor was added that could have weakened the structure. Although the building was still serviceable, DCWD did not want to compromise safety, especially the welfare of its employees and transacting customers.

On the last week of April 2015, most departments holding office in the Matina compound have been transferred to temporary offices in Maa and these are the offices of the Board secretariat and General Manager, Corporate Planning Department, Community Relations and External Affairs Department and the Office of the Spokesperson, Pollution Control and Safety Office and Project Monitoring Office.

The branches of departments with direct customer contact were relocated to another temporary office along McArthur highway.

These are the Finance Division (for water bill and other service payments) of the Finance and Property Department, Commercial Services Department, and Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Department.

GM Regalado asked for the customers’ understanding and cooperation for the inconvenience the relocation has caused them.

In a related development last March 16, 2015, a simple groundbreaking ceremony was held to formally start the construction of the Matina complex. This was attended by DCWD officials led by Board Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan and all directors, former director

Chairperson of the Board of Directors Eduardo A. Bangayan (3rd from R) lowers the time capsule assisted by James Liong of AIMM Builder and Construction Supply as the rest of the DCWD directors and top management look on. Also present is OGCC deputy government corporate counsel Justice Elpidio J. Vega (2nd from R) and DBP C.M. Recto branch head Lani Manaloto (3rd from L).

Atty. Eliseo R. Braganza who was among the prime movers of the realization of the office complex, GM Regalado, officers and some employees, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) C.M. Recto branch head Lani Manaloto and Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) contingent headed by the deputy government corporate counsel Justice Elpidio J. Vega.

Chairperson Bangayan emphasized that the soon-to-rise facilities is a symbol of innovation that

DCWD foresees especially in improving the water services in the city. Further, he encouraged all DCWD employees to look upon the building as their source of inspiration to excel more in their line of work and become better public servants.

The contractors of the project are the joint venture of J Bros Construction Corporation and AIMM Builder and Construction Supply. Funding came from the PhP 500 million noncollateralized low interest loan granted by the DBP. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) Crystal flow

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water news

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he construction of Davao City Water District’s 1000mm diameter suspension-type pipe bridge crossing between Gov. Generoso Bridges 1 and 2 is on-going and is estimated to be completed this year.

Said project which costs 115 million pesos consists of installation of a 1000mm diameter steel pipeline with a total length of 184 linear meters and the construction of 167.50 meters long steel truss, concrete pier column with bored pile footing, concrete pylon, abutments at both sides of the bridge crossing and cables.

As of April 2015, DCWD’s Project Monitoring Office reported that the contractors were already installing, setting and doing full welding of the pipe trusses;

installing the steel cables; doing excavations for the valve box drainage at Matina side; and removing the scaffolds of the concrete pylon.

pipelines, the water supply has not been enough and the affected customers experience low water pressure to no water during peak hours.

GM Edwin V. Regaldo said that once the project is completed and the new pipeline is laid, around 64% of the approximately 53,844 service connections being served

by Line 1 of Dumoy Water Supply System will enjoy improved water supply. These service connections situated in downtown and northern areas of Davao City were the most affected when DCWD’s pipe bridge crossing collapsed, damaging the original 600mm diameter and 750mm diameter transmission/distribution pipelines on December 16, 2012.

He added that once the project is done, water pressure will increase by seven percent.

Although DCWD temporarily laid two 400mm diameter by-pass

Contractor for said infrastructure work is the joint venture of RD Policarpio & Co. Inc., Allado Construction Company, Inc. and TGV Builders Inc. Completion of the project has been delayed due to congestion at the Port of Manila from where the pipes would be delivered to Davao City. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Pipeline bridge construction under way

The contractor’s men do excavation works for the bridge’s abutment at the Matina side and install scaffolding, rebars and formworks for the bridge’s concrete pylon as of February 2015.

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ew rates have been announced by Davao City Water District for the services of its laboratory on the analysis of various physical – chemical parameters effective May 1, 2015 per Board Resolution No. 15-097 approved on March 21, 2015 during the fifth regular meeting of the DCWD Board of Directors.

The following are the services with corresponding new rates: AAS Method Antimony Arsenic Barium Cadmium Calcium Chromium Copper Iron Lead Magnesium Manganese Mercury Nickel Potassium Selenium Sodium Zinc

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP

495 525 495 495 510 490 490 490 495 510 490 500 495 495 530 495 490

Colorimetry method Aluminium – PhP 500 Bromine – PhP 330 Chromium Hexavalant – PhP 345 Chlorine – PhP 325 Color – PhP 320 Cyanide – PhP 445 Fluoride – PhP 380 Nitrate – PhP 370 Nitrite – PhP 360 Nitrogen Ammonia – PhP 1,110 Phosphate – PhP 345 Silica – PhP 490 Sulfate – PhP 350 THM – PhP 1,920

Aside from the physical–chemical analysis, DCWD laboratory also offers microbiological analysis at PhP 448 per sample.

Anyone can avail of the laboratory’s services at fixed rates for customers with DCWD service connections and for those who have none at all.

The laboratory’s regular customers include food establishments, refilling stations, water districts, local government units and individuals with their own water source.

According to Water Quality Division manager Hydie R. Maspiñas, requesting parties provide the water sample but certain protocols for the collection set by DCWD must be followed at all times to ensure accurate results. For microbiological analysis, only the sterilized sampling bottles from DCWD laboratory must be used and these must be kept unopened until actual use. She further explained that any filter, screen, hose or any attachments must be removed from the water source such as faucet tap before collecting the sample and that the sample must be submitted to DCWD laboratory within six hours after collection.

Electrometric method

Temperature

– – – – –

PhP PhP PhP PhP PhP

Turbidity

–

PhP 245

Titration Acidity Alkalinity Bicarbonates Chloride Hardness

method – PhP – PhP – PhP – PhP – PhP

Conductivity DO pH TDS

175 230 190 175 175

200 250 280 325 265

For the physical–chemical analysis, the procedure for water sampling varies depending on the source of water in accordance with the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (2007). One litre of water sample kept in a wellcleaned glass container is enough for the analysis.

Results may be obtained after five days for the physical – chemical analysis and eight days at most for the microbiological analysis.

For 15 years now, the DCWD laboratory has been accredited by the Bureau of Health Facilities and Services of the Department of Health (DOH) as a Water Testing Laboratory to conduct water monitoring and testing.

It has also received excellent ratings in the Proficiency Testing Scheme for Water Microbiological Testing in 2009, 2010 – 2011 and 2012. Said test ensures the accuracy and quality of laboratory test results issued by DOH-accredited water testing laboratories. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) S Crystal flow

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water news

New laboratory testing rates bared

water news

Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera joins DCWD family

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avao City Water District employees warmly welcomed Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera as a new member of the Board of Directors during their first monthly convocation in 2015

last January 5. She replaced Atty.

Eliseo R. Braganza Jr. who finished his term in December 2014.

Dir. Aldevera took her oath of office before Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte last December 29, 2014 at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Compound in Buhangin and submitted her oath of office to Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan during the Board of Directors’ meeting last January 8, 2015 at the DCWD Matina office. She will serve from January 2015 until December 2020.

Currently, she chairs the DCWD committees on Bids and Awards and Engineering and Technology and is the vice-chair of the committees on Special Projects and Legal.

Addressing the employees during the convocation, Dir. Aldevera said that coming to DCWD feels like coming home and that more than the excitement and happiness, she is simply honoured

DCWD Board of Directors and top management welcome Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera (3rd from R) as new director. Posing for posterity with Dir. Aldevera are (from L) GM Edwin V. Regalado, OIC - AGMA Mildred G. Aviles, Vice - Chairperson Abdul M. Dataya, Dir. Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan, Dir. Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. and OIC - AGMO Exequiel B. Homez.

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to become part of the DCWD family. She added that though she is some ways similar to her father, the late and well-loved director Atty. Charlemagne B. Aldevera, they are also different.

Thus, she asked for the patience of the DCWD family and to give her time to learn the ropes.

“This is a totally new environment. This is a totally new job for me. Tagai ko ug gamay na pasensiya. I will be asking a lot of questions, makulitan man mo nako, pasensiyahi lang.

Sooner or later I will learn. Pero dili nato kahinanglan dali dalion (Please be patient with me. Let us not rush),” she added.

The new director studied BS Accountancy at the Ateneo de Davao University, finished her law degree at the Ateneo de Davao Law School and took her oath as lawyer on May 3, 2004. A lawyer by profession, she is currently a partner of the Aldevera Law Office, directly works for Mayor Duterte and legal consultant to the Association of Barangay Captains, Vice-Mayor Paulo Z. Duterte and Councilor Jimmy G. Dureza. Aside from DCWD, she also serves as a member of the Ma-a Slaughterhouse Management Board and, until December last year, a member of the People’s Law Enforcement Board.

Her affiliations also extend to being a member of the Children’s Joy Foundation, Inc., Bankerohan Livestock Dealers Cooperative and Sigma Tau Mu sorority. She is also a proprietary member of the Apo Golf and Country Club in the city. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

water news

Employees’ photographs highlight World Water Day celebration An in-house photo contest dubbed Kalitrato, a portmanteau of the words kalikasan and litrato, highlighted Davao City Water District’s World Water Day celebration this year with the theme “Water and Sustainable Development”. Spearheading all activities was the Public Information / Relations Division (PI / RD) of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department (CREAD) with PI / RD manager Maria Editha C. Monje as overall coordinator.

The contest encouraged employees to use their creativity to promote the role of water in the sustainable development agenda and projects of Davao City or DCWD that address various water and water-related issues.

In all, 20 entries were submitted by employees coming from different departments of the water utility which were judged last March 6, 2015 at the DCWD Bajada office by City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) photojournalist Bert Tomas, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) XI information officer Rudolph Ian Alama and City Economic Enterprise staff Sherwin A. Miguel who was also last year’s winner of DCWD’s World Water Day intergovernment agency photo contest. Winners were chosen according to how well the photos interpreted water and sustainable development, creativity, technique and how well the photos grabbed the viewers’ attention.

Jeah Dawn M. Ongcay and Pamela L. Bongcawil of FPD; and Ricardo P. Corcino of the Production Department.

All photo entries along with information materials highlighting the World Water Day theme were exhibited for one week at the Sangguniang Panlungsod from March 23 to 27 so that more people will take heed of the global celebration. On the last day of the exhibit, information, education and communication materials were distributed to the viewing public.

Capping the celebration was the awarding of winners last April 6 during the employees convocation at the DCWD Bajada motorpool. Presenting the awards were GM Regalado, OIC assistant general manager for operations Exequiel B. Homez and official spokesperson and CREAD OIC manager Bernardo D. Delima Jr. DCWD has always been one with the global community in campaigning World Water Day every year to help spread awareness on the importance of conserving and protecting water and the water sources of the city.

(Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

In the short program during the judging of entries, GM Edwin V. Regalado lauded the initiatives and efforts of the participating employees who showed their support to DCWD’s advocacy in protecting the water sources of Davao City.

The top three winners were Aris V. Cabamungan of the Corporate Planning Department (CPD) who was the over-all champion with his photo titled “Making Every Drop Count: A Sustainable Development Agenda”, Julius B. Lambac of CREAD as first-runner up with his entry “Warning! It’s Running Out of Water” and Mariebeth D. Braza of the Engineering and Construction Department (ECD) as second runner-up with her picture titled “Unconstrained”. They received PhP 6,000, PhP 4,000 and PhP 2,000 cash prizes, respectively and plaques.

Invited judges (from 2nd from L) World Water Day 2014 photo contest winner Sherwin A. Miguel, PIA XI information officer Rudolph Ian Alama and CTOO photojournalist Bert Tomas pose with GM Edwin V. Regalado and over-all contest coordinator and PI / RD manager Maria Editha C. Monje.

The top seven finalists in chronological order were Jordan C. Bermejo of the Finance and Property Department (FPD), Ellanena J. Gabuya of CREAD, Eula Tricia Ann P. Mines of the Office of the General Manager, Isidro B. Duga of ECD, Ariel O. Nellas of CREAD, Rico T. Candones of CREAD and Argilynn L. Gantala of FPD. They were each given a consolation prize of PhP 500 and certificate of recognition.

The other participating employees were Nones D. Anino of the Accounting Department; Jade C. Veloso of CPD; Kristine B. Zabate and Redemp M. Cornella of CREAD; Ma Donna Mae C. Muñoz of the Commercial Services Department; Johnwyn C. Maruhom, Rhoda T. Castillones,

Aris V. Cabamungan (2nd from L) of CPD receives his award from (from L) GM Regalado, OIC – AGMO Exequiel B. Homez and official spokesperson and CREAD OIC-manager Bernardo D. Delima, Jr. Crystal flow

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personnel

CONGRATULATIONS! NEWLY PROMOTED PERSONNEL

MARIA CONSuELA J. MARAvILLA

Management Information / Systems Development Chief B Internal Audit Dept.

ROGER M. TALbO

DANILO b. TAGALOG

Supervising Internal Control Officer Internal Audit Dept.

ARNOLD C. bALATERO

GEOFFREY C. buTANAS Chief Corporate Accountant B Accounting Dept.

pEDRITO v. DIZON

JESON R. RODRIGuEZ

Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

JOY ANN E. bASADRE

pETER DAvID A. bAuTISTA

SHARON HAZEL C. pATES

JHERMIE A. DEGuITO

Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Customer Service Asst. A Commercial Services Dept.

Procurement Analyst B General Services Dept.

Draftsman B General Services Dept.

Salamat...

Paalam... “ He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” Rev. 2:4 12

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SENADO A. ONDANGAN JR.

Utility Worker A Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

April 20, 1970 - January 9, 2015

DELIO T. OLAER

Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

May 09, 1962 - April 16, 2015

Also included in the program was the reorientation of employees on DCWD’s Non-Revenue Water reduction goal in order to encourage their support to reach the 20% target set by the Local Water Utilities Administration.

Officers of DCWD served as speakers, presenters, moderators and panelists in all ten sessions of employees forum in order to better discuss queries and concerns of all employees.

Themed “The Power of I”, the fora promoted cooperation and active involvement by emphasizing the significance of each employee in the DCWD team by helping them realize their individual strengths, their weaknesses and what they can contribute.

For the management forum, invited speaker was Joseph Joel C. Del Corro of Migara Consulting and Training Services who helped DCWD officers understand better their personality types and preferences using

the Myers – Briggs type indicator . For the employees fora, speaker was Alwyne Jan C. Perez who gave a motivational talk emphasizing that personal and organizational success starts with the individual.

Rogelio B. Bantiles Sr. was also invited to help employees choose a healthy and profitable option supportive of community development thru his talk titled “Food for Health and Profit with Least Effort”.

Employees forum participants cap the day with their jubilant wacky poses.

GM Edwin V. Regalado answers point-by-point questions in the management forum.

Joseph Joel C. Del Corro explains the importance of acknowledging individual differences.

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The management and employees fora are annual events especially intended to have well-equipped and engaged workforce by setting avenues where they can be oriented with operation updates and future developmental directions of DCWD. It is also where everyone is engaged in various motivational talks and group dynamics that aim to motivate employees to give their best effort in achieving DCWD’s 2020 vision, mission and corporate goals.

(Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod) S

Harnessing the power of

water news

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fficers and ranks attended a series of whole day fora on different schedules in March which highlighted Davao City Water District’s 2014 major accomplishments and 2015 plans and programs.

The afternoon sessions motivated participants to harness the power of “I” or their individual capacity to contribute efficiently to the whole operation of the District.

Alwyne Jan C. Perez inspires participants to focus on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.

Rogelio B. Bantiles Sr. shares the top 10 foods with the most nutritional benefits.

DCWD officers are all eyes and ears to the 2014 accomplishment report.

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water news Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan pays tribute to the awardees and highlights DCWD’s major projects in response to the growing water needs of Davao City.

GM Edwin V. Regalado thanks the awardees for spending their years in the district and honors the family members for being their inspiration.

Civil Service Commission Region XI assistant regional director CyrilNathan SM. Eamiguel lauds DCWD’s efforts to recognize the loyalty and outstanding performance of its employees.

Dir. Charmalou D. Aldevera (mid) receives the memorabilia for her late father former director Atty. Charlemagne B. Aldevera from (from L) GM Regalado, Chairperson Bangayan, OIC - AGMA Mildred G. Aviles and OIC - AGMO Exequiel B. Homez.

ations n / RelEditha formatio ia Public Inmanager Mar munity rs Division (mid) and Com al Affai .

D C. Monjes and Extern do Bernar R) are Relation ager OIC-manJr. (2nd from uwarang Delima d for the Hd given honoure Tubig awar Utilities Lingkod Local Water g them by the tration. Joininado, Dir. Adminism L) GM Regal Jr. and are (fro C. Ledesma .

Serafin son Bangayan Chairper

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(L-R)Mhasanorie C. Diez of the Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Department belts his rendition of “Walk On” encapsulating DCWD’s culture of excellence. Michelle Rose C. Abellana of the Legal Department (LD), Leo Rhey M. Geraldo of the General Services Department, Anne Michelle T. Sumaya of the Information and Communications Technology Department and Mc Adrian T. Bentulan of LD welcome everyone with their performance.

water news DCWD Board of Directors (from L) Vice-Chairperson Abdul M. Dataya, Dir. Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan, Dir. Charmalou D. Aldevera and Dir. Serafin C. Ledesma Jr.

Model employees for the year 2015 (from L) Elvin S. Apor of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department for the non-supervisory level field category, Belinda C. Naranjo of the Engineering and Construction Department for the nonsupervisory level office category, and Sanjib L. Caguimbaga of the Production Department for the supervisory level.

Timbang Kalembang winners (from L) DvM Monje and Human Resource Department OIC-manager Ruth G. Jabines for Team Doubly Bubbly as second runner-up, Ruby L. Portulazo and April A. Concha of Team Achup as overall winner and Janine Joy E. Ellivera and Harold Dexter C. Gilla of Team Shrek as first runnerup. OIC DM Jabines is also awarded as the Ultimate Timbang Kalembang Icon.

Lord of th e Night James Coloma ofAquilino M. th e General Services D (2nd fromepartment R) with (fro GM Re m L) Aldevera galado, Dir. and Dir. Jacinto

Lady of Ma Donna the Night Ma of the Come C. Mu単oz Services De mercial partment.

Teddy Chavez and company serenade everyone during dinner.

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water news

DCWD partners with DepEd for upland educational assistance

Representatives from DCWD and the DepEd Davao City Division headed by official spokesperson and CREAD OIC-manager Bernardo D. Delima Jr. and DepEd Davao City Division superintendent Helen D. Paguican (7th and 6th from L) show the signed memoranda of agreement that seal DCWD and DepEd’s partnership.

D

avao City Water District signed various agreements with the Department of Education (DepEd) Davao City Division and recipient schools for its educational assistance projects in the upland. Said signing was done last February 10, 2015 at the DepEd Davao City Division office with official spokesperson and Community Relations and External Affairs Department OIC-manager Bernardo D. Delima Jr. and DepEd Davao City Division superintendent Helen D. Paguican.

Also present in the ceremony were Environment and Watershed Protection Division manager Anthony D. Miranda and community relations officer Ellanena J. Gabuya, DepEd Adopt-a-School coordinator Teresita del Valle and Baguio District in-charge Melinda A. Roma and heads of recipient schools Hyacinth H. Flores of Tamugan Elementary School, Alejandro P. Auxtero of Tawan-Tawan ES, Eric A. Amistad of Tambobong ES, Charito F. Cortez of Malagos ES and Pelagio A. Wapaño Jr. of Baguio Central ES. Atty. Delima, who spoke on behalf of GM Edwin V. Regalado, thanked the DepEd and school officials for giving DCWD the opportunity to help. He said that assisting the students in the uplands also helps DCWD in its environmental protection campaign as these students and partner schools will become DCWD’s environmental stewards in the watershed areas.

Dr. Paguican and the school heads extended their gratitude for having been chosen by DCWD as recipients in its corporate social responsibility projects. All of them agree that the assistance given will encourage the students to perform well in their studies.

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The educational assistance stipulated in the agreements will be conducted thru various DCWD programs and projects.

These are the “Tulong Eskwela” program for the People’s Organization members of DCWD’s Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watershed rehabilitation project in Barangay Tambobong where they will be given Alternative Learning System (ALS) classes for ten months; the “Karunungan ng Kabataan sa Komunidad” project intended for 30 youth in Barangay Carmen who will also be given ALS classes for six months; and the “Tulong Aral ng DCWD” program for 10 grade five and 10 grade six students of Tamugan, Tawan-Tawan, Tambobong, Malagos and Baguio Central elementary schools who will receive PhP 200 incentive for every rating of 85% or higher in their Science, Math and English classes every periodical grading period. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Dr. Paguican and Atty. Delima shake hands during the ceremonial signing of the agreement.

water news

Youths, environment advocates gather in 15th Eco Camp

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lose to 400 Davao City youths participated in the 15th Eco Camp and artlympics held April 9-11, 2015 at Malagos Park that was sponsored by the Davao City Water District in coordination with the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) and the Watershed and Environmental Protection Coalition in Davao.

Themed “Nurture nature for the future”, the eco camp served as a learning venue for the youth participants through the discussions on current issues concerning the environment, Davao City watersheds and sustainable development.

Representatives from Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS), Watershed Management Council of Davao City, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Environment Management Bureau, Department of Agriculture and Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office discussed various topics on environmentalism.

Official spokesperson and CREAD OIC-manager Bernardo D. Delima Jr. inducts the WMYC new set of officers.

Among the special guests was third district councilor Bong U. Advincula representing Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, DCWD Director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and official spokesperson and Community Relations and External Affairs Department OIC-manager Bernardo D. Delima Jr. who also gave inspirational messages to the participants.

The event likewise featured “Youth on Leading Others” or YOLO talks organized by the WMYC Alumni Association wherein young leaders shared leadership testimonies and experiences. One of the speakers was National Youth Commission commissioner for Luzon Percival Vilar Cendaña.

Judges of the on-the-spot poster making contest IDIS executive director Mary Ann Fuertes and staff Erolle Linus Miranda determine which entry best captures the camp’s theme.

Another event highlight was the artlympics composed of photo contest with watershed as subject matter, on-the-spot poster making and e-pop song competition that both revolved around the theme and baroto contest with entries made out of five kinds of recyclable materials.

Winners were as follows: photo contest champion Trisha Mae Loquino with Rommil Sucaya and Neizha Gonzales in tow; poster contest champion Gregory Nacionales, first runner-up Dianna Kyle Tagalog and second runner-up Anable Caparida; baroto contest champion UGO Freedom Fighters and second and third placers Matinabangon Achievers and Aphrodite group, respectively; and E-pop song competition champion F. Bangoy National High School. With the good turnout of participants, the artlympics met its objective to promote the importance of ridge-to-reef protection among Davao’s youths.

DCWD expressed gratitude to co-sponsors Nanay Bebeng Restaurant, Vitarich Corporation,

Third district councilor Bong U. Advincula delivers inspirational message on behalf of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Goldilocks, Illuminada Farms, Inc., RDL Pharmaceutical Lab, Inc., Naty’s Lechon House, Alternative Catering Services, Orient Glass and Aluminum, Globe Telecom and councilors Antoinette Principe and Leonardo R. Avila III. Lending support to YOLO talks were the NYC, Bez Events Specialist Team Corporation, MGCP Steel Works and Allied Services, Empire Production, Krispy Kreme and Hardware Maxx. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) S Crystal flow

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water news

Employees go green!

“Sa DCWD, kalikasan protektahan sa organikong pamamaraan, para sa masaganang kinabukasan!”

T DCWD employees try their hands at planting common herbs.

his was the winning slogan of the 40 Davao City Water District employees who joined the training on some principles and practices of organic gardening held last February 17-18, 2015 at the Davao Episcopal Mission Center.

The training taught them the basic know-how on organic gardening to prepare them as community volunteers for a soonto-be-implemented corporate social responsibility program of the water utility.

Among the topics covered were the preparation phase of gardening, composting, mulching, cultivation and propagation as well as crops and herbs suitable for domestic use.

Hands-on trainings on composting and potting and planting of herbs were integrated in the two-day seminar.

Resource person Rogelio B. Bantiles Sr. leads the demonstration of how to make a compost at DCWD’s Talomo Pumping Station.

The resource person was Rogelio B. Bantiles Sr., Talamdam sa Panginabuhi (Guide to Livelihood)

broadcaster and columnist.

His expertise in organic agriculture and broad experience in national and international agriculture-related events enabled the participants to appreciate the benefits of organic gardening to their homes, health and the environment.

Gracing the event was Director Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. who urged the participants to learn as much as they can so that they will become effective trainers of organic gardening once they set out in the community. Dir. Ledesma also shared his vision for the water utility to become the prime mover of organic farming in Davao City, true to its commitment of taking a proactive role in environmental protection.

The activity, organized by DCWD’s Regional Training Center, is the first of a series of capacity building trainings for the employeevolunteers designed to promote organic gardening and help create additional livelihood opportunity for the target community. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) S

Tribal scholars thank DCWD for earned college degrees

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hrough Davao City Water District’s Tulong Aral sa Lumad scholarship program, two Obu-Manuvu students graduated college from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Mintal campus. The graduation rites was held last April 14, 2015 at the USEP Mintal campus.

The two recent graduates bring to a total of nine the tribal scholars who have graduated college through said scholarship grant.

Presently, one of them is employed with Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, two with NCCC Calinan and two were absorbed by DCWD.

Veronica M. Binulang finished Bachelor of Science in Community Development and Maljun B. Lambac with Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Mr. Lambac was also conferred Leadership Award for Governance. They thanked the water utility for the educational assistance that enabled them to earn their respective degrees.

The Tulong Aral sa Lumad provides a variety of educational assistance to underprivileged but academically qualified students interested to enroll in any course at the USEP Mintal campus.

It entitles scholars to free tuition and miscellaneous fees of not more than PhP 7,500 and uniform and textbook allowance of PhP 2,500 per semester.

DCWD also gives monthly transportation allowance of PhP 800, meal allowance of Php 1,400 and housing allowance of PhP 600 for five months or for the whole semester.

On behalf of DCWD, GM Edwin V. Regalado congratulated the new graduates who went through stringent selection process to qualify for the scholarship and toiled for four years to keep themselves in the DCWD’s roster of scholars. He also urged incoming college students of tribal descent to avail of the scholarship.

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One scholar taking up Bachelor of Science in Public Administration will be in her senior year come opening of classes this June. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) S

Maljun B. Lambac and Veronica M. Binulang of the Obu-Manuvu tribe earn their undergraduate degrees from USEP Mintal through DCWD’s Tulong Aral sa Lumad scholarship.

legally speaking

When is your

SALARY yours?

Atty. Fairy Faith R. Agustin

S

ALARY is the name and employees surely treasure the same. We often call it as pay, wage, earning, remuneration, income, compensation, etc. All these pertain to one and the same thing – the fruits of our labor.

As such, it is worth knowing the nature of our salaries being government employees, or shall I say as employees of Davao City Water District. But distinction must be made for its character, partake a certain character, before it reaches our dear hands.

Bienvenido N. Mabanto Jr. is a government employee. He is an assistant city fiscal of the Regional Trial Court of Cebu City. A certain Raul H. Sesbreño filed a complaint for damages against him before Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch XVII of Cebu City. Mr. Sebreño won and the trial court ordered Mr. Mabanto Jr. to pay damages. Such order attained finality which prompted the trial court to issue a Writ of Execution on January 15, 1992.

A Notice of Garnishment issued by Judge Jose P. Burgos was then served to Loreto D. de la Victoria as city fiscal of Mandaue City on February 4, 1992 directing him not to disburse, transfer or convey to any other person except to the deputy sheriff concerned the salary checks, monies, or cash due or belonging to Mr. Mabanto Jr. under penalty of law.

Fiscal De la Victoria intentionally did not comply with the court’s order and instead filed a Motion to Quash the said Notice invoking that he cannot legally do so because the checks in his possession were not yet properties of Mr. Mabanto Jr. until the same were delivered to him. He further asserted that those were still public funds which could not be subject to garnishment.

On March 9, 1993, the trial court ordered Fiscal De la Victoria to immediately implement the garnishment of Mr. Mabanto Jr.’s checks and eloquently ratiocinated that “Upon service of the writ of garnishment, petitioner as custodian of the checks was under obligation to hold them for the judgment creditor. Petitioner became a virtual party to, or a forced intervenor in, the case and the trial court thereby acquired jurisdiction to bind him to its orders and processes with a view to the complete satisfaction of the judgment. Additionally, there was no sufficient reason for petitioner to hold the checks because they were no longer government funds and presumably delivered to the payee, conformably with the last sentence of Sec. 16 of the Negotiable Instruments Law.” A Motion for Reconsideration was filed, but unfortunately it was denied on April 20, 1993. Directly to the Supreme Court, Fiscal de la Victoria filed his petition and raised the following issues: (1) whether a check still in the hands of the maker or its duly authorized representative is owned by the payee before physical delivery to the latter; and, (2) whether the salary check of a government official or employee funded with public funds can be subject to garnishment.

The main thesis of Fiscal de la Victoria is that the salary checks of Mr. Mabanto Jr. still formed part of public funds and

therefore beyond the reach of garnishment proceedings. For him, unless and until the said checks were not yet delivered to Mr. Mabanto Jr. he being the garnishee has no obligation to hold and deliver them to the trial court to be applied to Mr. Mabanto Jr.’s judgement debt.

The Supreme Court said, “Petitioner (de la Victoria) well argued his case.”

The hub of the ruling goes this way: “As Assistant City Fiscal, the source of the salary of Mabanto Jr., is public funds.

He receives his compensation in the form of checks from the Department of Justice through petitioner as City Fiscal of Mandaue City and head of office. Under Sec. 16 of the Negotiable Instruments Law, every contract on a negotiable instrument is incomplete and revocable until delivery of the instrument for the purpose of giving effect thereto. As ordinarily understood, delivery means the transfer of the possession of the instrument by the maker or drawer with intent to transfer title to the payee and recognize him as the holder thereof.”

In as much as said checks had not yet been delivered to Mr. Mabanto Jr., they did not belong to him and still had the character of public funds. The salary check of a government officer or employee does not belong to him before it is physically delivered to him. Until that time the check belongs to the government. Accordingly, before there is actual delivery of the check, the payee has no power over it; he cannot assign it without the consent of the government. Being public fund, the checks may not be garnished to satisfy the judgment in consideration of public policy, the Supreme Court concluded.

The petition is thereby granted and in effect, the Orders of the trial court were set aside and Notice of Garnishment dated February 3, 1992 was discharged. (Loreto D. de la Victoria vs. Hon. Jose P. Burgos and Raul H. Sesbreño, G.R. No. 111190, June 27, 1995) In an old case of Republic of the Philippines vs. Hon. Guillermo P. Villasor, et al, GR. No. L-30671, November 28, 1973, a parallel principle was pronounced by the Supreme Court: “A rule which has never been seriously questioned, is that money in the hands of public officers, although it may be due government employees, is not liable to the creditors of these employees in the process of garnishment… as long as they remain in the hands of the disbursing officer of the Government, belong to the latter, although the defendant in garnishment may be entitled to a specific portion thereof.

And still another reason which covers both of the foregoing is that every consideration of public policy forbids it.”

Such principle enunciated in the said cases holds true to our salaries as DCWD or government employees, i.e., until our salaries remained in the purse of DCWD or has not yet reached our hands, it partakes the nature of public fund and for being so, it is beyond the reach of garnishment proceedings. S Crystal flow

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feature

by Maria Editha C. Monje

Me! I am an ordinary creature with ordinary traits but these make me as unique and the same as all other mothers everywhere. Ours is the breed that breathes and sustains life, the only one that loves and cares 24/7 without ceasing. I am multi-roled yet I don’t get confused, I just perfectly know how to handle everything by intuition and continue to hone my skills as I go along. So, among others, me as a mother is a...

Forever lover. I have started loving my children even before they were born. Of course, getting pregnant was never easy. To start with, there were the conception blues like dizziness, disturbing sensitivity towards odor or aroma and taste and weirdly worse is the sudden and unexplainable disgust towards the mere looks of the innocent person sitting beside me, throwing up and many more. Yet, I was excited, carried the weight, took extra care and looked forward to giving birth.

Let’s not talk about the labor pains anymore but this I can say: it was all worth it. Now that my children are big, I still (and never tire) tell them “I love you” every opportunity in every day. They tell me and their Dad the same phrase everyday too. It’s been raining “i love yous” in the family ever since and as their mother, I vow to be their Forever Lover even if they will have their own partners or lovers (huhu) someday.

Stalker. Safety is a primary concern and so I have successfully explained to my kids the importance of me knowing where they are at all times when we’re not together.

So even if my daughter is out late with friends partying and (perhaps) drinking, she tells me where they are and who she is with. So far, my radar serves me right. When talking to them over the phone, sometimes I pay more attention to their surroundings and I tell them, before they inform me, where they are to their amazement. And I tell you, I enjoy stalking my kids and I want to believe that they don’t mind being followed because it gives them cover or that sense of security.

Bank. With my kids in school, the only transaction they have with me is withdrawal. But honestly, my kids are incorruptible. They don’t ask much. Both don’t like being given much money (thank God!).

My girl who studied college in Manila asked me not to send her big allowance and said that if ever she needed more, she will just text or call. And requests for additional were always small in amount. As for my boy, he often gives half of his daily allowance to the school chapel.

He would also give another amount to special collections in class.

Here’s a related story that I am proud to share. Many months after the typhoon Yolanda disaster, I discovered that my son was always hungry in school because he always gave half of his daily allowance to the chapel, a fourth to the Yolanda collection in class and the remaining quarter to the same collection but in the next class section because he cannot simply refuse the charm of the girl who approached him daily for her own class’ Yolanda fund. In the end, the charming girl’s section had more collections courtesy of my son’s generosity. When I asked him why he gave all his money away everyday, he dismissed me by saying “there was a need to give and there’s you, Mom who will always give”.

Really?!

Documentor. I have large bags of photos of my kids from the time I was pregnant with them, when they were born, toddler and growing up years, school activities, Christmases, family vacations and even on no-occasions. Then came the digital cams which allowed me to

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pile discs of their photos and videos and of late, cellular phones that excite me to share their significant moments with the world on Facebook. It’s a good thing that technology downsized photo and video files, otherwise photo prints of my kids may have already filled one bedroom. I just love documenting events in their lives as much as I love collecting and preserving their milk teeth, school medals and honor cards, booties and anything that would remind me of their childhood and teen years. I am a self-professed trying hard documenter. In fact, on my daughter’s 20th birthday, I gifted her with a hardbound book that I filled out the pages with stories of my life with my parents and siblings and of my life with her and her Dad. I gave it during a huge party my husband and I threw for her and her college friends in Quezon City and it awed her in complete pleasant surprise as much as her friends did. This special gift was one which was 20 years in the making. I succeeded in keeping the book from her and journaling events for the past two decades. For that, I gave myself a pat on my back.

Broken record. Like all moms, my kids certify that I am a broken record.

Pray. Eat well and take your vitamins daily. Do advanced reading. Don’t cram. Be good. Keep safe. Choose your friends. Eat more vegetables and less sodas and iced tea. Brush your teeth properly. Don’t stay up late. Blah, blah, blaaaah! Mom! You told me that already, many times. I know that already Mom. Relax Mom, stop being scared, I’m fine and I told you many times before. .... Okey, okey, so I am a broken record. It may be odd but I always have this strange feeling that my kids are not listening or that they just pretend that they do, so I find it a must to be repetitive, not knowing I am already a broken record. But that’s how moms are.

We are broken records, we love being broken records because we want to be heard over and over again. At one point though when my son became visibly peeved, I made an offer. I offered to resign as his Mom and it shocked him. He hugged me, begged me not to resign and promised not to be irritated anymore by my being a broken record. I laughed hard and loud inside myself. My cheeks were puffed with suppressed laughter and threatened to explode from his “defeat”.

Friend. I am a trustful, trusted loyal and all-weather friend to my kids, the same role that I so lovingly extend to their own friends.

I am close to their friends. In fact, we’re friends in FB! We talk about anything under the sun and moon, I understand their feelings, fears and aspirations. I don’t judge them. I take them as they are and as though they are my own. I am not only their Tita, I am also their Mom. A recent incident illustrates all these. As my daughter’s close friend arrived for our lunch date, she giggled out, “Tita, my classmate was literally shocked that I was going to have lunch with you and Jen is not coming since she is also with her other friends for lunch”. Then another Jen’s close friend also arrived and the three of us plus my son Jaj had an enjoyable lunch date. There and then, I realized I am a Mommy friend.

I love being a mom. It is one role that I will never give up for anything. The downs are nothing compared to the million ups that always give me a good high. For whatever role I take for and with my children, a mother is me, overflowing with love, love and more love.

.

Word Search

fun and games

Maze. Find your way out from many twists and turns

The one that slipped away Can you find seven number words hidden in this paragraph? Underline the number words.

Example: the eight could be hidden inside one word, height, or between two words like this: we will ride in a sleigh tonight.

Where has the worm gone? He was wriggling away from my reel even before I had the hook on it! If I’ve lost him, I’ll be sorry. This evening I came prepared with reel, line and bait hoping to catch plenty of fish. It’s not often that a worm of ours gets away!

Sum of Human Knowledge If you multiply the number 142,857 by anything between 1 and 6 the answer contains the same digits. e.g. 142857 x 3 = 428571 and 142857 x 6 = 857142 If you multiply the same figure by 7 the answer is 999,999.

Sources: www.hintsandthings.co.uk www.spelling-words-well.com

opis dey...

by sanoj Crystal

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