Vol. XXIII No. 2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

MAY - AUGUST 2015

Cover photo credit: Robinson Niñal Jr. of Mindanao Daily Mirror

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c o n t e n t s EDITOR’S NOTE

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Forging partnerships, reaping results

FROM THE GM’S DESK

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One with sustainable development

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WATER NEWS

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DCWD presents Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project to stakeholders

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Service improvement projects nearing completion

8 Gov’t agencies join

DCWD Ocean Month celeb

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DCWD brings Kalikabildo to three colleges in the city

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Personnel

City rescue teams boost DCWD’s plastic bottle boat making contest Felcris Centrale collection center opens Solar powers new reservoirs DCWD goes spot billing Customers get freebies School children receive school supplies 14 DCWD supported students finish ALS program

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Adopt-a-Site Project gets more support Employees do tree parenting

Upland communities thank DCWD anew for medical dental missions

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DCWD supports GAD forum, skills trainings Legally Speaking

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Feature

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Fun and games

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Did you know that…

12 tribal scholars added

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. 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.

Photo credits:   Robinson Niñal Jr. of Mindanao Daily Mirror   The pipeline bridge of Davao City Water District in between the two Gov. Generoso bridges is a new city attraction especially at night with its lighted cables.

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

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, MM 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, 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

Corporate philosophy Service with Dignity and Honor Vol. XXIII No. 2

ERRATUM Amidst all considerable efforts to ensure the accuracy of all information included in the January – April 2015 issue of Crystal Flow, an error has slipped our meticulous eyes. We apologize to Ma. Consuelo J. Maravilla whose name was misspelled to Ma. Consuela J. Maravilla in the Personnel section on page 14.

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. 2

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

May-august 2015

May-august 2015

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

Forging partnerships, reaping results

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ead through these pages and see how Davao City Water District has forged and expanded partnerships with different sectors for the success of our undertakings. We partnered with different government agencies for the Ocean Month in May, with the academe for the Environment Month in June, and with volunteer rescue groups for the Recycling Month in July. Our Adopta-Site Project continues to garner support from private companies and a public school while our corporate social responsibility programs for the women, children and indigenous people sectors are beefed up through the support of other government agencies both national and local. Of course, there is the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD which we are working on in joint venture with a private consortium. Other projects undertaken by private contractors also represent improvement of our delivery of public service.

MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com

Indeed, results are realized when different sectors come together and pool in resources to achieve a common goal. And we are happy to share in this issue that Davao City Water District is leading initiatives on multi-sector partnerships for our water and environment. Happy reading! s

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from the gm’s desk

One with sustainable development

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s the world moves towards crafting the new sustainable development agenda, Davao City Water District keeps pace with and continues contributing to the global goal of protecting the planet. In particular, we remain keen at performing our task to provide access to safe drinking water through active ridge to reef environmental protection. Along this thrust, DCWD’s project committee together with our joint venture partner, the Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., has been presenting the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project to our stakeholders. This, in our bid to earn their respective endorsements for the Honourable City Council to grant us exemption from the Davao City Watershed Code so we can proceed with the construction of facilities inside Mt. Tipolog– Tamugan watershed conservation zone. Our hopes are high that we will get the green light to proceed given the merits of our project in terms of meeting the escalating water demands of the city and of protecting our groundwater source, combined with our proven track record in watershed management. There are other accomplishments within the middle part of the year, including the near completion of the construction of our pipe bridge crossing between the twin Gov. Generoso bridges, service improvements in District 2 and intensified corporate social responsibility programs. All these reflect our commitment to meet the needs of the growing populace through proactive multi-sectoral partnerships.

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO General Manager

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While we await favourable action for the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, I enjoin everyone in the DCWD Family to continue stepping up and getting involved in our various undertakings as a water utility towards sustainable development. s

water news

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DCWD presents Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project to stakeholders

avao City Water District with Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (AAII) presented the 12 billion peso water supply project to stakeholders on different occasions. The presentations were done on June 16 before the city solons particularly Hon. Nilo M. Abellera Jr., Hon. Victorio U. Advincula Jr., Hon. Leo R. Avila III, Hon. Louie John J. Bonguyan, Hon. Myrna G. L’ Dalodo-Ortiz, Hon. Danilo C. Dayanghirang, Hon. April Marie C. Dayap, Hon. Jimmy G. Dureza, Hon. Rene Elias B. Lopez, Hon. Diosdado Angelo A. Mahipus Sr. and Hon. Rachel P. Zozobrado; also on June 16 to broadcast and print media practitioners; on June 23 to the Davao City Chamber of Commerce Industry, Inc. (DCCCII); on July 10 to the Watershed Management Council (WMC) with acting city administrator Atty. Jhopee S. Avanceña-Agustin in attendance; on August 5 to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA); and on August 7 to Davao City congressional representatives Karlo Alexie B. Nograles and Mylene Garcia-Albano. The project was likewise presented to the Rotary Club of East Davao on July 7, Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants on August 12, Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers on August 17 and Junior Chamber International Senate Davao on August 18. Manuel Orig headed the presenters from the AAII while official spokesperson Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr., Planning and Design Division manager Ronald A. Muñoz and supervising engineer Christine S. Guarde served as the presenters for DCWD. DCWD’s Board of Directors and top management also attended the presentations.

Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan (2nd from L) joins the project presentation to Davao City congressional representatives Mylene Garcia-Albano and Karlo Alexie B. Nograles. Also present is Dir. Serafin C. Ledesma Jr.

After the respective sessions, the project was favourably endorsed by the DCCII, MinDA and other stakeholders. It also got the nods of representatives Nograles and Albano. Third district congressman Isidro T. Ungab gave his support earlier. With these developments, partners DCWD and AAII are hoping to get the endorsement of the WMC for the request for exemption from the Davao City Watershed Code which prohibits construction of facilities inside a watershed area such as the Mt. TipologTamugan watershed, the site of the bulk water supply project with Tamugan River as the water source. WMC’s endorsement would then serve as the basis of the Davao City Council to act on the request for exemption from said ordinance.

Planning and Design Division manager Ronald A. Muñoz (extreme L) presents the project benefits during the presentation before the Davao City Council.

The project has the following benefits for the people of Davao City: water supply increase in Cabantian, Calinan, Dumoy, Panacan and Tugbok water supply systems which were identified according to order of prioritization in terms of service coverage, transmission line route and impending water quality issues; improved water quality and water supply in District 2 or the northern parts of the city served by Dumoy, Cabantian and Panacan water supply systems; increased combined water yield up to 121 million cu. m. per year to serve an additional 36,000 service connections benefiting more than one million people; improved water pressure and water volume of all existing service connections; creation of additional water supply systems, namely, Mandug, Indangan and Talandang to expand services to additional six barangays in the city thus increasing service coverage areas from 108 to 114 barangays; reduced use of groundwater resulting to long-term protection and security of Davao’s groundwater source as DCWD will only need to maintain few of its production wells for additional water supply and only Lubogan, Malagos, Riverside and Toril water supply systems will continue to operate using ground water; and reduced pumping cost. Taking into consideration these long term and wholistic benefits, DCWD anticipates to earn the approval of the City Council for the sought exemption. While awaiting approval, other necessary permits are also being processed to proceed with the construction of the water supply facilities. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s May-august 2015

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water news

Service Improvement projects nearing completion 1000 millimeter diameter pipe bridge crossing between Gov. Generoso bridges 1 & 2

Tapping of the newly installed 1000mm diameter steel pipe to the existing 750mm diameter and 600mm diameter cast iron pipes between Gov. Generoso bridges was done and cable lightings were installed in July and August, respectively. With the new pipeline, water pressure in the city’s downtown and north areas served by Dumoy Water Supply System was expected to improve. This pipe bridge crossing has been hailed as a new landmark of Davao City by local tourists and residents alike. It can be recalled that DCWD’s original 600mm diameter and 750mm diameter transmission / distribution pipelines collapsed due to the strong currents of the flooded Davao River last December 16, 2012. As temporary solution, two 400mm diameter pipes were immediately installed on Governor Generoso Bridge 1. The project costs PhP115 million.

Water Treatment Plant for Cabantian Production Well No. 1 DCWD’s Cabantian Water Supply System (CWSS) operates three production wells, namely, Cabantian PW No. 1, Cabantian PW No. 2 and Indangan PW No. 1. However, due to the natural conditions of the soil strata being rich in organic matter and minerals in which the aquifer or groundwater source is confined, this system is beset with water quality problems such as color, odor and taste. In particular, Cabantian PW No. 1 contributes most to said problems. Despite these problems, however, water supplied by CWSS adheres to the Philippine National Standards of Drinking Water 2007. As solution, DCWD ventured into the design and construction of a water treatment plant (WTP) in Brgy. Communal where Cabantian PW No. 1 is also situated. The WTP is installed with a nanofiltration system that physically separates most of the suspended and dissolved contaminants in water to treat raw water coming from Cabantian PW No. 1. Simplified, raw water would go through pre-treatment (filter guard), main treatment (nanofiltration) and post treatment (chlorination). As of August 2015, testing and monitoring of the WTP has been ongoing. Once operational, water quality will improve 6

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in CWSS’ service coverage areas particularly Country Homes, Greenland Phases I and II, Cecilia Heights, Pricilla Estates, Remedios Heights, Victor’s Subd., junction of Country Homes Road to Cabantian PW No. 1 and Aspen Heights. The estimated WTP output of 774 gallons per minute or 4,219 cubic meters per day of treated water could cater around 2,600 residential connections. DCWD earmarked PhP35.9 million for this project.

water news

Tigatto–Mandug Expansion Project (Phase IV) The Tigatto-Mandug Expansion Project was implemented in four phases starting 2009. Pipelaying activities were undertaken during the first three phases. Pipelaying works also extended in the fourth phase together with the construction of 400 cu.m. elevated steel tank and 100 cu.m. concrete cistern tank, piping system, control and pump house and site development. Total project cost is PhP92.2 million. Once the facility becomes operational, around 2,000 service

connections in DDF Village and its immediate environs along Mandug Road can be initially served with water from Dumoy Water Supply System. Thus, customers are assured of good water quality. GM Edwin V. Regalado said that when the DCWD Bulk Water Supply Project tapping Tamugan River operates in 2019, it will boost operation of what would-be Mandug Water Supply System to serve 10,000 connections in areas along TigattoMandug Road and immediate environs.

SM Lanang Premier Collection Center The construction of DCWD’s new collection center with project cost of PhP2.6 million at the lower ground floor of SM Lanang Premier is ongoing to serve more customers who opt to pay their water bills in shopping malls. It will be open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, same schedule with DCWD’s collection centers at Victoria Plaza and Felcris Centrale. This new payment center is targeted to be completed and inaugurated by November 2015. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s May-august 2015

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water news

Gov’t agencies join DCWD Ocean Month celeb Davao City second district Councilor Marissa S. Abella commends DCWD for its sustainable project that is helping rehabilitate marine environment and address problem of dwindling fish population.

The Philippine National Police band gives all-out performance for the environment.

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avao City Water District organized two activities in line with the 2015 Ocean Month celebration in May themed “Stand up, Save our Reefs!”. Conducted on May 12 was “Balik Gulpo sa Hizon”, a monitoring activity of the artificial coral reefs (ACR) made by DCWD employees last year also during the Ocean Month celebration. The ACRs were installed at the fish sanctuary in Lizada Beach, Brgy. Hizon. Balik Gulpo sa Hizon was made possible through the partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Fisheries Resource Management Division (BFAR – FRMD) whose divers did underwater survey of the ACRs. Underwater photos and videos showed the ACRs are all intact and have begun to mimic the characteristics of a natural reef. Sponge and soft corals have also grown on their surface, indicating the ACRs have started to attract fish and other marine organisms to the fish sanctuary.

Brgy. Hizon and the city government through Councilor Abella for acknowledging the efforts of the water utility that supports environmental campaign of ridge to reef protection. She also expressed gratitude to BFAR for their assistance in the installation and monitoring of the ACRs and to the DCWD employees for their sustained interest in the propagation of marine life.

Renowned Davao City musicians Pio Valdez, Don Magdayao and Mark Abella sat us judges and scored the bands based on these criteria: 45 % for music (relevance of songs, clarity, and overall musical performance), 40% for stage presence and 15% for audience impact.

Then on May 29, the “Mga Awit Para sa Karagatan” inter-agency battle of the bands sponsored by DCWD was held at SM City Davao Annex. The contest was the first ever conducted among government agencies in Davao City.

The musical treat ended with the PNP judged as the champion band and took home PhP10,000, followed by the NBI band with PhP7,000 and the BFP with PhP5,000. They also received plaques. The PNP band was also unanimously chosen by the judges as the crowd’s favorite band which earned them additional PhP2,000. All band members were each given a certificate of participation and event souvenir t-shirt while their agencies through their respective heads were awarded certificates of recognition.

It gathered six bands, all members of which were employees from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), BFAR, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of Public Works and Highways, and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Each band played three cover songs, two about water and environment and one finale piece of their choice.

OIC of the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Administration Mildred G. Aviles gratefully acknowledged all the agencies and specially appreciated the heads who graced the event. They were BFAR XI regional director Fatma M. Idris, BJMP chief inspector Presco Manisan Jr. and PNP XI chief of regional special service police senior inspector Felixberto Magallon. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s

Hizon barangay captain Ralph O. Abella thanked DCWD and BFAR for the improving marine life in their part of Davao Gulf because of the ACRs. Davao City second district Councilor Marissa S. Abella also graced the event. She lauded the sustainable project of DCWD and shared the city government’s plan to implement projects for rehabilitation of water resources in Davao City’s 24 coastal barangays through a foreign grant in which DCWD’s ACR making and installation project will serve as the model project to be replicated in these barangays. Also in attendance were Brgy. Hizon officials and officers of the Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council and 25 women and fisher folks representing the project beneficiaries. On behalf of GM Edwin V. Regalado, Public Information / Relations Division (PI/ RD) manager Maria Editha C. Monje thanked

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A BFAR diver surveys the artificial coral reefs made by DCWD employees and installed on site last year.

water news

Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje explains how Kalikabildo spreads environment protection awareness among students while OIC of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department Bernardo D. Delima Jr., OIC of the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Administration Mildred G. Aviles and Water Quality Division manager Hydie R. Maspiñas thank the schools for their support to DCWD’s campaign.

DCWD brings Kalikabildo to three colleges in the city

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avao City Water District continued its environmental campaign thru Kalikabildo in San Pedro College (SPC) on July 16, Davao Doctors College (DDC) on July 9 and MATS College of Technology on June 25. Kalikabildo is an annual forum that highlights environment issues for high school and college students. Said activity was part of the June Environment Month celebration but was extended to the July Recycling Month celebration due to the schools’ availability. Said forum was spearheaded by the Public Information / Relations Division (PI/RD) of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department (CREAD) with overall coordinator PI/RD manager Maria Editha C. Monje. Resource speakers discussed various waterrelated issues to around 850 students. Davao City Councilor Leo R. Avila III explained how rainwater harvesting can help people adapt to climate change. DCWD Pollution Control and Safety Office staff John Christian M. Palo highlighted the necessity of proper septage management in order to protect the water sources and the development of DCWD’s septage management project. OIC of the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Administration Mildred G. Aviles,

San Pedro College

Councilor Leo R. Avila III and Pollution Control and Safety Office staff John Christian M. Palo discuss various waterrelated issues.

MATS College of Technology

Water Quality Division manager Hydie R. Maspiñas and OIC of the CREAD Bernardo D. Delima Jr. encouraged the students to practice water conservation and Engr. Mary Ann L. Torres places water conservation A student puts water conservation sticker on e nv i ro n m e n t a l sticker near a drinking fountain. lavatory. protection. They also thanked the schools for their continued support while students who answered questions and to DCWD’s environmental protection campaigns raised their queries about the discussions were most especially that Davao Doctors Hospital given bags, planners and foldable fans. All these Cooperative and SPC are both adopters of materials were customized to bear various DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site Project. MATS College also environmental protection messages in order to pledged to form a school group named “Warriors help disseminate the advocacy. for Water” and asked for the support of DCWD and Councilor Avila. Aside from the fora in both schools, SPC vice president for administration Dr. Marleonie M. Bauyot, DDC vice president for academic affairs Dr. Maria Leah DF. Villano and MATS College NSTP coordinator Burneth Divinagracia Tan thanked DCWD for choosing their respective schools to become part of DCWD’s advocacy to promote a healthy environment. All students, teachers and school officials in attendance received bookmarks and notebooks

DCWD also set-up exhibits about the various environment-themed celebrations that DCWD has been conducting including the 2015 activities for World Water Day and Ocean Month celebrations. To further its information dissemination campaign, water conservation stickers were posted on lavatories and drinking fountains and Adopt-a-Site and 10 Water Conservation Tips posters were placed on the schools’ bulletin boards. (Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod) s

Davao Doctors College

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personnel

CONGRATULATIONS,

NEWLY PROMOTED PERMANENT PERSONNEL!

Honeylette Mia C. Ferolin Supervising Industrial Dev’t. Officer A Human Resource Dept.

Milanimfa M. Defenio Corporate Budget Specialist A Accounting Dept.

Damaso C. Berongon Jr. Sr. Mgt./Information Systems Analyst Internal Audit Dept.

Rhoda T. Castillones Secretary B Finance and Property Dept.

Christopher N. Cagalawan Data Analyst-Controller Information and Communications Technology Dept.

Doi Modief C. Azucena Customer Service Assistant A Commercial Services Dept.

Jessica G. Marañon Private Secretary B Office of the General Manager

Norhelin L. Redulla Industrial Relations Management Officer B Human Resource Dept.

Roxanne C. Sayago Industrial Relations Management Officer B Human Resource Dept.

Emilio S. Molina Sr. Water Maintenance Man B Commercial Services Dept.

Elibert S. Burgos Senior Building Electrician A General Services Dept.

Mary Anne S. Mirabel Customer Service Assistant D Commercial Services Dept.

Anthony B. Evangelista Water Maintenance Foreman Commercial Services Dept.

Glezilda D. Sunga Customer Service Assistant A Commercial Services Dept.

Ferdinand P. Torralba Clerk-Processor B Community Relations and External Affairs Dept.

Mark Timothy C. Isturis Administrative Services Asst. C Human Resource Dept.

Joenel C. Fiel Heavy Equipment Operator General Services Dept.

Romulo M. Ocon Utility Worker A General Services Dept.

Shyan P. Ganapin Customer Service Assistant B Commercial Services Dept.

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Roy G. Dimaandal Heavy Equipment Operator General Services Dept.

Heracleo T. Huelar Customer Service Assistant B Commercial Services Dept.

Jerry A. Mariño Senior Water Maintenance Man B Commercial Services Dept.

personnel

CONGRATULATIONS,

NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT PERSONNEL!

Anna Lon L. Guibone Data Encoder-Controller General Services Dept.

Arman N. Lorenzo Utility Worker B Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Sean Q. Paguican Utility Worker A General Services Dept.

Pedro C. Gunting Utility Worker A Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Harold Dexter C. Gilla Engineering Assistant B Eng’g. and Construction Dept.

Reinario L. Rafales, Jr. Driver-Mechanic B Board Sec

Kristina Cassandra A. Palec Secretary B Accounting Dept.

Ma. Cristina E. Ramos Customer Service Assistant A Commercial Services Dept.

Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz Public Relations Assistant B Community Relations and External Affairs Dept.

Salamat at HulingPaalam...

Celestino A. Bundoc Senior Auto Mechanic General Services Dept. May 28, 1957 - May 27, 2015

Romeo D. Agbayani

Water Maintenance Man C Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept. April 14, 1961 - June 3, 2015

Patricia G. Jurilla

Secretary B Commercial Services Dept. June 29, 1974 - August 22, 2015

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City rescue teams boost DCWD’s p

OIC of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department Bernardo D. Delima Jr. welcomes the participants.

Information officer Madonna C. Llaguno briefs the participants of the demonstration.

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Legal Department manager Richard D. Tumanda delivers GM Edwin V. Regalado’s message to the participants.

Participants draw lots for the order of demonstration.

Four rescuers on board a rescue plastic bottle boat save eight people from drowning in heavy flood.”

Such was the demo simulated at Davao Seawall by six Davao City rescue teams that joined DCWD’s “Ang MaBOTEng Bangka, Sagip Buhay ng Kapwa” contest during the judging and awarding program on August 28, 2015. Participants were St. Francis Xavier Trabungco Mountaineering Club (SFX-TRABMOC), Sirib Emergency Mountain Search and Rescue Association (SEMSRA), Compass Inc., Kabalikat Civicom 995, Highbound and Condor Teams and React Madayaw Durian Group. 12

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Atty. Delima and Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje thank the judges (center).

The working committee pose for posterity after the program.

Each made a rescue boat out of recycled plastic bottles and other recyclable materials with a capacity to carry 12 adults. Together with the rescue demonstration that highlighted proper execution and techniques (25%), the entries were judged based on environmental compatibility, stability and durability (35%); functionality (25%); and concept and originality (15%). Judges were training officer Lyndon N. Ancajas of the Davao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, water safety instructor Geroncio N. Palac of the Philippine

plastic bottle boat making contest

SFX-TRABMOC First Place

Compass, Inc.

Highbound and Condor Teams Second Place

SEMSRA Third Place

Kabalikat Civicom 995

REACT Madayaw Durian Group

Red Cross Davao Chapter and executive director Miriam S. Colon of People Collaborating for Environmental and Economic Management in Davao Foundation, Inc. Winners and prizes were: SFX-TRABMOC, 1st placer with PhP10,000; Highbound and Condor Teams, 2nd placer with PhP7,000; and SEMSRA, 3rd placer with PhP4,000. They also received plaques. All three remaining teams each received PhP2,300. Legal Department manager Atty. Richard Tumanda, representing GM Edwin V. Regalado, and OIC of the

Community Relations and External Affairs Department (CREAD) Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr. thanked and congratulated all teams for actively participating in the contest aimed to increase awareness on the needs and benefits of recycling and disaster-risk mitigation and preparedness. The contest was organized by the CREAD - Public Information / Relations Division headed by manager and overall contest coordinator Maria Editha C. Monje. It ran from July to August in line with the celebration of July as Recycling Month. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) S

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water news

collection center opens

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he new collection center of Davao City Water District opened on May 11, 2015 at Felcris Centrale in Quimpo Boulevard. Located on the second floor fronting the supermarket, this payment center serves

DCWD paying customers from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The blessing ceremony was officiated by Fr. Richard Ong and attended by Landbank Bajada branch manager Robert

Fr. Richard Ong blesses the DCWD Felcris Centrale collection center.

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In the same month, the DCWD Matina office was relocated along McArthur Highway fronting Department of Budget and Management office due to the ongoing construction of a new office complex. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s

Finance and Property Department manager Bernadette A. Dacanay, General Services Department manager Roberto S. De los Reyes and Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje (extreme R) pose for posterity with Landbank Bajada branch manager Robert A. Acob.

Solar powers new reservoirs

olar power will soon operate the twin reservoirs of Davao City Water District at Brgy. Cuchon in Tugbok District. The reservoirs, with a total capacity of 1,360 cu.m. will expand service and improve supply of existing water connections in the Riverside Water Supply System. GM Edwin V. Regalado said that the reservoir will be the first among DCWD’s

Installed four 250-watts solar panels are enough to supply the needed energy requirement of the new twin reservoirs of the Riverside Water Supply System.

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A. Acob, DCWD officers and employees led by Finance and Property Department manager Bernadette A. Dacanay. The first batch of paying customers received DCWD customized foldable fans, notebooks, planners and leaflets.

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facilities to operate using solar power. Since it is the first of its kind, it is still subject to further observations. Initial assessment of the use of solar panels shows considerable cheaper cost as compared to applying for electrical pole installation and clearing of obstructions. DCWD opted to use alternative source of

energy because of unavailability of power lines in the area. In addition, DCWD estimates to save on electric cost based on computed return of investment for said facility compared to six years computed bill which would amount to PhP47,520 every year. The four 250-watts solar panels are attached to the roof of the reservoirs’ guard house and generate one kilowatt of direct current power. The generated power is delivered to the 3KVA inverter / charger then charges the four 200AHr batteries. The inverter / charger inverts the direct current to alternating current which is the requirement of the electrical system at the site. Said generated energy is enough to power the operation of the twin reservoirs. The solar panel project which cost PhP262,925 was completed by Araw Power Systems Philippines January this year while site development done by DCWD was completed first quarter also this year. (Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod) s

water news

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DCWD goes spot billing

avao City Water District will pilot test its Spot Billing or Read and Bill Service System by the last quarter of this year. The pilot test will be done to 32,886 service connections in some northern and southern parts of the city. These connections were selected because the water meters are immediately located outside the customers’ premises and are accessible to DCWD meter readers. Through the Spot Billing System, the meter reader will use a handheld

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device installed with software for reading and computing the water consumption and printing of the bill. With the printing feature of this device, DCWD customers would be given their bills on the spot or immediately after their meters have been read. In contrast, the present manual process includes meter reading by a meter reader on site, uploading of meter reading consumption and printing of water bills in the office, and delivery of the water bills by bill handlers. The entire process takes three days to complete.

“Our aim for moving from the manual to automated system is to improve customer service particularly the billing service. We hope to eradicate or minimize incidences of delayed or no bill delivery to our customers,” GM Edwin V. Regalado explained. He added that if there is no technical glitch and customers give favourable feedback after the testing phase, the water utility will then adopt and implement the Spot Billing on full scale. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s

Customers get freebies

avao City Water District opened its Environment Month celebration in June by giving gifts to customers thru its Customers Appreciation Day activity last June 9, 2015 at the DCWD’s offices in Bajada, Matina and Toril and collection centers in Victoria Plaza and Felcris Centrale.

“Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan” on August 22 and “Pamulak Festival” on August 23. Both activities were among the highlights of the annual festival drawing crowd of spectators. A total of 2,000 bottled waters were given in two days.

The Customer Appreciation Day and participation in the Kadayawan Festival are DCWD’s way of thanking its customers for their patronage and support in its 42 years of operation. (Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod) s

A total of 1,500 customers received DCWD customized pocket planners, shoe bags, foldable fans, notebooks and bookmarks which bear messages of water, watershed and environment protection to remind customers of their individual responsibility to help care for and rehabilitate Mother Earth, true to this year’s theme “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care.” The water utility also took part in Davao City’s 30th Kadayawan Festival by giving free bottled water during the

DCWD Victoria Plaza collection center

DCWD Toril office

Free water distribution during the 30th Kadayawan Festival May-august 2015

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water news

School children receive school supplies

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avao City Water District and partners assisted a total of 925 children at the start of school year 2015 2016. In the uplands, 725 children of the different people’s organizations (POs) members who are helping the water utility protect the watershed areas each received a school bag, notebooks, papers and writing implements through the Tulong Eskwela program. Distributions were made on various occasions by the Environment and Watershed Protection Division (EWDP) under the Community Relations and External Affairs Department (CREAD). For the partner POs in Mt. TalomoLipadas watershed, 225 sets of school supplies were distributed on May 16 to children beneficiaries of the Tungkalan Tribal Association, Lipadas Watershed Tungkalan Association and SinabadanTribu Bawa Ancestral Domain and on May 26 to the Saro-Lipadas Watershed People’s Organization and DCWD Adopt-a-Site project partners. Last May 23, another 250 sets were distributed to the children of DCWD’s partner POs in Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watershed, the Obu-Manuvu Ancestral Domain Multi-Purpose Cooperative (OMAD-MPC). Present were Tambobong barangay captain Felicidad Helicame,

OMAD-MPC chairperson Joshua Andip and adviser Datu Joel Unad. The last distribution was held on May 30 at DCWD’s Malagos Park to the Malagos watershed partner POs wherein 250 sets of school supplies were given to the Malagos Watershed Bufferzone Residents Organization, Tansing Colong Watershed Association, Starapple Wines Watershed Association and Association of Community Concerned on Watershed. EWPD also turned over one water closet and two cement bags to each of the 10 beneficiaries of the Alay Palikuran Project as part of DCWD’s Health and Sanitation Program. The local officials and tribal leaders all thanked DCWD on behalf of the recipients. In response, watershed management chief Engr. Lorna M. Maxino encouraged the children to do well in school and the POs to continue supporting DCWD’s efforts of protecting the water resources of Davao City. Then in July, 51 pieces of garbage bins were given to the partner schools and day care centers in the three watershed areas to encourage the school children to practice proper waste segregation. In a related undertaking, partners DCWD and the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart gave customized backpack,

OIC of the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Administration Mildred G. Aviles helps a young boy from Brgy. Tibungco try on his new school backpack given by DCWD.

notebook, ballpen and crayons to 200 children and teenagers in Brgy. Tibungco who were active participants in the embroidery and Catechism classes on May 25. OIC of the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Administration Mildred G. Aviles led the distribution and encouraged the recipients to study hard for them to ultimately finish their education and have a bright future. She also commended the nuns for their different programs that greatly contribute to the spiritual formation and personal development of the young people. Sr. Maria Ramona Gutierrez and Tibungco barangay captain Margie Calvo both thanked DCWD for the assistance. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s

A total of 725 children of DCWD’s partner POs receive school supplies from the water utility.

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May-august 2015

water news

14 DCWD supported students finish ALS program

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ourteen graduates of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) program who joined the commencement exercises last June 28 at SMX Convention Center were beneficiaries of Davao City Water District’s partnership with the Department of Education. Under this partnership, DCWD shouldered the compensation of the instructional manager while DepEd oversaw the program implementation. Of the 14 graduates, 13 finished secondary education. They were Elvin Alegada and Larry Cayog Jr. (Brgy. Tambobong); Myza Delos Santos, Micheal James Patentes, Joy Lawrence Sapon and Mylene Villanueva (Brgy. Baguio Proper); Jovanie Daganio, Hazel Faith Maniquez, Ruby Jean Pacaoncis, Ilyn Roldan, Ginalin Tahantahan and Eleny Villoria (Brgy. Carmen); and Marife Etil (Brgy. Daliaon). Marjon

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help give them access to education and we hope they will not stop learning,” he added. In a related undertaking this year, DCWD gave a total of 154 school supply packages consisting of plastic envelope, t-shirt, ballpen, pencil, yellow pad and notebook to the ALS center in barangays Tungkalan and Daliaon Plantation for the partner people’s organizations in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas, Malagos and Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watersheds on June 13 and in Brgy. Tambobong on July 2. These educational assistance to ALS learners are part of the water utility’s corporate social responsibility program implemented by the Community Relations and External Affairs Department. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s

Some of the ALS graduates in their togas during the thanksgiving.

Jay Amad (Brgy. Tungkalan) finished elementary level. GM Edwin V. Regalado extended his congratulations to the graduates and their families. “We are happy to

ALS students of Brgy. Tungkalan learning center receive school supplies from DCWD.

12 tribal scholars added

welve scholars of different tribal descents have been added to DCWD’s Tulong Aral sa Lumad scholarship program this school year. They are enrolled at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Mintal campus. The scholars, their respective courses and tribes are: Marben Subuan, Brilly Jey Samonte, Rodel Olantao and Sherry Ann Soboy (all BS Business Administration) of the Obu-Manuvu; Camille Alion (BS Public Administration) and Jessica Talay (BS Business Administration) of the Obu-Manuvu / Klata; Ediza Alimorong and Gerylle Arboleda (BS Public Administration) and Emma Tungkalan and Chona Desierto (BS Business Administration) of the BagoboTagabawa; and Reynard Francis Flores (BS Community Development) and Ermel Abonales (BS Business Administration) of the Bagobo-Tagabawa / Klata.

of PhP800, meal allowance of PhP1,400 and housing allowance of PhP600 for five months or for the whole semester. GM Edwin V. Regalado congratulated the new scholars and encouraged them to maintain the required general average of 80% every semester to continuously avail of the incentives from DCWD until they graduate from college. He cited as motivating examples the two Obu-Manuvu scholars, Veronica Binulang and Maljun Lambac, who recently finished college last April and another continuing Obu-Manuvu scholar, Rhesa Ingay, who is now on her fourth year taking up BS Business Administration.

DCWD’s Tulong Aral sa Lumad scholarship program is open to all high school graduates from Toril, Tugbok, Baguio and Marilog districts. To qualify, interested applicants must be 15 to 25 years old with at least 80% average grade in the senior year. Also among the requirements are barangay clearance, certification from the tribal chieftain and certification from the National Commission of Indigenous People or Office of Muslim Affairs, whichever is applicable, attesting their tribe membership and the registration of their chieftains. Lastly, the applicants must pass the qualifying exam of USEP Mintal campus, which is the host university of said scholarship.

Aside from the tribal scholars, DCWD also supports four other academic scholars studying at USEP Obrero campus. They are: Daniel Mediante, 5th year BS Mechanical Engineering; Emy-Mhar Concon, 4th year BS Civil Engineering; Xena Gancino and Krizzia Heizel Rosales, They are 3rd year BS Civil Engineering. entitled to free tuition Their benefits are free tuition and and miscellaneous miscellaneous fees of not more fees of not more than PhP7,500 and uniform and than PhP7,500 and textbook allowance of PhP2,500 per uniform and textbook semester, monthly transportation allowance of PhP2,500 allowance of PhP1,200 and monthly per semester, monthly meal allowance of PhP1,600. (Jamae transportation allowance The DCWD tribal scholars with community relations officer Ellanena J. Gabuya (1st row, 3rd from right). Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s May-august 2015

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water news

Adopt-a-Site Project gets more support

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his 2015, the Adopt-a-Site Project has enlisted the support of the Unionbank of the Philippines, APM Group and NCCC Cares as adopters for Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed, and the Tugbok Central Elementary School SPED Center Faculty for Malagos watershed. For the Adopt-a-Site project in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed, the adopters will donate PhP6,000 every year for five years for every hectare of land to be rehabilitated. This yearly donation will help cover the cost of seedlings, plantation establishment, maintenance and administration for the first year and maintenance activity, replanting, fertilization and administration costs for the second until fifth year.

The Unionbank of the Philippines inked the memorandum of agreement with DCWD on August 7 for the adoption of three hectares. Present during the signing were executive vice president Angelo Dennis L. Matutina and assistant vice president Phamela B. Galoyo for Unionbank and OIC of the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Operations Engr. Exequiel B. Homez, OIC of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department Bernardo D. Delima Jr. and Environment and Watershed Protection Division manager Anthony D. Miranda for DCWD. Unionbank also turned over the first tranche of their donation in the amount of PhP45,000. On July 29 at DCWD Bajada office, the APM group signed the agreement to adopt five hectares and turned over their PhP30,000 donation. APM group president Alex P. Montañez was represented by marketing executives Rosie N. Bascon and Rodrigo Sevilla. GM Edwin V. Regalado, Atty. Delima and Engr. Miranda were the signatories for the water utility. NCCC Cares, represented by president Lafayette A. Lim, OIC-program GM Edwin V. Regalado receives the first tranche of donation from APM group represented by marketing executive Rosie N. Bascon.

administrator Joan S. De la Peña, program officer Ann Katherine N. Cabaylo and program coordinator Paul John I. Tambis, adopted three hectares and gave their PhP18,000 donation on March 9. Then on July 11, a tree planting activity was conducted and participated in by 30 NCCC staff who planted narra, lauan and cacao seedlings in their adopted area. With the addition of three new adopters, the Adopt-a-Site project in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed has 97 adopters with a total coverage of 172 hectares as of August this year. For the Adopt-a-Site project in Malagos Watershed, the Tugbok CES SPED Center Faculty is the 53rd adopter and was represented by president ViCherry U. Ledesma and principal II Colie A. Marbas. Part of their role as adopter is to conduct tree planting and maintenance and monitoring activities inside Malagos Watershed Reservation. GM Regalado thanked the new adopters as well as the partners from different sectors who have been lending support to DCWD’s campaign for environmental and watershed protection over the years. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s

OIC of the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Operations Engr. Exequiel B. Homez and Unionbank executive vice president Angelo Dennis L. Matutina (5th and 6th from L) show the memorandum of agreement that seals the five-year partnership for environmental and watershed protection. With them are (from L) Unionbank regional sales and operations officer Geraldine S. Bernardino, Environment and Watershed Protection manager Anthony D. Miranda, watershed management chief Engr. Lorna Maxino, Unionbank AVP Phamela B. Galoyo, FVP / sales director Amado B. Castaño, VP RSOC Edwin G. Pineda and manager Marcelino B. Samson.

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May-august 2015

water news

Employees do tree parenting

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ifty one selected employees participated in a two-batch tree parenting activity on April 25 for the Earth Month and June 19 for the Environment Month celebrations. A short orientation was given by the field staff of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department. They were briefed on the activity rationale, terrain and the water utility’s watershed rehabilitation and related communitybased programs in the area. The participants then trekked the terrain along Panigan River in Sitio Sumpitan in Brgy. Tawan-tawan to reach the activity site, a half-hectare of land maintained by DCWD’s farmer beneficiary. There, they weeded 100 durian trees to help in the maintenance of the fruit trees.

Employees participate in parenting activity.

The tree parenting also enriched their appreciation of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD that will source water from the Tamugan River as they passed by the junction of Panigan and Tamugan rivers on the way to the activity site. The rivers form part of Mt. TipologTamugan watershed in Baguio District, one of the three water sources of Davao City together with the Malagos watershed in

Calinan and Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed situated within the foot slopes of Mt. Apo Natural Park. DCWD has been actively pursuing rehabilitation and protection efforts such as tree planting and parenting activities in these watersheds to ensure sustainability of water supply in Davao City. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s

Upland communities thank DCWD anew for medical dental missions

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atershed communities in the uplands lauded this year’s medical and dental missions held in barangays Carmen on June 11, Cadalian on June 18, Tawan-tawan on June 24, Wines on July 2 and Gumalang on July 9. Davao City Water District partnered with the City Health

Office for the success of the missions that benefitted a total of 549 residents. Medicines and vitamins were provided to the residents upon doctors’ prescription. Dental services, mostly tooth extraction, were also availed of by the residents. Pain relievers and antibiotics enough for the entire recuperating period of the dental patients were given as well.

Dr. Evelyno A. Buenaventura of the City Health Office checks on an infant who is suffering from cough and colds.

Ta w a n - t a w a n barangay captain Danilo Gumapac recalled that this year’s medical and dental mission is already on its fifth year since it started in 2010. He said, “Lima ka-tuig na pud mi nga gina-alagaran sa water district ug libreng kunsultasyon

ug tambal. Tungod sa kalayo ug sa kalisud, kasagaran sa among mga residente panagsa lang gayud makasulay ug check-up”. (For five years already, Davao City Water District has been giving us free consultations and medicines. Because we live far and we are hard up, most of the residents here seldom have check-ups). The other barangay beneficiaries expressed the same gratitude to the water utility. Official spokesperson and OIC of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department Bernardo D. Delima Jr. acknowledged the appreciation and explained that these medical-dental missions are part and parcel of the utility’s corporate social responsibility program. Said five barangays are within the Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watershed area, which DCWD conserves and protects to help ensure water sustainability in Davao City. (Edmarson M. Sola) s May-august 2015

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water news

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DCWD supports GAD forum, skills trainings

arious undertakings have been conducted as part of the water utility’s community relations program this year. Last July 18, 25 women participants from barangays Sirawan, Lizada, Daliao and Marapangi learned the basic knowhow of organic container gardening and appreciated its benefits to their households, health and the environment. Resource persons were Ariel Arcena, Junel Borong and Arthur Cagumbay from the office of Davao City second district Councilor Marissa S. Abella. On July 25, a forum on gender and development (GAD) and environment was held for 14 school moderators and 11 student leaders from different high schools all over the city in partnership with the Department of Education Integrated Gender and Development Division (DepEd - IGDD). Participating school moderators were from Doùa Carmen Denia National High School, AL Navarro NHS, Magtuod HS, Ma-a NHS, Bernardo D. Carpio NHS, Daniel R. Aguinaldo NHS, Cabantian NHS, Calinan NHS, Mintal Comprehensive NHS, Sta. Ana

NHS, F. Bustamante NHS, F. Bangoy NHS, Talomo NHS and DepEd Davao City Division while the student leaders were from Davao City NHS, Ma-a NHS, Philippine Science HS, University of Southeastern Philippines and AL Navarro NHS. Discussed were basic gender concepts and key issues on gender inequality by OIC of DepEd - IGDD Lorna Mandin and salient features of the

Trainings on organic container gardening and rag making are given to Women in the Barangay members to give them potential sources of livelihood.

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May-august 2015

Water Code of the Philippines, Philippine Environmental Policy and Watershed Code of Davao City by Atty. Jennife D. Borong of the Legal Department. The participants capped the forum by drafting action plans for their respective schools integrating GAD programs and environmental protection activities. Also conducted were series of trainings on rag making which taught Women in the Barangay (WEB) members how to make rags out of recycled materials, which they can sell to help raise additional income for their families. The trainings were held June 27 with 23 participants from the barangays in the north; July 11 with 23 participants from Brgy. Malagos in Baguio District and August 15 with 31 participants from barangays Lizada, Daliao, Sirawan and Marapangi in Toril District. The training was also replicated by WEB members in Brgy. Hizon on August 13 with the support of the barangay council. Through these activities, Davao City Water District was pleased to have helped promote the equal rights of men and women in gaining access to opportunities for their holistic development as well as to engage more partners in protecting the environment. (Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz) s

legally speaking

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evelopment is for all, yet, this development principle is hardly felt by many specially marginalized men and women. This is a reality that most of us in the development works fail to consider. Let us take a look at this picture. Do you think this is Equal Opportunity for all animals? Does the same thing happen in development projects? Who will be able to get the Food? What should be done instead?

GAD is

everywhere Atty. Jennife DP Dumalag-Borong

political, economic, and societal spheres so that women and men benefit equally and inequality is not perpetuated. It is the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, We have brought Food for everyone. Go including legislation, policies, or programs in all get from the tree. areas and at all levels”.

The bottom line of development is the attainment of a full and satisfying life for all. Attaining a full and satisfying life for all is a shared responsibility of a) everyone, regardless of age, sex, religion, ethnicity or class, b) of government as duly mandated authority; and c) of those who benefit or suffer from the lack of it.

For individuals, the performance of this responsibility requires the capacity TO DO and the capacity TO BE. For governments, the responsibility to promote the attainment of a full and satisfying life for all means : protecting people’s rights and creating opportunities for the development of peoples’ abilities and individual strengths. Peoples’ capacity TO DO and TO BE may be enhanced through a variety of government efforts, such as building of roads and other infrastructures, providing social services, and creating economic opportunities, etc. But these are not enough. Infrastructures, social services, and economic opportunities that do not take into consideration the different needs of women and men and their rights, are bound to disadvantage women. It will fail to attain the desired results, and cause wastage of resources. Hence, gender mainstreaming with the ultimate goal of GENDER EQUALITY becomes essential. Section 4 (i) of RA 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women defines gender mainstreaming as the “strategy for making women’s as well as men’s concerns and experiences an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of policies and programs in all

T o comprehend G E N D E R EQUALITY in the context of development for all, let us revisit the concept of SEX and GENDER. GENDER is often confused with SEX, but they are different. SEX refers to natural biological attributes of women and men; it is unchanging and universal. GENDER refers to characteristics, roles, beliefs, perceptions, attitudes and other factors attributed to women and men by society. So what’s the big fuss about GENDER? It is culturally ascribed. It is changing. It is misconceived as “natural”. It limits women and men’s capabilities to do and to be. It needs to be considered in making decisions and allocating resources. Then, what is Gender and Development? Section 4 (h) of RA 9710 refers GAD as the development perspective and process that are participatory and empowering, equitable, sustainable, free from violence, respectful of human

rights, supportive of self-determination and actualization of human potentials. It seeks to achieve gender equality as a fundamental value that should be reflected in development choices; seeks to transform society’s social, economic, and political structures and questions they validity of the gender roles they ascribed to women and men; contends that women are active agents of development and not just passive recipients of development assistance; and stresses the need of women to organize themselves and participate in political processes to strengthen their legal rights.

GAD acknowledges that development affects people differently. That women’s roles are important and should be maximized. That women and men should be assisted in attaining their full potentials. That planning deliberately addresses the unique needs and situations of women. GAD is about recognizing that gender biases IMPEDE development because: they prevent people from attaining their full potentials; they exacerbate social inequity; they distort understanding of social realities and limit the impacts of development efforts. GAD is about being faithful to the principle that: development is for all. (special thanks to Atty. Romeo “Meong” Cabarde of ADDU for sharing this development insight to DCWD GAD Focal Point System). s Source: UNDP May-august 2015

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feature

Dignitatem et Honorem by: Anon E. Mous

What is dignified? What is honorable? It was December 29, 2010 and after more than five years since graduation, I started working as a public servant. Though I have been to countless of jobs, the first day of work started with uncertainty. Not much of a social person, I find it difficult to build rapport with people I first meet. To compensate my lack of people skills, I thought it would be better to just try to observe and get used to the whole office process. One thing stood out. The corporate philosophy seemed to be too good to be true – service with dignity and honor. I found it quite amusing to use these two abstract concepts together to shape an organization’s work ethics considering that dignity and honor are very subjective. But of course, I was still new and still had so much to learn. So I kept my opinion to myself and thought that I might understand how these two work ethics are incorporated in the way the people around me go about their day-to-day task in the office.

One, two, three, four and nearing five years have passed and I still have not found my definition of dignified and honorable service. However, that thought has ceased to bother me as much as it had when I was still starting out. Instead, I found myself immersed in every experience of accomplishing my tasks, noticing people around me and how they are also fulfilling their respective duties and responsibilities. The field men, despite being under the sun for the entire day or dirt drenched in the cold of the night or having had no sleep doing rounds the entire night for big emergency repairs, could still manage to smile when I meet them in the hallway. The foresters who sacrifice being away from their loved ones for days and endure difficult trails of snakes and other wilds plus the danger of getting caught between the red and green troops in the treacherous uplands just to ensure that forest rehab projects are doing well. The community relations officers, tellers, auditors, human resource practitioners, accountants, frontlines, secretaries, drivers, customer service attendants, and everyone in the organization – everyone has a sense of purpose, their own vision of how to improve their works for them to contribute to the goals of the organization.

Service with Dignity and Honor

Six months in, while struggling to keep up with work assignments, I tried to decipher my sense of purpose to the organization in line with the concept of serving with dignity and honor. Although I know for a fact what my deliverables and contributions are, I found what I was doing so insignificant compared to what the organization needs to achieve. This led me to wonder at what level should I define dignified and honorable service in order for me to stop questioning the purpose of my work in the whole or macro level. I told myself to be patient as I might still discover more about the organization and my purpose as my work progresses. 22

May-august 2015

It is given that I have yet so much to learn about how the whole organization works. No matter how I try to bring all my work experience, I will never be able to find a definite definition of what it means to be dignified and honorable in public service. What is clear, however, is that I am driven with this understanding that, for the time being, my definition of dignified and honorable is knowing that I am able to give my best in every output that I make amidst any situation without sacrificing my sense of moral and judgment. Now, this makes me wonder if I am now embracing the corporate philosophy.

fun and games b. Path finder. For each block start at the bottom left and move up, down or side ways until you reach finish. In both blocks, your path needs to add up to 23!

c. Magic lines. Can you put the numbers 1 to 7 in the circles so that every line adds up to 12? You can use each number only once.

d. Line match. Connect the word on the left to its antonym on the right.

“

ancient optimistic abundant flimsy dismal clumsy independent sentimental treacherous spontaneous sincere transparent temporary shallow

sparse sturdy pessimistic cheerful graceful young dependent unemotional opaque permanent deep safe dishonest planned

Sources: www.mathinenglish.com www.motivational-inspirational-corner.com

a. Number Word Search. Hidden below are all of the numbers from 0 to 20, plus a few more. Can you find all 29 of them?

It is so important to get respect for what you do and at the same time give it.

�

by sanoj

ANSWERS: c. MAGIC LINES: 1, 6, 5, 3, 4 and 7; d. LINE MATCH: ancient-young, optimistic-pessimistic, abundant-sparse, flimsy-sturdy, dismal-cheerful, clumsy-graceful, independent-dependent, sentimental-unemotional, treacherous-safe, spontaneous-planned, sincere-dishonest, transparent-opaque, temporary-permanent, shallow-deep

May-august 2015

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compiled by Madonna C. Llaguno

Melchora Aquino or Tandang Sora was often chosen as Reyna Elena when she was young? She grew up to be a talented singer performing in church and local events. She was also the frequent choice to play the role of Reyna Elena during the “Santacruzan”, a traditional event commemorating Empress Helen’s discovery of the Cross of Christ.

triskaidekaphobia is the unnatural fear of the number 13?

all Minions only have three fingers and their population is 899? The Minions were partly inspired by the Jawas in the original Star Wars franchise, and the Oompa Loompas in Willy Wonka. The language minions speak is a mix of French, English, Italian, and Spanish with a bit of Korean and Russian. Evil minions are purple because purple and yellow are on opposite sides of the color spectrum.

Emilio Aguinaldo himself made the sketch of the Philippine flag? He personally submitted it to Doña Marcela Agoncillo in her home at 535 Morrison Hill in Hong Kong and requested her to embroider the Philippine flag. It took her, together with the niece of Jose Rizal, Delfina Herbosa Natividad and daughter, 7-year-old Lorenza Agoncillo, five days to finish the flag. The original Philippine flag unfurled in Kawit on June 12, 1898, was brought to Malolos and displayed in Barasoain Church.

recycling is the third step in the Reduce – Reuse – Recycle loop? While recycling is what we often concentrate on, it's really the last resort of conservation. We want to prioritize reducing consumption and then reusing items, and finally resort to putting them into the recycling bin.

SpongeBob SquarePants is a newly discovered mushroom species? Shaped like a sea sponge, the bright orange (and sometimes purple) mushroom, Spongiforma squarepantsii, was discovered in the forests of Sarawak in Malaysia on the island of Borneo in 2010. The fungus has a particular odor, smelling "vaguely fruity or strongly musty", according to Dennis Desjardin of San Francisco State University.

rabbits are crepuscular. This means that they are most active at dusk and dawn. Fugu is the Japanese word for pufferfish and the dish prepared from it? Fugu can be lethally poisonous due to its tetrodotoxin; therefore, it must be carefully prepared to remove toxic parts and to avoid contaminating the meat. Fugu has become one of the most celebrated and notorious dishes in Japanese cuisine. Puff it up!

the Kings in a deck of cards are named Alexander, Caesar, Charles and David?

for wine drinkers, the term bouquet refers to the total scent of the wine while aroma is the scent of the grapes? When wine tasters want to describe the bouquet and the aroma together, they use the term nose. And talking about wine, according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, there are 100 calories in a 5-ounce glass of wine compared to 150 calories in a 12-ounce beer. Plus wine is a fat-free and cholesterol-free drink. Cheers!

watermelon is a vegetable? It is related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash. It does not only quench your thirst, it can also quench inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival originated from the tradition of thanksgiving among the indigenous communities called pahinungod? In 1970's, Mayor Elias B. Lopez, a Bagobo, initiated feasts in the poblacion with representatives from different ethno-linguistic groups. The first title of the feast was “Apo Duwaling” a name created from the icons Davao was famous for: Mt. Apo, durian and waling-waling. In 1988, the festival was renamed “Kadayawan sa Dabaw” by Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to celebrate the city's unique wealth in flowers, fruits, and ethnic culture. It was derived from the aboriginal word "dayaw" meaning good or "madayaw" referring to things of great value, profitable, superior or beneficial. Source: www.google.com