Vol. XXIV No. 1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

january - april 2016

janUARY-aprIL 2016

what ’s i nsi de 3 Editor’s Note - A toast to progress and new beginnings 4 From the GM’s Desk - Going an extra mile 5 DCWD responds to LWUA, intensifies El Niño campaign 6 City Council approves Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project 7 Davaoeños celebrate World Water Day 8 Felcris Centrale collection center opens anew in bigger location 9 Mindanao water districts receive service vehicles 10 Employee training and development continues 11 Personnel 12 2015 Accomplishments Highlights and 2016 Major Plans and Programs 14 2015 Model Employees 16 Loyal, outstanding employees honored 18 Three DCWD scholars finish college ComRel launches DCWD WATER Ambassador Program 19 DCWD GAD Client-Focused Programs, now GPB ready 20 Five barangays receive jetmatic pumps 21 Feature - A story of a storyteller 22 Legally Speaking - Water a basic necessity 23 Fun and Games 24 Did you know that...

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eduardo A. Bangayan Chairperson Atty. Abdul M. Dataya Vice - Chairperson 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, DM-HRM OIC - Office of the Assistant General Manager for Administration Engr. Exequiel B. Homez OIC - Office of the Assistant General Manager for Operations

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS Bernadette A. Dacanay, DBA 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

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

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.

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

Core strateGy

About the cover

The cover depicts how water conservation can help mitigate the effects of the El Niño phenomenon. It shows that despite the drought, the people can still thrive by using wisely the water that they have.

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.

Vol. XXIv No. 1

jan-apr 2016

Editorial Board

editor-in-chief MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE, MPA associate editor MADONNA C. LLAGUNO news editor Jovana cresta t. duhaylungsod copy editor Engr. reynaldo m. PETALCORIN features editor JAMAE CONCEPCION G. DELA CRUZ circulation chief JERELL J. LEONIDA artist JONAS A. CAPUTE JR. adviser ATTY. BERNARDO D. DELIMA JR.

Editor’s Note

A toast to progress and new beginnings

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016 promises improvements and new beginnings in our operation as a water utility with more and more developments in water provision, customer service, community relations, and environmental protection while extending support to water utilities in Mindanao. Highlighted in this issue are our accomplishments in 2015 and the upcoming major plans and programs for 2016. Kickstarting the year, we led the massive and citywide Combat El Niño campaign to inform the general public of how water conservation can help mitigate the phenomenon’s effects. The campaign was also carried during our World Water Day celebration alongside the theme Water and Jobs which brought together people from various walks of life and occupations. Further pushing the morale of our operations was the green signal from the Davao City Council for our surface water development project, thus ensuring water supply for the Davaoeños in the years to come. In this issue we also witness the beginnings of our Gender and Development Program with the series of gender analysis conducted which would facilitate very promising community-based projects, the launching of the Water Ambassador program to capacitate DCWD scholars to become effective young stewards of water and the environment, and the continuing provision of alternative water collection to areas we do not yet serve. Complementing the assistance we give to the community is the outpouring and continuing multi-sectoral support for our watershed rehabilitation efforts. In the midst of all these, we recognized loyal and outstanding employees for their dedication in public service and continued personnel development and capacity building programs to fortify the workforce. And, acknowledging our position to help improve water service delivery not just in Davao City but to the whole of Mindanao, we also extended support to our fellow water districts by donating service vehicles.

Maria Editha C. Monje

publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com

However, this is only the beginning. With this kind of momentum in our operations, we look forward to a more productive 2016.

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From the GM’s desk

Going an extra mile T

he defining principle that separates the best people from the great is the willingness to go the extra mile – doing above and beyond what is expected, crossing the boundaries of comfort zones, and maintaining a positive mental attitude to reach a goal. The year 2016 marks progress and growth for DCWD as we continue to expand our services and improve our operation towards efficient water delivery. We are venturing towards new frontiers and we, the DCWD family – the most valuable asset of Davao City’s only water utility, are faced with the challenge to keep up with all these developments. With this kind of direction, we must always keep in mind to do more, exceed expectations, and go the extra mile in whatever task we do. We need to step up and make sure that our efforts complement all the improvements we wish to see in DCWD. Working only in the level of compliance may help us attain our goals, but working in the level of excellence will bring us to new heights. Thus, as we complete our projects, let us open our doors to innovations. Let us not be tied by the safety of conventions. We should envision a grander future in water service delivery and let us all believe that we are bound to reach far greater things. However, as we continue to soar and as we continue to rise, let us all remain grounded. As an end note, let me leave the wise words of a historian, politician, and editor, “No one ever attains very eminent success by simply doing what is required of him; it is the amount and excellence of what is over and above the required that determines the greatness of ultimate distinction.”

Engr. edwin v. regalado General Manager

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Let this be our guiding principle as we move forward to reaching our vision, mission, and goals as a water utility.

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water news

DCWD responds to LWUA, intensifies El Niño campaign uwag Patalo sa El Niño. Tubig Tipirin Mo.

This captures the response of Davao City Water District to the Local Water Utilities Administration’s (LWUA) Memorandum Circular No. 009-15 enjoining water utilities to prepare action plan that would help mitigate the adverse effects of the El Niño Phenomenon. The campaign ran from October 2015 until June 2016.

San Pedro College Basic

Education Department

DCWD’s citywide information and awareness campaign includes radio, television, and newspaper advertisements; info materials displayed at offices, on DCWD-owned billboards, and on street light posts; poster brigade in government offices and schools; and, monthlong exhibits in schools. The info materials are variations of the different tips to reduce, reuse and recycle water. Intensive promotion of DCWD’s Central Information Unit/Call Center hotline numbers where the public may report street and water meter leaks also forms part of the campaign.

Holy Cross College of Sasa

Likewise, the environment-themed celebrations observed by DCWD such as the 2015 Davao City Water Consciousness Month in November and the 2016 World Water Day celebration in March carried and promoted the message of fighting the dry spell through prudent use of water and protection of water resources. In a related undertaking, the water utility posted festival greetings bearing simple reminder to conserve water along major thoroughfares and distributed 10,000 bottled water for free as support to the 78th Araw ng Davao celebration last March 2016. It also donated bottled water to the volunteers of the unfortunate Mt. Apo fire incident in the same month exacerbated by El Niño. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) S

City’s major thoroughfares

DCWD Bajada office

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water news

City Council approves Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project

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he Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of Davao City Water District got 16 nods from the City Council approving the resolution to enact an ordinance for the realization of said project during the second reading last March 1. This positive development continues the breakthrough that the project had last year in December when the City Council granted the amendment in the Davao City Watershed Management Code allowing the construction or maintenance of structures, fences or enclosures, and construction of business enterprise in the watershed area granting it will be beneficial to the watershed areas and recharge areas. This amendment lifts the restriction and will now allow the construction of facilities for Davao City’s first ever surface water source. With the green signal from the City Council, Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan expressed optimism that the project will proceed without any more hitches. He said that there was time lost but DCWD and its partner Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. will fast track the implementation. Chairperson Bangayan said that the bulk water supply is a

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priority project of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. Aside from thanking the city council in aiding DCWD in realizing its mandate, GM Edwin V. Regalado also expressed how important the approval means not just to the water utility but also to the Davaoeños. “This is the first step towards the realization of our aim and that is to supply sufficient and quality water for the next 30 years,” GM Regalado said. Once operational, the new water source will augment DCWD’s water yield to up to 121 million cubic meters per year to serve an additional 36,000 service connections; create three more additional water systems, namely, Mandug, Indagan, and Talandang; expand services to six more barangays; and, increase water supply in areas served by DCWD’s Cabantian, Calinan, Dumoy, Panacan, and Tugbok water supply systems. Moreover, water quality will also improve in areas served by Cabantian and Panacan water supply systems. Availability of this new source will also lessen DCWD’s groundwater extraction giving Davao City’s aquifers the opportunity to recharge.

In a statement, Apo Agua Inc. president Rene B. Ronquillo who also thanked the city council said, “This approval paves the way to our being able to undertake the next important steps of securing the other government regulatory requirements necessary to proceed with the construction of this project. Our company is extremely proud and honored that together with DCWD, we are given the extraordinary opportunity to upgrade the water supply system of Davao City so that Davaoeños will enjoy adequate and reliable water supply for the long term.” The bulk water supply project is a partnership between DCWD and Apo Agua. The latter will be in charge with the construction of the bulk water supply facilities and the processing of the necessary permits needed for the construction. DCWD will be in charge with the distribution and delivery of water to consumers. The water utility has already started construction of primary distribution mains and storage facilities, one of which is the Tigatto-Mandug project completed in November last year. (Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod) s

A

Water Caravan

Government agency exhibit

water news

Davaoeños celebrate World Water Day

Kalikantahan winner Rosario O. Miasis

bout a thousand Davaoeños celebrated World Water Day with Davao City Water District last March 19 at People’s Park in a whole day affair dubbed Kalingawan Para sa Kinaiyahan. This year’s theme Water and Jobs emphasized the importance and issues confronting jobs in water-related sectors that ensure safe water provision and delivery. Aside from advocating this year’s theme, the celebration also highlighted DCWD’s Combat El Niño campaign to raise awareness on the effects of the phenomenon. GM Edwin V. Regalado welcomed the participants and expressed his appreciation for their presence and participation. He also encouraged them to take part in water conservation and environmental protection.

Kickstarting the whole day affair was the Zumbaga ang El Niño. After the workout, the participants enjoyed the Lugaw Para sa Masa sponsored by the City Mayor’s Office and bottled water from DCWD. A government agency exhibit showcased the services and environmental protection programs of DCWD’s Engineering and Construction Department, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Health (DOH). For the Water Caravan or motorcade around the major city routes, participating agencies were BFAR, Central 911, Civil Service

Zumbaga ang El Niño!

Commission, Department of Agriculture, DENR, DOH, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Interior and Local Government with the assistance of the Davao City Police Office and Traffic Management Center. In the afternoon, 10 groups from all over the city battled in the Kalisayawan dance contest while 10 contestants competed in the Kalikantahan amateur singing contest. Contestants ended their respective performances with a three-liner message on water conservation and environmental protection.

Typezone Familia won first place in Kalisayawan with Next Element in second place and Crossover Family in third place. The top three winners bested the Kite Dancers, Mix Avenue, Mix Movers of Barangay Gumalang, Hi-Lights, One Republic, CB Dance Troupe, and Tyga Crew. For Kalikantahan, 60-year old Rosario O. Miasis was hailed overall winner. Second placer was Gemma G. Salonga and third placer was Lorna O. Querol. The other participants who joined were Angelie A. De Castro, Leomar J. Andres, Eldie B. Vallejo, Zandro N. Ramos, Leah Mae M. Alaban, Alfred P. Lonoy, and Michelle C. Uyamot. All contest winners were given cash prizes, giveaways, and plaques while the participants received customized eco bags, bookmarks, and notebooks bearing environmental protection and water conservation messages.

Kalisayawan champ overall winner Typezone Familia

For nine years, DCWD has been one with the world in celebrating World Water Day to promote the importance and sustainable management of freshwater resources. (Katrina Belen M. Roble) s

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water news Fr. Richard C. Ong officiates the blessing and inauguration ceremony.

Felcris Centrale collection center opens anew in bigger location D

avao City Water District Felcris Centrale collection center transferred to a bigger location and was blessed and inaugurated on February 11.

Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan (L), Dir. Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and Dir. Abdul M. Dataya (4th and 5th from L) give freebies to DCWD customers.

Located at the second floor, this payment center can accommodate more customers than the temporary collection center in front of the Felcris Centrale supermarket which opened last May 11, 2015. Fr. Richard C. Ong officiated the blessing ceremony. Gracing the affair were Board Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan, Dir. Abdul M. Dataya, Dir. Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, and the management headed by GM Edwin V. Regalado. DCWD customized drawstring knapsacks, foldable fans, bookmarks, and notebooks were given to the early bird payers. Like DCWD’s Victoria Plaza and SM Lanang Premier collection centers, the Felcris Centrale collection center is open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) s Customers fill the new collection center on its opening day.

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ixteen water districts in Mindanao received second hand service vehicles from Davao City Water District. The official signing of the memorandum of agreement between DCWD management and the recipient water districts and turnover of said vehicles were done on January 26.

Chairperson of the Board Committee on Property Dir. Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. also said that as DCWD expands its operations, it will continue assisting the other water districts by giving serviceable vehicles and equipment no longer fit for large service coverage areas.

Lupon, Dapitan, Manolo Fortich, Sibagat, Wao, Quezon, Pres. M.A. Roxas, and Tubod-Baroy water districts each received Mitsubishi L300 while Bislig and Kauswagan water districts both got a Suzuki Bayan Cab. Carmen WD was given a Mazda T300 light truck and M’Lang WD a Toyota Hilux. Hinatuan, Tagbina, Lianga, and Talisayan water districts each accepted a motorcycle.

On behalf of the recipients, Wao WD GM Tomas Carumba Jr. thanked DCWD for the donation.

According to GM Edwin V. Regalado, the donation is part of DCWD’s support to the smaller water districts in Mindanao and his commitment as the incumbent chairperson of the Mindanao Association of Water Districts to help its members improve customer service.

water news

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Mindanao water districts receive service vehicles General Manager for Operations Engr. Exequiel B. Homez and the Disposal Committee headed by Finance and Property Department manager Bernadette A. Dacanay. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) s

Also present during the ceremony were OIC of the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Administration Mildred G. Aviles, OIC of the Office of the Assistant

Wao WD GM Tomas Carumba Jr. thanks DCWD for the assistance.

The general managers of 16 recipient water districts pose with Chairperson of the Board Committee on Property Dir. Serafin C. Ledesma Jr., GM Edwin V. Regalado (seated, 4th & 5th from L) and other DCWD officers.

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water news

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he Davao City Water District-Regional Training Center (DCWD-RTC) opened the year 2016 with various fora, training, orientation, and retreat programs for the employees. Among the orientation programs were the Phase 1 of the Building Common Ground for Permanent Employees held on February 29 and March 3 and 11. A total of 41 newly-hired permanent employees were oriented on DCWD’s policies on human resource management including office decorum, leave administration, and compensation and benefits. Facilities tour for new Job Order Employees (JOE) was also conducted in four batches between February to May. The tours gave 58 JOEs the opportunity to witness first-hand the operation of DCWD and meet their fellow employees manning

the major water supply systems facilities and infrastructures. In observance of the Holy Week, two batches of Lenten Recollection attended by 62 employees were conducted in partnership with the MIC Retreat House on March 22 and 23. As support to skills development, 45 employees were trained on operation and maintenance of portable air compressors and jackhammers on March 31 while 16 employees participated in the seminar on verification of common laboratory instruments on April 22 and 23. The Management Annual Forum (MAF) was held on March 30. Aside from the presentation of the 2016 plans, programs, and budget, the officers underwent a workshop on business process

documentation as part of the Quality Management System. Discussed were updates on human resource matters and guidelines on the use of personal protective equipment. The MAF also served as platform for dialogue with the management. The successful conduct of the MAF signaled the start of the Employees Forum series, which for this year focused on basic water utility operations. In addition to the in-house trainings, a Water Safety Plan Orientation and Development for 51 participants from different member water districts of the Local Water Utilities Administration was conducted on April 19 until 22. The DCWD-RTC continues to gear up for upcoming trainings to capacitate employees and different water districts all over the country. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) s

Employee training and development

continues

Training for Operation and Maintenance of Portable Air Compressors and Facilities Tour for Newly Hired Job Order Employees Jackhammers

Lenten Recollection

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Building Common Ground (Phase 1) for Permanent Employees

personnel

CONGRATULATIONS! NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT PERSONNEL

MICHAEL P. OMAMBAT

JOAN T. FRANCISCO

Senior Accounting Processor A Accounting Department

Clerk-Processor B Production Department

ANGELI MAY C. ANSALE Clerk-Processor D Community Relations & External Affairs Department

JOEL L. FERANDOS Industrial Security Guard B Production Department

NEWLY PROMOTED PERMANENT PERSONNEL

ARIES GRACE A. LAGANSUA

NONES D. ANINO

ALFRE G. MUAÑA

Senior Quality Control/ Assurance Inspector Production Department

Senior Accounting Processor A Accounting Department

Senior Transport Electrician General Services Department

Employees Awarded with Career and Self-Development Incentive under the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence

MILDRED G. AVILES

BERNADETTE A. DACANAY

Office of the General Manager Doctor of Management-Human Resource Management Ateneo de Davao University

Finance & Property Department Doctor of Business Administration Ateneo de Davao University

Judith P. Marquez Corporate Planning Department Master of Business Administration major in Corporate Management

GIOVANNE S. BAJALA Production Department Master in Public Administration Lyceum-Northwestern University

University of Southeastern Philippines

THANK YOU FOR THE 30 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH DIGNITY AND HONOR retired permanent employee Allan Victor L. Laguesma Division Manager A Board Secretariat

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water news

2015 Model

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avao City Water District recognizes its workforce as the most important resource and partners in achieving organizational goals. Thus, for many years now, DCWD honors employees who are exemplary in the performance of their duties, promote team work, and inspire excellence in others thru the Model Employee of the Year (MEY) under the Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence. The MEY award conferred every year is the highest recognition given to an employee. And each year, the search gets more intensive as employees’ performance parallel with DCWD’s growth and accomplishments. Thus, for the MEY committee, choosing the best among the best is not easy. For year 2015, 11 employees who have made significant contributions were nominated. The nominees underwent series of interviews and evaluation and only those who garnered an average grade of 95% qualified as runners-up for the supervisory level and non-supervisory level (field and office categories). From the runners-up, GM Edwin V. Regalado selected the winners under each level and category.

Winners, runners-up, and nominees were then recognized during the Grand Awards Night last April 13 at the SMX Convention Center. Aside from receiving plaques of recognition, Model Employees were granted PhP50,000 travel incentive with seven days official time off while runners-up received PhP5,000. (May Lissa G. Deocampo) s

Model Employee of the Year Supervisory Level

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ngr. George Christopher D. Atencio Jr. is a hardworking employee. As the Supervising Engineer and the designated Construction Manager of the Project Monitoring Office, he mentors and continuously motivates engineers and inspectors to ensure the proper execution of various DCWD projects.

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Non-Supervisory Level - Field Category

J

aime R. Rom is a Watershed Resources Facilities Tender B under the Community Relations and External Affairs Department (CREAD). Assigned in Manuel Guianga within DCWD’s project site in Mt. TalomoLipadas Watershed, he exemplified ingenuity using waste materials to build portable chairs and rain water harvesting containers for the community. On top of his core function in community organizing and watershed rehabilitation, he also conducts free seminar on basic plumbing to the community where he is assigned.

Runners-up

Non-Supervisory Level - Field Category

water news

Employees Nominee

Non-Supervisory Level – Office Category

Engr. Gilbeys S. Betinol

Engineer B of the Engineering and Construction Department

Non-Supervisory Level – Field Category

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ico T. Candones, Community Relations Assistant under CREAD, is recognized for his exemplary contributions to various livelihood, agro-forestry projects, and other socioeconomic programs of DCWD.

Gamaliel F. Abiday Senior Water Maintenance Man B of PAMD

Romeo P. Cerilo

Senior Water Maintenance Man B of PAMD

Eric A. Bation

Customer Service Assistant A of the Commercial Services Department (CSD)

Rogelio P. Sibal

Water Maintenance Foreman of PAMD

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oger M. Talbo, Water Maintenance Foreman under the Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Department (PAMD) is acknowledged for his commendable performance in special projects including major pipe works and emergency repairs.

Nelson V. Maralit

Customer Service Assistant A of CSD

John J. Trinidad

Customer Service Assistant A of CSD

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water news

Loyal, Outstanding E

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n a simple ceremony, loyaltyin-service awardees and model employees of Davao City Water District were recognized and honored during the 7th Grand Awards Night last April 13 at the SMX Convention Center. The theme for the night exemplified that being a hero is not just about having extraordinary powers – it is about ordinary people, like the awardees of the night, who do extraordinary feats including dedicating a decade or more of their lives in public service and being outstanding in their work. s

GM Edwin V. Regalado pays tribute and honors the heroes of DCWD for their resilience and years of dedicated service to the water utility.

Dir. Abdul M. Dataya salutes the awardees for their efforts and reminds them to continue excelling in their respective fields.

Focal person of the search for the Model Employees of the Year Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr. shares the selection process.

10 years

25 years

The Fifth Tone serenades everyone during dinner.

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DCWD top management and officers pose for posterity with Dir. Charmalou D. Aldevera (botto m row, 9th from left)

Model Employee of the Year 2015 supervisory level Engr. George Christopher D. Atencio Jr.

Model Employee of the Year 2015 nonsupervisory level field category Jaime R. Rom

water news

Employees Honored

Winners, runners-up and nominees of MEY 2015 (upper row, from L) Eric A. Bation, Gamaliel F. Abiday, Rico T. Candones, Roger M. Talbo, Romeo P. Cerilo, Rogelio P. Sibal, (lower row, from L) Gilbeys S. Betinol, George Christopher D. Atencio Jr., Jaime R. Rom, and John J. Trinidad.

7 th Grand Awards Night

20 years

April 13, 2016, SMX Convention Center

30 years

OIC of Office of the AGMA Mildred G. Aviles (leftmost) and Dir. Charmalou D. Aldevera (rightmost) award the Lady of the Night Zora B. Carbonilla (mid) with the other nominees (from L) Grace G. Orion, Zenaida M. Ebero, Aimee Belle T. Luy and Engr. Honeylette Mia C. Ferolin.

35 years

Lord of the Night Danilo B. Tagalog (R) with nominee Nelson B. Lamoste strikes a pose before the announcement of winner.

Jazz up Crew entertains with a dance number.

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water news

Three DCWD scholars finish college T hree recipients of Davao City Water District’s scholarship programs graduated from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) April this year.

Rhesa L. Ingay of the Obu-Manuvu tribe graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration on April 21 at the USeP Mintal campus. Non-tribal scholars Emy-mhar P. Concon graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Technology and Daniel J. Mediante graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Both scholars graduated on April 22 at the USeP Obrero campus. On behalf of the three scholars, Mediante expressed their gratitude, “Kung

Rhesa L. Ingay

Emy-mhar P. Concon

di tungod sa inyuha, wala mi karon diri, wala pa mi nakahuman ug eskwela. Salamat gyud kaayo sa inyong tabang. Dili namo sayangon ang inyong tabang sa amua (If not for DCWD, we would not have finished our education. Thank you very much for your assistance. We will not waste the assistance you have extended to us.)” He also vowed to pursue their respective careers. Since 1993, Tulong Ninyo, Diploma Ko! scholarship program for non-tribal scholars have already produced 24 graduates. The Tulong Aral sa Lumad scholarship program, launched in 2005 for tribal youths, have now produced 10 graduates.

Daniel J. Mediante

The scholarship programs offer free tuition and miscellaneous fees and uniform and textbook, monthly transportation, and meal allowances. Tribal scholars are also given housing allowance for the whole semester. DCWD believes that the scholarship programs will shape conscientious and proactive young individuals that will contribute to nation-building. To date, DCWD continues to support 11 tribal scholars studying at USeP Mintal Campus and two non-tribal scholars studying at USeP Obrero campus. (Katrina Belen M. Roble) s

ComRel launches DCWD Water Ambassador Program T he Community Relations (ComRel) Division launched the Davao City Water District WATER Ambassador Program last April 29 during the tribute organized for the DCWD scholars who graduated in April. WATER stands for well-rounded, actiondriven, tenacious, environment conscious, and responsible citizen. Said program aims to fortify the existing scholarships of the water utility by providing beneficiaries, especially the tribal scholars, appropriate learning interventions designed to create a strong academic support system and to help the scholars become environmentally and socially conscious.

The WATER ambassadors together with former scholars turned DCWD employees and DCWD employees and officers headed by GM Edwin V. Regalado (standing, 9th from L).

The launching was graced by the top management headed by GM Edwin V. Regalado. Also among those who attended were former DCWD scholars who are already currently employed with DCWD. These were Engr. Dennis A. Maningo (Water

Meter Maintenance Division manager) of the General Services Department, Engr. Luzvimin P. Padolina (Engineer B) of the Commercial Services Department, Arvin S. Medina (Clerk Processor B) of the Production Department, and Marvin S. Daguidor

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(Community Relations Assistant) and Julius B. Lambac and Javier A. Sajid (Community Development Officers) of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department. (Katrina Belen M. Roble) s

he Community Relations and External Affairs Department through the Community Relations (ComRel) Division is lodged with the implementation of the Gender and Development (GAD) - Client-Focused Programs of Davao City Water District. As such, it is tasked to design genderresponsive programs aligned with its mandate.

plan, act, monitor, evaluate, reflect, and scale up community action.

The ComRel Division plans to conduct more GAs throughout the year and intends to fully implement DCWD’s GAD PAPs in 2017.

water news

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DCWD GAD Client-Focused Programs, now GPB ready

01 or the Guidelines for the preparation of annual GPB and accomplishment reports to implement the Magna Carta of Women issued by National Economic Development Authority, Department of Budget and Management and PWC. It directs that formulation of GPBs should be in the context of an institution’s mandates

This undertaking emanates from the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2012-

Continued page20

In order to conscientiously mainstream GAD in the DCWD’s Programs, Activities and Projects (PAPs), ComRel first conducted Gender Analysis (GA) for DCWD to be GAD Plan and Budget (GPB) ready in 2017 and onwards pursuant to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Memorandum Circular Order 2015-03 which provides two-year GPB moratorium to local water districts from 2015 to 2016. Thus, conducted were two-phase GAs in Brgy. Gatungan in Bunawan District and Brgy. Lacson in Calinan District from February to April. Identified in the GAs by the community were various gender issues on water, sanitation and hygiene and other societal dimensions, which, in turn, will be used as bases for DCWD’s PAPs. Gender issues are concerns arising from the unequal status of women and men stakeholders including the extent of their disparity over benefits from and contribution to a policy/program and/or project of an agency. In these GAs, the ComRel Division used the Participatory Learning Action tools, namely: semi – structured interview, gender socialization, gender dimensions, transect walk – map, resource map, social map, venn diagram, pair wise ranking, seasonal calendar, problem wall and solution tree, 24-activity profile, among others. These tools allowed the participants to describe their respective experiences and realities as they understand them. The tools also enabled and empowered people to present, share, analyze, and enhance their knowledge of life and condition to

Women and girl children of Brgy. Lacson draw a transect map showcasing the resources and concerns they observe in their community.

Community Relations Division staff (from R) Javier A. Sajid and Crispina B. Virador conduct keyinformant interview with a senior citizen on reproductive-productive roles and water, sanitation and hygiene in Brgy. Gatungan.

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water news

Five barangays receive jetmatic pumps

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avao City Water District gives jetmatic pumps to five barangays through the Patubig sa Barangay Project. Said project aims to establish community-based water facilities in rural and urban areas not yet served by DCWD. The jetmatic pumps were donated to the following barangays and received by their respective barangay captains: seven units to Tibungco by Merjade D. Calvo on April 4, five units to Calinan by Pedrito C. Angco, and two units to Malagos by Lydia A. Liong on March 22. Also scheduled to be donated in May are five jetmatic pumps to Brgy. Sirawan and 10 jetmatic pumps to Brgy. Mandug. About 6,500 individuals will benefit through the provision of these 29 jetmatic pumps.

Brgy. Calinan officials headed by (2nd from R) Hon. Pedrito C. Angco receive the jetmatic pumps donated by DCWD.

The water utility has always been keen on ensuring the well-being of the communities inside and even outside its served areas. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, DCWD continues its commitment to make meaningful contributions to the improvement of people’s quality of life, welfare, and development by going beyond water service delivery to introducing alternative ways of water collection. Since 2004, DCWD has donated a total of 173 jetmatic pumps to 40 barangays. (Katrina Belen M. Roble) s

Community relations officer Ellanena J. Gabuya (3rd from L) turns over the jetmatic pumps to Brgy. Capt. Merjade D. Calvo for Tibungco. DCWD GAD.... From page 19

to “mainstream gender perspectives in their policies, programs and projects” and it shall be integrated in its activities with at least 5% implementation cost out of its total budget. Gender mainstreaming ensures women’s and men’s experiences and concerns are accounted for when designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating policies and programs to guarantee that all women and men

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benefit and to avoid inequality. To do so, a GA should be conducted in order to compare the relative advantages and disadvantages faced by men and women in various spheres of life taking into consideration how factors such as class, age, race, ethnicity, culture, and society interact with gender to produce discriminatory results. Other than a mandate, the importance of GA also stems from the

global recognition that water is part of gender inequality. As Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary General pointed out, “Water challenges go beyond questions of access. In many countries, girls are forced to drop out of school owing to a lack of sanitation facilities, and women are harassed or assaulted when carrying water or visiting a public toilet.” (Atty. Jennife D. Borong) s

I

Most often than not, that persona of the storyteller is associated with the stories that she tells and how she narrates her tales. The editor-in-chief (EIC) of this publication, Maria Editha “Gee-aye� C. Monje, is a storyteller of extraordinary caliber. She has put her thoughts, poured her heart, and shared her two-cents for years to the readers of Crystal Flow. And she did so remarkably. Anyone who has had the privilege to have his or her work scrutinized by her would know this for a fact. However, more than just a storyteller, she embodies a story that has to be revealed. And as she bids us adieu as the EIC following her early retirement from public service, it is time to put the storyteller in the limelight. Everyone who knows her - family, friends, fellow workers - knows that she loves to tell stories. This may be because she has so many anecdotes of fun and inspiration to share. She recounts her adventures and misadventures of exceptional detail as far as reciting every line in a poem she learned during her second grade decades and decades after! She talks about a variety of things may it be her kids, motherhood, family, work, love, and life. She can indulge you to a discussion on politics about the intricacies of foreign government one minute and shift, without pause, on the importance of including the eyebrows when dyeing the hair. She can go on and on without exhaustion and her listeners would never tire as she will always have something interesting, funny, and practical to share including the proper way to hang jeans and how to organize the clothes inside the drawer making sure to put the newly laundered clothes at the bottom of the stack.

A story of a storyteller

feature

n every story, there is a storyteller who writes tales inspired by the beauty of the mundane and fused with the experiences and stories of others. She carefully picks out scenes from her imagination, meticulously chooses words from her seemingly depthless depository of vocabulary, and conscientiously puts them together to create a well-crafted story.

by Katrina Belen M. Roble

But more than a storyteller, she is foremost a leader. Similar to how the brain maneuvers the body in perfect synchronization, she has led her team to perform and deliver. Her strong sense of direction and purpose lets her foresee where her team should be heading, guiding them to share the same vision. Thus, she mentors them in her own unique way. Although she tells them what needs to be done, but as she trusts the skills and talents of her team, she never dictates how to accomplish tasks. Instead, she guides them and gives them her full confidence that they will be able to deliver. She helps each one of her team to discover their individual strengths and to realize their individual roles. More than teaching lessons on creating stories, she teaches them lessons about life. She is also a perfectionist. She sets goal for her team by aiming to be the best and

going through all the means to achieve that goal. She does this without compromising quality, always stressing to strive for perfection in every article, layout, and issue. However, if there are shortcomings, she does not fail to emphasize that a mistake is a lesson to be learned and never to be repeated. As she has a team that believes in her, she is a fighter. She is tough when it comes to decision-making. In every issue that comes out, she stands firm on the choices she makes. This character echoes to the people around her, influencing them to become fighters - strong, independent, and ready to face the world. But amidst the strength that she exudes, she is the mother of the Editorial Board. Her kind heart shows in her compassion and genuine concern for her team. She sees the good in each person, believes in people, and pushes them to become the best versions of themselves. She cares for her team like how she cares for her children. On top of everything, her remarkable leadership and countless contributions led her team to earn numerous recognitions in and out of the office including the awards reaped by this publication. These awards are just fruits of the work she has done and the influence that she has made. However, it is her strong influence to her team that is the true reflection of her character. This we know will surely make it easy for her to make waves, not ripples, in the next chapter of her life. s

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legally speaking

ater is a basic need in human settlements, without which the community would not survive.” This is the Supreme Court declaration in the case of “Emeteria Liwag vs. Happy Glen Loop Homeowners Association, Inc.”, G.R. No. 189755, July 4, 2012 in disallowing the removal of a water facility within the Happy Glen Loop Subdivision in Deparo, Caloocan City. For almost 30 years, the residents of the subdivision relied on said water facility as their water source. The facility is situated in Lot 11, Block 5, a property bought by the late Hermogenes Liwag. However, the widow of Mr. Liwag, Emerita Liwag, asked for the removal of the facility from her property. In order to better understand the decision of the Supreme Court, here are the events that transpired in retrospect. In 1978, F.G.R. Sales, the original developer of Happy Glen Loop, obtained a loan from Ernesto Marcelo, the owner of T.P. Marcelo Realty Corporation. F.G.R. Sales failed to pay its obligation to Marcelo and this led the former assigning to the latter all rights over the subdivision including receivables from the lots already sold. Being the successor-ininterest of the original developer, Marcelo represented to subdivision lot buyers, the National Housing Authority, and the Human Settlement Regulatory Commission that a water facility is available in the Subdivision.

The Association timely elevated the case to the Office of the President (OP), which set aside the Decision of the HLURB Board of Commissioners and affirmed that of the Housing and Land Use Arbiter. The OP ruled that Lot 11, Block 5 was an open space, because it was the site of the water installation of the subdivision, per Marcelo’s official representation on file with the HLURB National Capital Region Field Office. Finally, it ruled that petitioner was aware of the representations made by Marcelo and his predecessors-in-interest, because he had acknowledged the existence of a water installation system as per his Affidavit of August 10, 1982. The Court of Appeals agreed with the OP that an easement for water facility existed on the subject parcel of land and formed part of the open space required to be reserved by the subdivision developer under P.D. 957. Aggrieved, Mrs. Liwag filed a Petition before the Supreme Court. The issue in this case is: whether or not Lot 11, Block 5 of Happy Glen Loop Subdivision forms part of its open space. The Supreme Court answered in the affirmative and pronounced that it falls in the subdivision open space. In toto, the Supreme Court said: The term “open space” is defined in P.D. 1216 as “an area reserved exclusively for parks, playgrounds, recreational uses, schools, roads, places of worship, hospitals, health centers, barangay centers, and other similar facilities and amenities.

In September 1995, Hermogenes Liwag bought Lot 11, Block No. 5 in the subdivision and consequently he was issued with Transfer Certificate of Title (TCT) No. C-350099. He was fully aware that the water facility is already within the property when he bought the lot. When Hermogenes died in 2003, his wife Emeteria wrote the Happy Glen Loop Homeowners Association, Inc., demanding the removal of the water facility in their property. However, instead of giving heed to by Atty. Fairy Faith R. Agustin her demand, the Association filed before the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) an action for specific performance; confirmation, maintenance, and donation of water facilities; annulment of sale; and, cancellation of TCT No. 350099 against T.P. Marcelo Realty Corporation, Mrs. Liwag, and the other surviving heirs of Mr. Liwag. In a decision dated October 5, 2004, the Housing and Land Use Arbiter ruled in favor of the Association invalidating the transfer of land in favor of Mr. Liwag and confirmed the existence of an easement for water system/facility or open space on Lot 11, Block 5 of TCT No. C-350099 wherein the deep well and overhead tank are situated. On appeal, the HLURB Board of Commissioners reversed the Arbiters’ decision and declared that Lot 11, Block 5 was not an open space.

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The decree makes no specific mention of areas reserved for water facilities. Therefore, we resort to statutory construction to determine whether these areas fall under “other similar facilities and amenities.” The basic statutory construction principle of ejusdem generis states that where a general word or phrase follows an enumeration of particular and specific words of the same class, the general word or phrase is to be construed to include – or to be restricted to – things akin to or resembling, or of the same kind or class as, those specifically mentioned. Applying this principle to the afore-quoted Section 1 of P.D. 1216, we find that the enumeration refers to areas reserved for the common welfare of the community. Thus, the phrase “other similar facilities and amenities” should be interpreted in like manner. Here, the water facility was undoubtedly established for the benefit of the community. Water is a basic need in human settlements, without which the community would not survive. We therefore rule that, based on the principle of ejusdem generis and taking into consideration the intention of the law to create and maintain a healthy environment in human settlements, the location of the water facility in the Subdivision must form part of the area reserved for open space.” This Supreme Court declaration is a simple recognition of the indispensible role of water facility in every community; an affirmation that water is a basic need indeed. s

Fun and Games

1. Brain Teaser There is a man found dead in a circular mansion. The detective interviews the cook, maid, and babysitter. The cook said he couldn’t have done it because he was preparing the meal. The maid said she couldn’t have done it because she was dusting the corners of the house. The babysitter said she couldn’t because she was playing with the children. Who was lying? Source: www.squiglysplayhouse.com

4. 10 Letter Words Puzzle

2. Matchstick Puzzle

Source: brainden.com 3. A Lot of Thought What is the number of the parking space containing the car?

Source: www.jpfun.com Answers: 1. The maid. Because there are no corners in a circular mansion; 2. Move the vertical stick from the plus sign (+) to “6” to form the number ”8”. 8 – 4 = 4; 3. 87

Source: www.wimp.com

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we notice a distinct smell in the air after it rains? That smell is caused by bacteria called actinomycetes.

intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair? Cool!

French physician Rene Laennec invented the stethoscope in 17811826? He felt it was inappropriate to place his ear on his largebuxomed female patients’ chests that’s why he invented it.

“Facebook Addiction Disorder” is a mental disorder identified by Psychologists? FAD is not just in clothing anymore!

111,111,111 X 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321? Amazing!

Compiled by Madonna C. Llaguno

the best way to tell if you have bad breath is to lick your wrist? Wanna try? After licking, let your saliva dry then smell it.

the practice of eating horseflesh is called hippophagy? Hmmm…have you tried eating this meat?

there is a snake called the boomslang? its venom causes you to bleed out from every orifice on your body. You may even turn blue from internal bleeding and it can take up to five days to die from the bleeding.

the word gorilla is derived from a Greek word meaning “a tribe of hairy women? www.thefactsite.com/www.rich-hancock.com www.livin3.com/www.factsd.com www.factslides.com/facts.randomhistory.com