Crystal Flow 2022 May - August

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FORGING SYSTEMS

The forging process symbolizes our constant pursuit to provide excellent water and wastewater service in Davao City and the role that we play as a water utility is crucial in determining its development. How we use this potential can make or break the economy.

Thus, like blacksmiths, we use this potential so that we may all achieve the goals we have set through careful planning, proper execution, and intensive evaluation. And, we work tirelessly towards perfecting these goals.

In the second quarter, we saw significant changes with the implementation of the first tranche of water rate adjustment. Though this did not lift the austerity measures, it helped move more projects into fruition. We also welcomed Engr. Ismael D. Tabije as an addition to our Board of Directors with his technical expertise and extensive experience in bulk water, engineering, among others.

We had breakthroughs in the Septage Management Program as we kickstarted the advocacy campaign together with the City Government of Davao to promote proper wastewater management. And, with the impending full operation of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, we firmed up the operation plan to ensure smooth operation transition in utilizing the additional water supply.

As we continued with our Corporate Social Responsibility Program, we also welcomed Hungarian Ambassador Dr. Titanilla Tóth and the technologies she presented that could revolutionize how we provide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene assistance to barangays that are outside of our service coverage.

To top all this, the management and the NAMADACWAD inked the Collective Negotiation Agreement anew.

All these developments along with our daily hustle constituted our efforts to forge our way towards our goals. And, these are positive indicators that we are on the right track!

RUTH G. JABINES Editor-in-Chief Manager, Community Relations

quarter’s issue, we take the line from Odin of the Marvel Comics Universe describing the opportunities of Thor’s hammer, “Its power has no equal as a weapon to destroy or a tool to build.”

DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME

DCWD is bound to achieve great things. Since 1973, we have come a long way in terms of providing water service, especially that our mission and vision are already within our reach once the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project and the Septage Management Program become fully operational.

This has been made possible through our individual and group contributions, including those that have already left the service. As we move forward, a lot is in store for all of us that will significantly transform our operation, systems, and processes.

With all these developments happening, it is both rewarding and challenging to be part of DCWD – rewarding because we have the opportunity be part of these milestones, and challenging because we bear the responsibility to ensure the sustainability of these developments.

And as we are in the forerunners of these changes, we can continue and introduce new best practices that will sustain our operation for more years. We also expect to encounter some hiccups along the way.

These may all sound overwhelming, but this should not derail us because the DCWD family is known to take on challenges head-on. And, for years, this fortitude has been complemented with the desire to achieve perfection. This mark of excellence has been instrumental in bringing us to where we are now.

So let us continue with this work ethic.

If we ensure to exercise utmost prudence in everything that we do no matter how big or small, doing everything right the first time, our organization and the service that we provide will continue to positively impact the Davaoeños.

ogm@davao-water.gov.ph

davaowater@yahoo.com

DCWD and CHO roll out joint information campaign for SMP host barangays

Jamae G. Dela Cruz

DCWD

and the City Government of Davao through the City Health Office (CHO) officially rolled out the Davao City Septage Management Program (SMP) joint information campaign to raise awareness on DCWD’s new service.

In June 2022, DCWD held consultations with the officials of Indangan and Panacan. Both are considered as the host barangays of Davao City’s first Septage Treatment Plant (SpTp).

Discussed were the implementation plan of the Davao City SMP including the operational plan of the first SpTp and the Septage and Sewerage Management Ordinance. With water service also a concern among these barangays, DCWD presented its Infrastructure Development Program including the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project and complementary pipeline improvement and expansion projects.

The consultations led to the conduct of the Barangayan in Indangan and Panacan on August 11 and 30, 2022, respectively. The assemblies were attended by around 180 participants comprising of barangay officials, purok and community leaders, homeowner association officers, and residents. Participants were given the opportunity to raise their concerns during the open forum.

DCWD and CHO will continue with the Barangayan information campaign approach prioritizing the barangays that will be served in the first year of the Davao City SMP’s operation.

Earlier in the year, institutional arrangements were already discussed as part of the preparation for the Davao City SMP. This was headed by the City Government of Davao thru the City Administrator’s Office and participated in by DCWD, CHO, City Engineer’s Office, City Planning Development Office, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Office of the City Legal, and City Information Office.

Barangayan in Indangan (L pic) and Panacan (R pic)

(From L) Planning Division Manager Felomino C. Galila presents the water supply improvement program, Engineering Department Manager Christine Suyom-Guarde discusses the Davao City SMP, and CHO Sanitation Inspector II Noli H. Jimeno explains the Septage and Sewerage Management Ordinance of Davao City.

Coordination meeting between DCWD and the City Government of Davao on July 27, 2022

DCWD firms up operation plan for bulk water supply operation

The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) is one of the biggest ventures of DCWD to help improve water service in terms of supply availability and quality and to expand its service coverage in more areas in the city.

Per Joint Venture Agreement, Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. is in charge of Part A or the production component and DCWD is in charge of Part B or the distribution component. Once Part A is completed, Apo Agua will supply DCWD a minimum of 300 million liters of safe water per day using Tamugan River as surface water source and DCWD will distribute the water supply to the customers.

DCWD had already completed all the crucial infrastructures that should be in place prior to the commissioning of Part A which included pipeline improvements along major distribution routes and construction of reservoirs and complementary facilities.

While awaiting Part A’s completion, DCWD is firming up its operational plan particularly the pre-commissioning activities to ensure smooth operation transition in utilizing the bulk water supply.

The pre-commissioning phase will commence from DCWD’s receipt of notice

of trial run from Apo Agua. Upon receipt, DCWD will perform and complete the testing of electro-mechanical devices, re-hydrotesting and disinfection of non-operational pipelines, and preliminary water sampling and testing. Once all of these are completed, DCWD will then notify Apo Agua that the off-take facility is ready. Both DCWD and Apo Agua will conduct the trial run activities and the results of the trial run will be evaluated to proceed with the actual interfacing of Part A and Part B components.

From here, DCWD’s technical and operation group will conduct a series of operation adjustments to ensure that the bulk water supply is efficiently distributed to the intended customers. Both teams will also closely monitor the improvements in water supply availability, especially in areas that experience intermittent water supply. Aside from the interfacing activities, the operational plan also include the risk mitigating measures in place to ensure water service continuity in the eventuality of downtime in the bulk water operation as well as the notification procedures among the internal departments of DCWD, between DCWD and Apo Agua, and DCWD to the customers.

Jamae G. Dela Cruz

Water rates adjustment takes effect

DCWD implements a 30% water rates adjustment effective in the August 2022 billing per DCWD Board Resolution No. 22-170 with the approval of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) per BOT Resolution No. 42, series of 2022.

The adjustment is equivalent to the minimum charge of Php178.50 for the first 10 cubic meters of consumption for residential connections. This would help DCWD cope with the financial challenges it has been hurdling since the pandemic, especially with the consecutive price increases in fuel, chemicals, and construction materials, among others.

DCWD submitted its request to LWUA for water rates adjustment in December 2019 with the target implementation in 2020. However, with the economic and social disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, DCWD deferred the compliance of the requisites. Since then, DCWD has been implementing austerity measures and cost control mechanisms such as rescheduling implementation of some projects to curb expenditures. But, as the costs kept on rising and more projects temporarily shelved, the need to implement the

increase the soonest possible time became more pronounced.

DCWD assured customers that, despite the adjustment, the water rates are adequate and that the revenues generated out of the water-rate schedule are sufficient to meet the operation and capital requirements of the district; reflective of public service, equitability, and socialized pricing; set at a reasonable level; and remain affordable to the low income group.

The last time DCWD requested for a water rate adjustment was in 2005 at 60% which was implemented in four tranches from 2005 to 2014. And, between 2005 until now, while the operation and capital requirements have surged, DCWD has stretched its resources to absorb the various increases and spare the customers from the financial burden.

With the funds to be generated, DCWD will be able to aggressively work on infrastructure development, increase water supply, expand service coverage, reduce water losses, and improve other customer services to ensure overall customer satisfaction.

Jamae G. Dela Cruz

The DCWD Management and the Nagkahiusang Mamumu-o sa Davao City Water District (NAMADACWAD) successfully forged the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) for 2022-2025. The signing ceremony was held on June 3, 2022 at the DCWD Multi-purpose Hall with GM Mildred G. Aviles, NAMADACWAD President Anabelle M. Dominguez, and the respective management and labor panels.

The CNA continues to recognize the rights of the NAMADACWAD as the sole and exclusive representative for rank-and-file employees of the DCWD. It defines the terms and conditions to continuously promote and protect employees welfare including occupational health and safety, benefits and privileges, professional growth and development. Also signed was the Resolution on the Cost-Reduction Programs as supplement of the CNA.

Both parties commit to bolster commitment, efficiency, and productivity among the DCWD workforce true to its Corporate Philosophy of Service with Dignity and Honor.

Engr. Ismael D. Tabije appointed as DCWD director

Jamae G. Dela Cruz

DCWD is pleased to announce the appointment of Engr. Ismael D. Tabije as member of the Board of Directors (BOD) representing the Civic-Oriented Service Clubs effective July 18, 2022 until December 31, 2026.

He is the first appointee of Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte to DCWD’s BOD serving the vacant unexpired term of Dir. Rogelio G. Largo who was appointed as Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals.

Dir. Tabije brings to DCWD over two decades of professional expertise in bulk water supply development, hydrology and water resources engineering, irrigation engineering and management, and general civil engineering. He is an international consultant whose clients include the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Commission, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and United Nations. He has also worked in the National Irrigation Administration where he was a national awardee as Outstanding Provincial Irrigation Officer of the Year for 10 years.

Dir. Tabije earned his Master in Business Management from the Asian Institute of Management and his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Mindanao. He underwent Special Studies and Training in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering in the University of Freiburg and University of Bonn in Germany.

Aside from being a water resources specialist, Dir. Tabije has authored self-help books on success and served as columnist of SunStar Davao. One of his recent personal projects is the YouTube channel and website Math is Life where he teaches solutions to math problems.

On July 25, 2022, Dir. Tabije took his oath of office before Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan at DCWD Matina office. He shared his gratitude to Mayor Duterte and to the Rotary Club of South Davao for the new opportunity to serve the people of Davao City. He also looks forward to working with the DCWD community especially with the upcoming operation of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project.

Engr. Tabije (R) takes his oath of office as DCWD director before Chairperson Bangayan (2nd from R) on July 25, 2022 at DCWD Matina office. Dir. Tabije completes DCWD’s five-person BOD with (from L) Dir. Helen D. Paguican, Vice-Chairperson Maria Luisa L. Jacinto, Dir. Romel Alfredo R. Ruiz, and Chairperson Bangayan.

Chairperson Bangayan (L) accepts the token from Ambassador Toth.

Three DCWD tribal scholars graduate in college

Camille Margarette U. Solon

Three Indigenous Peoples (IP) scholars under DCWD’s Comprehensive Educational Support Program obtained their respective college degrees.

Both Ingay and Libuit graduated on July 1, 2022 at the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Obrero Campus while Sajid graduated on June 24, 2022 at the USeP Mintal Campus.

The graduates were conferred the DCWD scholar medals by GM Mildred G. Aviles on July 18, 2022.

They expressed their gratitude to DCWD not only for supporting them financially in their college education but also for molding them holistically through the DCWD W.A.T.E.R. Ambassadors Program. They also expressed their determination to excel in their chosen fields to serve and bring honor to their respective indigenous tribes.

As WATER Ambassadors, they are trained to be Well-rounded, Action-driven, Tenacious, Environment-conscious, and Responsible citizens who push for environmental advocacies in their assigned schools: Libuit in Tungkalan National High School (NHS), Ingay in Tambobong NHS, and Sajid in Elias P. Dacudao Gumalang School of Home Industries. Their activities include IEC campaigns for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH), Solid Waste Practices, and Youth ECOngress.

In total, DCWD has produced 25 IP graduates since 2004 and currently supports nine continuing and six incoming IP scholars. The scholarship coverage includes allowances for transportation, meals, boarding house, uniform/ textbook, and thesis expenses.

GM Aviles (2nd from R) and Community Relations and External Affairs Department Manager Ruth G. Jabines (2nd from L) with Community Relations Division Manager Lorna M. Maxino (extreme L) and Community Relations Unit Supervisor Edjan S. Parreño (extreme R) award the DCWD scholar medals to the IP graduates Libuit, Ingay, and Sajid (3rd, 4th, and 5th from L).

HANNAH A. SAJID of the Tausug tribe graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration.

LADY SARAH A. INGAY of the Obu-Manuvu tribe graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education Major in Mathematics.

LOUIE JAY P. LIBUIT of the Obu-Manuvu tribe graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Technical-Vocational Teacher Education Major in Civil Construction Technology.

DCWD and Apo Agua conduct joint CSR activities for Brgy. Tambobong

Jamae G. Dela Cruz

Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) partners, DCWD and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., conducted outreach activities in Brgy. Tambobong on June 30, 2022 as part of their respective Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program.

Promoting sustainable Water, Sanitation and Hygiene infrastructure, DCWD turned over a rainwater catchment facility consisting of two 1,000-liter tanks with gutter and piping system to the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Tambobong particularly in Sitio Luyan within the Obu-Manuvu Ancestral Domain. The facility is intended to increase the community’s alternative water supply for non-potable uses.

GM Mildred G. Aviles led the turnover to BLGU -Tambobong represented by Barangay Captain Exequil M. Salandao, Chairperson of the Obu-Manuvu Unified Ancestral Domain Tribal Council of Elders and Leaders, Inc. (OMUADTCELI) Mahabbok Luis Lambac, and Vice-Chairperson of the OMUADTCELI and Indigenous Peoples System Head Lipatuan Joel Unad.

DCWD and Apo Agua also co-organized a forum to raise awareness on the Davao City Watershed Management Code and Indigenous Peoples Rights Act among the Obu-Manuvu Tribe. Speakers were Atty. Karmela Tongo, Attorney III of the

City Legal Office representing the Watershed Management Council (WMC) and Atty. Ronnie Bolutano, OIC-Provincial Officer of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP)-Davao City.

A medical and dental outreach activity was also conducted by Apo Agua to provide routine check-up, consultation, and medicines to around 300 IP beneficiaries.

Brgy. Tambobong is among the host barangays of the DCBWSP as the headwater of the Tamugan River is situated in this barangay. Over the years, the BLGU, Obu-Manuvu Ancestral Domain Association, and Mt. Tungkaling Cultural Development Association have been DCWD’s active partners in its environment protection efforts.

Atty. Tongo (L) representing the WMC discuss the Davao City Watershed Man gement Code while Atty. Bolutano (R) of the NCIP-Davao City orients on the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.

GM Aviles (seated, center) leads the turnover of the rainwater catchment facility to BLGU-Tambobong represented by Brgy. Capt. Salandao (seated, R) and Obu-Manuvu Ancestral Domain officers Mahabbok Lambac (standing, 4th from R) and Lipatuan Unad (seated, L).

W.A.T.E.R. Ambassadors join international forum

Katrina Belen R. Bongato

TheW.A.T.E.R. (Well-rounded, Action-driven, Tenacious, Environment-conscious, and Responsible) Ambassadors of DCWD join the Online Youth Exchange Session for a Sustainable Future. Eight DCWD W.A.T.E.R. Ambassadors attended the Online Youth Exchange Session for a Sustainable Future on August 7, 2022 via Zoom. The activity participated in by 120 youths from Asia was organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Prosperity Division in Hiroshima Japan.

Aiming to provide an avenue to learn more about global issues, Youth Ambassador Program Lead Facilitator Shota Koike discussed the background of UNITAR that empowers organizations through training and research to effectively overcome contemporary global challenges. To encourage fruitful exchange, participants shared their views and ideas on how they can take part in attaining the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals in their respective homes, schools, communities, and countries.

The DCWD W.A.T.E.R. Ambassadors expressed their gratitude to DCWD and UNITAR for the extraordinary international learning experience.

DCWD advocates programs that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially, Goal No. 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.

A.L. Navarro NHS learn about water coservation

Katrina Belen R. Bongato

DCWD

promoted water conservation in A.L. Navarro National High School during the latter’s Brigada Eskwela on August 12, 2022. Around 30 students attended the orientation which forms part of the information campaigns in preparation for the opening of classes.

Discussions included types of water systems, DCWD’s water distribution from source to customers’ taps, average water use of one person, different water conservation and recycling tips, and new service connection requirements.

The orientation was capped with an open forum allowing discussion on water and DCWD-related concerns. Students and teachers were also given customized information, education and communication materials bearing various environment protection and water conservation messages

(L pic) Deputy Spokesperson Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod discusses the different water conservation tips. (R pic) A.L. Navarro NHS students received IEC materials from DCWD.

LOPWA benchmarks KALMAWASA best practices

Camille Margarette U. Solon

LowerPatag Water System Association (LOPWA) benchmarked the best practices of Katipunan-LadianMarahan Water System Association (KALMAWASA) on August 25, 2022 to improve LOPWA’s water disinfection methods.

KALMAWASA is a community-based organization in charge of the operation and maintenance of the Rural Water Supply System (WSS) in Marilog. The said WSS was turned over by DCWD as part of its Gender and Development - Corporate Social Responsibility Program. Since its formation, DCWD continually equips KALMAWASA with capacity-building programs to efficiently manage the Rural WSS.

LOPWA representatives were welcomed by KALMAWASA Chairperson Julieta Ubatay and Vice-Chairperson Eliseo Terol and DCWD representatives headed by Community Development Unit In-Charge Crispina B. Virador.

The parties traveled from Sitio Marahan in Marilog to Campo Uno in Arakan to observe KALMAWASA’s chlorination facility. DCWD’s Senior Water Resources Facilities Technician Arthur C. Bachiller and Plant Electrician/Mechanic Cornello B. Remollo demonstrated water disinfection with proper amount of chlorine solution and chlorine residual testing. LOPWA representatives were also taught about plumbing works, especially with large pipes.

Free water during 37th Kadayawan sa Davao

Camille Margarette U. Solon

DCWD took part in the festivities of the 37th Kadayawan sa Davao by distributing 6,500 bottles of potable water during the Indak Indak sa Kadayawan street dancing competition on August 20, 2022.

DCWD has always been supportive of the City and continues to participate in city-wide celebrations.

LOPWA representatives observe the chlorination facility.

KALMAWASA Vice-Chairperson Terol (standing) orients LOPWA representatives.

Remollo (left pic) prepares the chlorine residue kit for the chlorine testing demo. Afterward, Bachiller (left-most in right pic) shows the level of chlorine in the water through the result of the chlorine residue test.

Pelayo Street

Rizal Street

In front of San Pedro Cathedral

Beyond GAD Attribution

(Part 2 of 2)

Sheila May S. Bresenio

DCWD intensified the conduct of Gender Analysis as part of ensuring inclusive development for all the people it serves. It delved into the water and gender-related perspective and experiences of men and women served by eleven barangays under three Water Supply Systems (WSS) namely, Cabantian, Panacan, and Riverside WSS in June to July 2022. Tackled were matters on women and men’s gender roles, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) situation, access and control in availing the level 3 water service of DCWD, and constraints and opportunities encountered in gaining access to water service.

Data gathering was done through the use of tailored-fit Gender Analysis Tools consisting of Activity Profile Tool, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Tool, Access and Control Tool, and Influencing factors (Constraints and Opportunities) Tool that was inspired by the Harvard Analytical Framework, also called “Gender Roles Framework”. The analysis was done through Qualitative descriptive phenomenology to define reality from the individual narratives of lived experiences and feelings of people affected by water and gender issues.

Subsequently, it was found that gender issues in water though not explicit do exist. In the absence of a safely managed WASH access, women and girls are more adversely affected. Highlighted in this article are some of the water and gender issues that the Gender Analysis participants expressed.

In terms of WASH situation, most of the participants’ primary source of drinking water and water for cooking is packaged water due to the perceived unacceptable quality of piped water, and most of them experienced unavailability of water at least once. On the other hand, piped water from DCWD is their primary source of water for household activities.

Most of the participants have handwashing facilities and are using flush or pour flush toilet facilities with most septic tanks not yet emptied. Some do not have septic tanks as their dwellings are situated in the coastal area.

The effects of the WASH situation to the participants range from individual to community level. Individually, they are challenged with additional expenses, compromised personal hygiene, and lack of sleep. Economically, spending

Brgy. Biao Joaquin Brgy. Communal

within the household increases as they need to purchase packaged water on top of the monthly water bill for the piped water service. Some participants who are vendors expressed that without enough water, their vegetables easily dry out. Women and children’s personal hygiene is mostly compromised in the absence of sufficient water supply, especially during menstruation when water is vital to maintain proper hygiene.

Generally, women stay up late and store water in areas with intermittent water supply. Hence, they experience lack of sleep. Conflicts due to water supply also happen, not just between family members, but as well as with neighbors that community leaders need to mediate at times.

Furthermore, the Access and Control Tool showed that control in accessing DCWD water service connection primarily lies in the men’s decision, even if the women mostly utilize water on a daily basis due to the assigned gender roles.

The administration of the Influencing factors (Constraints and Opportunities) Tool revealed the different constraints and opportunities encountered by the participants in accessing or availing DCWD water service connection. Six constraints were identified namely, water quantity, water quality, limited access to resources, new service application and other services requirements, mediums of information dissemination, and unsafe

service lines with water quantity and quality as the top constraints. On the other hand, the opportunities found during the analysis were DCWD online platform services and potential new market.

Analysis of the results of the Activity Profile Tool shows the difference between the gender roles and responsibilities of men and women and their perspectives. More household chores, family affairs, and community-related responsibilities are performed by women than by men, even if women are participating in the labor force. This often leads to multiple burdens to women. Women who are assigned or chose to focus on managing the household and family affairs experience undervaluation or marginalization for the work they do.

These issues are rooted in the gender stereotypes ingrained in our culture and traditions resulting to assumption of current roles and responsibilities without question. Fortunately, along with the fast-changing times, people also became open to the idea that an individual’s capacity has to be considered in assigning tasks and responsibilities.

The results of the Gender Analysis confirm the relationship between water and gender. Therefore, addressing gender issues and making water infrastructure and services gender-responsive are not just for mere compliance, but the true essence of public service.

Brgy. Mahayag

Brgy. Bunawan Proper

International Day of the World’s IPs commemorated

Katrina Belen R. Bongato

Aiming to promote cultural sensitivity in the office, the DCWD IP employees paid homage to their respective tribes by wearing full tribal attires and showcasing their community dance. Presentations also highlighted the experience of the IP Women in DCWD, the acknowledgement of women’s role in the preservation and transmission of traditional knowledge, and DCWD’s interventions for the IPs in Davao City.

DCWD fully supports the IP Rights Act of 1997 and provides equal employment opportunities to the IPs.

DCWD’s IP employees from the Bagobo-Clata, Bagobo-Tagabawa, Maguindanaon, Mandaya, Mansaka, Maranao, Obu Manuvu, and Tausug tribes spearheaded the 1st Indigenous Peoples Day sa DCWD celebration with the theme Katubig at Katribu on August 9, 2022. DCWD officers headed by AGM for Administration Bernardo D. Delima Jr. joined the event.