Crystal Flow 2013 May - August

Vol. XXI No. 2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

May-august 2013

DCWD makes own

test bench for big meters

Police, firemen, government workers, youth rehab Lasang coast

About the COVER Vol. XXI No. 2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

MAY-AUGUST 2013

DCWD MAKES OWN

TEST BENCH FOR BIG METERS

Police, firemen, government workers, youth rehab Lasang coast

Cover concept by Jonas A. Capute, Jr.

The picture tries to encapsulate the devastating effects of climate change to the next generations who will inherit the Earth if the present generations do nothing to protect and rehabilitate the environment.

Represented by the newly sprouted plant being slowly burnt, it shows the helplessness of the future generations in the midst of the challenges that climate change will surely bring.

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 PNSDW. - Attain a 98% Employee Satisfaction Rating.

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

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

- Fully implement Phase 1 of the Septage Management Program.

Core strateGy

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS EDUARDO A. BANGAYAN Chairman ATTY. ELISEO R. BRAGANZA, JR. Vice-Chairman MA. LUISA L. JACINTO Secretary ATTY. CHARLEMAGNE B. ALDEVERA Member ATTY. ABDUL M. DATAYA Member

TOP MANAGEMENT ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO Acting General Manager MILDRED G. AVILES OIC - AGM for Administration ENGR. EXEQUIEL B. HOMEZ OIC - AGM for Operation

Corporate philosophy Service with Dignity and Honor

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS BERNADETTE A. DACANAY Finance & Property

what’s

INSIDE? 3 4 5 6

Editor’s note

12 DCWD Kalikabildo 14 Personnel 16 Barangays shine in DCWD’s 17

From the GM’s desk

environment month contests

Various stakeholder plant trees in watersheds

DCWD makes own test bench for big meters

18 Schools and community

Lubogan Well No. 2 augments water supply

receive water tanks DCWD scholars pass ALS test

kids get 7 Vice-Chair Braganza explains new 19 Watershed educational assistance

8

water rate classification to the city council

Police, firemen, government workers, youth rehab Lasang coast

20 DCWD holds public

accountability seminar

21 DCWD welcomes new

scholars for SY 2013-14 9 “Cloudy” water is safe for drinking 22 Legally Speaking 10 DCWD has new water tanker 23 Fun Games 11 DCWD champs anew in Red Cross competition 24 Did you know that...

CRYSTAL FLOW

T he o ffi c i a l p u b l i c a ti o n o f D a v ao C i ty Water D i stri ct 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.

May-August 2013

JEANNETTE CARLOTA M. DELINO Electronic Data Processing PAQUITO C. EBERO Commercial IMELDA T. MAGSUCI Community Relations & External Affairs/ Official Spokesperson ENGR. NOEL C. MONTAÑA Production ARIEL L. NOBLE Corporate Planning ROBERTO S. DELOS REYES General Services ATTY. RICHARD D. TUMANDA Legal ENGR. ROSANNA VICENTA T. CABANAG OIC, Operation & Maintenance / Head, Non-Revenue Water Management Office ENGR. OSCAR C. DELA CRUZ OIC, Engineering & Construction HILTON P. HUSAIN OIC, Accounting & Budget RUTH G. JABINES OIC, Human Resource ENGR. ARNOLD P. SARABIA OIC, Systems & Internal Audit

Crystalflow Vol. XXI No. 2

May-August 2013

Editorial Board editor-in-chief MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE associate editor MADONNA C. LLAGUNO news editor Jovana cresta t.

duhaylungsod copy editor Engr. reynaldo m.

PETALCORIN features editor RUTH G. JABINES circulation chief JERELL J. LEONIDA artist JONAS A. CAPUTE, JR. adviser IMELDA T. MAGSUCI

editor’s note

Continue the journey

M

idway through 2013, the men and women of DCWD have their hands full as the water utility toils its way to realize its future direction while it celebrates 40 years of dedicated operation. Handling all challenges, however, DCWD maintains excellence under pressure.

DCWD strives to transform itself into a water utility that addresses both the needs of the present and the challenges of the future while incorporating what it has learned in its past experiences.

That is why DCWD continuously seeks for ways to start filling the pages of the new history it will create in achieving another milestone while maintaining true to the desire to become a premiere water utility in Asia and to provide customers with excellent service.

These efforts are highlighted in this issue that include the expansion of service coverage and improvement of water supply in DCWD’s Lubogan Water Supply System, the fabrication of its own meter testing bench for large water meters, the addition of a new water tanker, the explanation before the Davao City council regarding the changes in fees it implemented and more. News about the environment and other stories should not also be skipped.

As you read through the pages of this magazine, you too become part of DCWD’s journey.

Enjoy the experience. s

MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com

May-August 2013

3

from the gm’s desk

Our culture of excellence

O

ver the years of reaping small and big achievements, success has become a staple companion of the DCWD family. This we all share with great pride but also with utmost humility.

However, this hard-earned reputation should not make us complacent. More than ever, we should strive harder and work the extra mile as there are still so many that DCWD, as a water utility, needs to achieve.

We, men and women of this utility, are known to extend beyond the scope of our day-to-day tasks. We have created a breed of public servants who are uncomfortable with compliance level performance. Let us continue this attitude and do so by placing excellence as the benchmark of our everyday successes.

Undeniably, the DCWD family is overflowing with talents and abilities evidently showcased not just in our work outputs but in our in-house and outside activities as well.

Realizing how to use all our potentials is very important in achieving our missions. For the DCWD family, it is not a difficult feat as we have long known the secret to our achievements.

All we have to do is to improve this culture of oneness and excellence and make sure that the present and future generations of this water utility will do all they can to continue the success achieved and sustained. Hence, let us continue to unite all our efforts to meet the needs and uphold the welfare of the public we serve.

To God be the glory! s

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO Acting General Manager 4

May-August 2013

water news

D

avao City Water District has developed its own test bench to calibrate water meters with sizes ranging from 13mm to 200mm diameters. Fabrication cost is one million and one hundred thousand pesos.

This facility which can save DCWD as much as three million pesos in ten years on large water meters testing, is the brainchild of Engr. Dennis A. Maningo, Water Meter Maintenance Division (WMMD) manager.

Water meter test is a standard procedure for a water district. Prior to the fabrication of the said test bench, DCWD conducted testing of water meters with sizes ½ - 1 ½ inches and sent its large water meters to big private water companies or to Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) for testing for a fee.

MCWD used to be the only one in the Visayas and Mindanao regions with a large meter test rig.

WMMD general services chief B Froilan P. Estrallado (middle) explains to acting GM Regalado details of how the new test bench operates.

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado explained that the test bench is among the latest advancement in DCWD’s operations. “Technology nowadays has allowed us to come up with various innovations and a very good example of this is this new meter test bench which is way more affordable than buying meter testing facilities which cost around 10 to 15 million pesos a set,” he said. With this, he challenged other departments of the water utility to also come up with their respective interventions to improve the operations of DCWD in the city.

According to Engr. Maningo, the management challenged his division to build DCWD’s own test bench that will accommodate large meters since buying a test bench as well as having large meters tested outside of DCWD were becoming more costly. The WMMD started the project in December 2012 and completed it in April this year.

He also said that the new test bench is an effective tool in their proactive approach to water meter management which will allow DCWD to detect problems related to meters as early as possible, saving on losses brought by inaccurate water meters. It will also help build the knowledge and capabilities of its personnel on management of water meters. Ultimately, the DCWD customers are assured of the accuracy of their billing statements.

WMMD manager Maningo (2nd from L) inspects the data of the newly built meter test bench.

DCWD makes own test bench for big meters

DCWD’s new meter test bench passed the in-house testing conducted last July 3, 2013 at the utility’s Talomo Pump Station which was witnessed by officers headed by acting GM Regalado, OIC - assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles and OIC – assistant general manager for operation Exequiel B. Homez. Mrs. Aviles said that once accredited, this meter test bench will be the first of its kind in Mindanao and will be made available to other water districts in Mindanao for testing of their large meters.

Acting GM Regalado added that although DCWD will accommodate meter testing for other water districts, DCWD meters will still be of top priority. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

May-August 2013

5

water news heavily on commercial bottled water which was expensive.

With the establishment of the new well, water availability has become round the clock for existing water connections.

Acting GM Regalado (left) and Bangkas barangay captain Al-ag taste the crystal clear water during the ceremonial opening of valve.

T

he long wait for Lubogan and Bangkas residents is over.

Production Well No. 2 of Davao City Water District’s Lubogan Water Supply System in Lubogan, Toril was commissioned last April 24, 2013 and was blessed by Fr. Johny A. Autida during the inauguration on May 31, 2013. The new production well worth 15.3 million pesos could accommodate about 3,000 service connections in the areas of Bangkas and Lower Lubogan and could generate 3,900 cubic meters a day.

During the program, barangay captain Wilberto E. Al-ag personally

thanked the water utility saying that the establishment of the new well answered the long-time prayer of residents to have individual household connections. Prior to the establishment of Lubogan PW No. 2, DCWD had to suspend the acceptance of application for new water service connections in the area as its existing facility can no longer accommodate more service connections. Barangay captain Al-ag said that those who did not have connections sourced water for household use from a river in the area while others fetched water from those with existing water connections. For drinking, a number of residents relied

Lubogan Well No. 2

augments water supply

(from L) DCWD directors Abdul M. Dataya and Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, LWUA acting administrator Eduardo C. Santos, OGCC representative Atty. Salvador A. Camanian, Jr. and DCWD Board Chair Eduardo A. Bangayan do the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

6

May-August 2013

Residents without water connections now enjoy the convenience of individual household connections at the minimum amount of PhP125.80 for the first 10 cubic meters or equivalent to 50 drums. Said amount is reputed to be the lowest rate in the entire country.

The commissioning of this well is part of the several infrastructure expansion projects of the water district to broaden its service coverage and enhance water pressure.

Present during the inauguration were Local Water Utilities Administration acting administrator Eduardo C. Santos, Office of the Government Corporate Counsel Atty.

Salvador A. Camanian, Jr., DCWD directors, management and employees headed by Chairman Eduardo A. Bangayan, and the local government unit of barangay Bangkas headed by barangay captain Al-ag. (Edmarson M. Sola) s

water news

T

Vice-Chair Braganza explains new water rate classification to the city council

he contingent of Davao City Water District led by Atty. Eliseo R. Braganza, Jr., vice-chairman of the DCWD Board of Directors, appeared before the City Council last April 30, 2013 to explain the newly implemented classification of service connections that has the effect of doubling the rate for water consumption of many commercial establishments in the city.

In almost an hour presentation and open forum, vice-chair Braganza explained in detail the need to implement increases in water rate and to classify the same to generate funds for enhancement and expansion projects in order to cope with the city’s rapid economic progress. “We must understand that the improvement and expansion projects should be way ahead of the city’s economic and population growth and the only way to materialize it is to generate funds to finance massive development projects through increase in accordance with law.”

Section 38 of Presidential Decree 198 issued in 1973 mandates water districts to implement a socialized pricing wherein service connections shall be classified in accordance to usage: commercial, industrial, government and residential. The same law mandates to double the rate of commercial service connections as compared to the rate of residential and government customers per cubic meter. Vice-chair Braganza said that the utility chose to defer the implementation of the classification in the past in order to help the city encourage more investors to Davao City. He stressed that the rate for residential and government connections will not be affected.

Following the principle things alike should be treated alike, DCWD’s classification was based on the 2009 Philippine Standard for Industrial Classification (PSIC) and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) Manual of Water Rates and Other Related Practices.

The massive infrastructure that would be financed by the revenue collected from the implementation of the classification will largely benefit the commercial consumers as they demand for more water. By way of comparison, vice-chair Braganza illustrated

City councilors (from R) Hon. Jimmy G. Dureza, Hon. Melchor V. Quitain and Hon. Pilar C. Braga listen to ViceChair Braganza.

the need to put up more production wells to serve the ballooning demand not only of the residential but commercial consumers saying that one production well extracting an average of 146,500 cubic meters per month and which can serve 7,101 residential connections, could hardly meet the demand of the top 20 high consuming commercial service connections that have a total average consumption of 184,643 cubic meters per month.

Despite all the increases in water rate charges, the vice-chair explained that DCWD still implements the lowest water rates in the country for residential, commercial, government and industrial connections in the category of very large water districts that include Metro Cebu, Bacolod, Dasmariñas and Zamboanga and way lower compared to its private counterparts in Metro Manila, the Maynilad and Manila Water.

Revenues collected as a result of the classification of water rates will help implement 2.8 billion peso infrastructure projects across all water supply systems of the utility from 2013 to 2016 including the restoration and reconstruction of the collapsed Bankerohan pipe bridge and distribution lines to further augment water supply in areas affected by the same.

In response to complaints on intermittent water supply and low water pressure, particularly in downtown areas affected by the collapsed Bankerohan bridge pipelines, vice-chair Braganza appealed to the public to continue to be patient as DCWD is exhausting all means to restore normal operation the soonest possible time. “The utility is now on the preliminary stage of the detailed engineering design of the project that will eventually be bidded out in accordance with R.A. 9184 otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Act”.

Prior to the collapse of the distribution lines on Bankerohan bridge on December 16, 2012, DCWD had garnered 93% overall satisfaction rating in the Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted by the Orient Integrated Development Consultants Incorporated (OIDCI) in the same year. The survey focused on four major parameters: water quality, water supply, customer service and confidence on water safety. However, he said that the utility will not rest on its high 93% rating, rather it will concentrate working further on the remaining 7% room for improvement to continuously satisfy its consumers. (Edjan S. Parreño and Edmarson M. Sola) s

May-August 2013

7

water news

Police, firemen, government workers, youth

rehab Lasang coast D

avao City Water District and partner agencies successfully planted 1,500 mangrove seedlings and conducted coastal clean-up activity along the coast of Torres Beach, Purok Pices in Lasang thru Lawig 7, an event conducted during Ocean Month in May. This year’s celebration carried the theme “Ang Bahura ay Kagubatan sa Karagatan, Ating Pangalagaan”.

Extending help were representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Knight Hawk Rescue Team (KHRT), Kia Pride Club (KPC), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XI, City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO), Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) and local officials of Barangay Lasang.

Bureau of Fire Protection Bunawan SFO1 Santos Macadangdang (2nd from L) and staff plant mangroves.

In behalf of acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, Operation and Maintenance Department OIC Rosanna Vicenta T. Cabanag welcomed the participants to the whole day event and explained the importance of caring for the ocean to the utility’s operations citing that “DCWD’s rehabilitation and protection efforts for the water resources is not only limited to the mountains and watersheds of Davao City. It also extends to the ocean as everything in this world is connected.” She also thanked everyone for taking time to participate in DCWD’s cause.

Since almost all of the 110 participants were new to planting mangrove seedlings, BFAR XI coastal resource management chief Raul C. Millana lectured on the proper way to plant the mangrove species chosen for the activity to ensure growth and sustainability. Mr. Millana also gave suggestions in order to improve DCWD’s future activities on coastal rehabilitation.

Police, firemen, government workers and youth group collect trash along the shoreline of Torres Beach, Purok Pices in Lasang.

In the afternoon before the coastal clean-up activity, CAO Fisheries Resource Management Services Division aquaculturist Primo M. Hufilde discussed the importance of mangroves to the environment enumerating their contributions to the coastal ecosystem and the different environmental risks that threaten their existence.

After the clean-up, the participants showcased their ingenuity and creativity thru collage and presentation using the garbage they collected along the shoreline. Through singing, dancing and cheering, they were able to impart their ideas on the importance of protecting and rehabilitating the ocean.

Barangay kagawad Nestor Gabronino relayed Lasang barangay captain Jeanette N. Rodas’ heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the event. “Eighty percent of our constituents rely on fishing as their means of livelihood, that is why your activities here today are already a big help to our community. The Lasang barangay council will also help take care of the seedlings you have already planted in order to make sure that they survive.” (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

DCWD employee-volunteers and reps from the BFP, PNP, KHRT, KPC, BFAR XI, CAO and WMYC and local officials of Brgy. Lasang help one another in Lawig 7.

Participants of Lawig 7 pose for posterity after planting 1,500 seedlings and conducting coastal clean-up.

8

May-August 2013

water news

“Cloudy” water is safe for drinking

C

oncerned Davao City Water District customers are worried about their water being sometimes cloudy, milky, hazy and foamy in its initial appearance from the faucet. According to their observation, the cloudiness actually disappears when the water is left to settle for more or less than a minute. Much of their concern is with regards to the safety of the water as most of them believe that the cloudiness is caused by too much chlorine presence, a notion which DCWD affirms to be false.

Chlorine residual is the “amount of chlorine remaining in water at the end of a specific contact period following disinfection”.

DCWD’s Quality Control Division manager Hydie R. Maspiñas explained that there is no reason to be alarmed when they observe cloudiness in their tap water as this is just caused by millions of dissolved tiny oxygen air bubbles.

Furthermore, the water utility conducts daily and bi-monthly microbiological testing to regularly monitor the water quality from 262 identified sampling points in DCWD’s different water systems. Results of the tests will help DCWD assess the cleanliness of water even when it has flowed through the pipes towards the service connections. These sampling points are situated in areas with high population concentration or those that experience low water pressure.

She said that DCWD makes sure that the water that reaches its customers has been treated to ensure safety.

DCWD uses gas chlorine of varying dosage to treat its water. Chlorine dosage depends on the quality of water source being treated. Malagos, being a surface water source, gets higher dosage compared to the extracted ground water source of Dumoy. Different dosage also applies to other water sources such as in Panacan and Cabantian, among others.

DCWD also conducts hourly monitoring of chlorine residual within the 0.3 to 1.5 mg/L range which is the allowable limit of the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water. This level is safe for human consumption.

This monitoring is done through the use of stateof-the-art equipment, namely, chlorine residual analyzers to read chlorine residual in the water as it passes through DCWD’s facilities and auto valves to automatically regulate chlorine residual within the prescribed dosage.

To confirm, the DCWD management assures customers that the water with cloudiness that disappear more or less than a minute is potable and thus safe for drinking and any domestic uses. Further, they are also advised to contact DCWD’s 24-hour call center thru numbers 221-9412, 0927-7988966, 0908-441-0653 and 0925-511-3293 for queries regarding water quality or any matters related to DCWD services. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

May-August 2013

9

water news

D

a v a o C i t y Wa t e r District added an 8,000-liter capacity water tanker to its existing 14,000 liter tanker to aid in water distribution during cases of prolonged water supply problems in the city. These water tankers are also used to deliver water to communities where water connection is still not available through the Periurban Water Delivery Services (WDS).

Official turn-over of the vehicle was done last April 29, 2013 at the DCWD Matina motorpool area in the presence of acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, Transport Operation and Equipment Maintenance Division (TOEMD) manager Atelano Z. Leduna, Jr. and general services chiefs James Aquilino M. Coloma and Leo Rey M. Geraldo and Southern Motors of Davao Inc. / ISUZU Davao vice-president for operations Frank C. Liu III and sales executive Ruth Elaine D. Niog.

“DCWD always makes sure that its scheduled water interruptions finish on time as not to burden affected customers. However, emergency water cuts caused by SMDI / ISUZU Davao vice president for operations Frank unforeseen mainline leaks, bogged down facilities or loss of power supply in production C. Liu III and sales executive Ruth Elaine D. Niog (3rd and 4th from R) officially turn over the new water wells and pumping stations are sometimes unavoidable. In case water supply does not tanker to acting GM Edwin V. Regalado (2nd from resume immediately during these emergency cases, DCWD delivers water to the affected R) with (from L) TOEMD manager Atelano Z. customers. However, for massive water supply loss, one tanker can only serve a limited area.

Leduna Jr. and general services chiefs James With an additional water tanker, we can ferry water to more areas at a much faster rate,” acting Aquilino M. Coloma and Leo Rey M. GM Regalado said.

Geraldo.

It can be recalled that during the water supply problem caused by the collapse of DCWD’s pipes at Bankerohan Bridge, many areas in the city experienced intermittent water supply for some days. To address the issue, DCWD strategically deployed its 14,000 liter tanker and some of its L300 vehicles and sought the help of fire volunteers to augment water supply in waterless areas.

“Also, while DCWD is still in the process of developing more facilities, it utilizes the Peri-urban WDS to extend its services to communities with no existing water connections by setting up water tanks in selected barangays from where the residents could get water at an affordable price,” acting GM Regalado continued.

Communities served are situated in the areas of Lasang, Panacan, Mandug, Cabantian, Toril and Bago Oshiro.

“DCWD always makes sure that the water needs of the people are met even during emergency cases or when there are still no available water connections because DCWD understands that water is a necessity we all cannot live without,” acting GM Regalado explained.

The new water tanker is just one of the many projects that DCWD has to better respond to emergencies and avoid delays in its operations. Furthermore, it has also planned different infrastructure development projects to improve water supply availability in its service area and to expand its service coverage. To date, only 60% of the total population of Davao City are reached by DCWD’s services. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

DCWD has new water tanker 10

May-August 2013

water news

DCWD champs anew in Red Cross competition

Basic life support

Patient transfer relay

D

avao City Water District’s emergency response team bagged the championship for the second consecutive time last July 18, 2013 during the 5th Davao Industrial First Aid competition sponsored by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Davao City chapter held at the activity center of Abreeza Mall of Davao. It finished with 568 points. Coming in second place was Masters Port Services, Inc. (MPSI) with 534 points and in third the Mindanao Corrugated Fibreboard, Inc. (MCFI) with 491 points.

DCWD also won two special prizes for topping the problem solving (55 of 61 pts.) and patient transfer relay categories (183 of 200 pts.).

MPSI topped the basic life support (44 of 44 pts.) and bleeding control and bandaging categories (192 of 250 pts.) while MCFI got the splinting relay category (55 of 61 pts.).

The first five members of DCWD’s emergency response team were team leader Roxanne C. Sayago of the Human Resource

id

We d

Splinting relay

Basic life support

Department (HRD), Anji Laura A. Grecia of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department, Aris V. Cabamungan of the Corporate Planning Department, Nones D. Anino of the Accounting and Budget Department and Christopher N. Cagalawan of the Electronic Data Processing Department. Other members of the team included Allan D. Antiga of the Finance and Property Department, Ernest William C. Odchimar of the Pollution Control and Safety Office, Francis Lloyd A. Bangcas of the Production Department and Matt Ronald B. Tan of the Commercial Department. Their team coordinator was Engr. John F. Baynosa who is also DCWD’s pollution control and safety officer.

Also present to show support were some DCWD employees headed by OIC – assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles along with Human Resource Department OIC Ruth G. Jabines and Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje.

The competition is an annual event which highlights the National Disaster Consciousness Month. It aims to promote safety and first aid awareness in the industrial sector, encourage first aid skills competency, enhance emergency and disaster response readiness and develop unity and sportsmanship among competing participants.

Davao Cement Poles Corp., Davao Light and Power Company, Fast Cargo Logistics Corp., Hedcor Incorporated and Makati Development Corp. also competed in the event.

In a related development, the team had a fresh brush in administering first aid last July 25, 2013 along McArthur Highway fronting DCWD Matina office when a woman in her late 50s was accidentally hit by a white pick-up truck while she was crossing the highway. Before the 911 personnel arrived, the team together with a few other DCWD employees, attended to the victim.

(Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

!

ain g a it

2X Champion! Front row: (from L) Francis Lloyd A. Bangcas, Christopher N. Cagalawan, Nones D. Anino, Aris V. Cabamungan and Ernest William C. Odchimar. 2nd row: (from L) team coordinator John F. Baynosa, team leader Roxanne C. Sayago, OIC-AGMA Mildred G. Aviles, Anji Laura A. Grecia, Matt Ronald B. Tan and Allan D. Antiga.

May-August 2013

11

water news

Ateneo de Davao University Environmental Studies Department chairperson Fr. Daniel J. McNamara

City Council Leo R. Avila III lectures to Ateneo de Davao University students.

DCWD Public Information / Relations Division Manager Maria Editha C. Monje

AMA Computer College school director Engr. Errol S. Nuerez

DCWD Information Officer A Madonna C. Llaguno hands on Eco Bag to an AMA Computer College student.

12

Councilor Avila lectures to AMA Computer College students.

May-August 2013

water news

PWC Asst. Vice President for Operations and Administration Ma. Loreto A. Lopez

Councilor Avila speaks about climate change to the 1,000 high school & college students of Philippine Women College.

A

1,420 college and HS students attend environment fora

bout 300 college students of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), 1,000 high school and college students of the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) of Davao and 120 students of AMA Computer College (AMACC) Davao attended the environmental fora conducted separately by the Davao City Water District on June 14, 21 and 29, 2013 respectively, in their schools.

This environment forum termed KALIKABILDO had no less than city councilor Leo R. Avila III as resource person who spoke largely on the effects of climate change in the present global environment which include the rise in temperature and sea level and heavy precipitation which leads to flooding. Among others, he also presented a comparison between the world in the past and at present and even showed simulations of what will happen to the major cities in the country if sea level continues to rise up to six meters, a prediction which was met by pure shock by the students. However, he also said that there is still a way to prevent bodies of water from encroaching lands and that is to reduce the carbon footprints of humans by practising the eight R’s which are reuse, reduce, recycle, repair, refuse, rethink, reforest and reconnect with nature.

In the open forum, students actively asked questions about the environment and answered trivia questions about the lecture.

Customized information, education and communication materials were distributed to all participants.

In his message, AdDU Environmental Studies Department chairperson Fr. Daniel J. McNamara, S.J. discussed the relevance of the lecture to Davao City and its water sources as the city relies predominantly on agricultural economy.

PWC of Davao assistant vice-president for operations and administration Ma. Loreto A. Lopez thanked DCWD for choosing PWC as among the schools visited in the month long school-to-school environment campaign. In fact, she also hoped that DCWD and PWC Davao will partner in more activities that promote environment and watershed protection in the near future.

Engr. Errol S. Nuerez, AMA CC school director, explained to the students the need to help reverse the changes of climate change considering that the Philippines has already been identified as one of the top flood-prone countries in the whole world.

Kalikabildo is a portmanteau of the words kalikasan which is a Filipino term meaning environment and kabildo which is a Visayan term meaning to converse. It was in 2008 that DCWD first conducted the series of fora in Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) and University of Mindanao. In 2009, Kalikabildo centered on the Tamugan Surface Water Development project and lectures were conducted in Brokenshire College, University of Immaculate Concepcion, HCDC, Philippine College of Technology and St. Peter’s College of Toril. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

May-August 2013

13

personnel

Congratu to the following employees who have successfully completed post graduate studies

MILANIMFA M. DEFENIO Accounting and Budget Dept.

Master in Business Administration University of the Visayas

AUDREY S. LACABA Finance and Property Dept.

Master in Business Administration University of the Visayas

SHARON HAZEL C. PATES General Services Dept.

Master in Business Administration University of the Visayas

SUSAN S. ALCUIREZ Accounting and Budget Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

EVA FLOR R. APALE Accounting and Budget Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

FREDERICK G. BADILLES Electronic Data Processing Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

ENGR. JERRY G. BAJAO General Services Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

MARISSA G. CARPIO Finance and Property Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

ENGR. ALBERT U. DAYRIT Production Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

ARTHUR T. DIZON General Services Dept.

ARCH. TYRONE A. ENSOY Operation and Maintenance Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

TERESITA T. GADIA Accounting and Budget Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

MAGDALENA P. JOSOL Accounting and Budget Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

ENGR. ANTHONY D. MIRANDA

MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE Community Relations and External Affairs Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

MA. CRISTINA S. NUCUM Accounting and Budget Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

RAYMUND B. SUNGA Electronic Data Processing Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

ANITA S. SURIBA Finance and Property Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

ENGR. ELIEZER T. TALEON Operation and Maintenance Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

14

May-August 2013

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

Community Relations and External Affairs Dept.

Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas

personnel

ulations!

Doctor of Management Major in Human Resource Management

ENGR. OSCAR C. DELA CRUZ Engineering & Construction Dept.

Master of Science in Environmental Resource and Management University of Southeastern Phils.

HYDIE R. MASPIĂ‘AS Production Dept.

Master in Participatory Development Program

Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc.

PATRICIA ANGELA B. TACDER Operation & Maintenance Dept.

Master in Business Administration University of Southeastern Phils.

RUTH G. JABINES

Human Resource Department University of the Visayas

WATER meter MAINTENANCE DIVISION

Recognition conferred to the Water Meter Maintenance Division, headed by Engr. Dennis A. Maningo, for their exemplary contribution and innovative idea leading to the successful design and invention of DCWD Large Water Meter Test Bench

ENGR. DENNIS A. MANINGO Division Manager C Water Meter Maintenance General Services Dept.

Salamat... Paalam...

GILETTO A. CALATRAVA Supervising Utilities/Customer Service Officer Commercial Dept.

September 1, 1956 - August 14, 2013

May-August 2013

15

water news

Barangays shine in DCWD’s

environment month contests

T

he Dynamic band of Barangay 15-B with their original composition “Bangon” grabbed the top spot in the Recyclaband competition while barangay Tibungco’s designer Joshua Caesar Medroso and model Mae Anne Bornillo won the Trash-to-Style fashion contest in the first ever Tugtugan at Rampahan sa Kalikasan 2013, an inter-barangay competition conducted last June 1, 2013 at the Abreeza Mall of Davao.

FIRST PLACE. Trashto-Style fashion model The event which carried the theme “One Beat, One Voice, One Trend, One Perspective for Mae Anne Bornillo of Environmental Advocacy” aimed to promote environmental protection and the importance of the barangay Tibungco.

Philippine Eagle and served as a kick-off celebration for the Environment Month in June. Organizers were the Davao City Water District and the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) in partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Abreeza Mall of Davao and Watershed and Environmental Protection Coalition in Davao.

SECOND PLACE. Jessa Mae Bolasito of Brgy. Tawan-tawan.

Other winners for the Recyclaband competition were the Acolyte band of barangay Mintal with their composition “Pagbabago ng Mundo” in second place and MTBKA band of barangay Tawan-Tawan with “Kinaiyahan” in third place. Other finalists were the Pag-asa band of barangay Malagos with “Walang Modo” and GE Minor band with “Pagmata”. Judging the performance and compositions of the bands were DCWD employee and Agos band member Joseph Nidea and local artists Maan Chua and Popong Landero.

For the Trash-to-Style fashion contest, in second place was designer and model Jessa Mae Bolasito of barangay Tawan-Tawan and in third place were designers Marlon Matuginas, Emma Lyn Manoay and Karen Blaise Panos and model Ginelyn Matuguinas of barangay 15-B. Other barangays which participated were barangays 5-A, 22-C, 74-A, Buhangin and Sasa. Judges for the fashion contest were DCWD director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, PEF curator Anne Mae Sumaya and WMYC alumnus and faculty of Bangoy National High School Rogar Garcia.

The contests served as a venue for participants to use their talents and skills to interpret their respective understanding of solid waste management through music and fashion by creating musical instruments and fashion outputs using solid waste materials.

Other highlights of the program were the infomercial on DCWD’s 40th anniversary and PEF’s conservation efforts to protect the Philippine Eagle. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

THIRD PLACE. Ginelyn Matuginas of Brgy. 15-B.

SECOND PLACE. The Acolyte band of Brgy. Mintal.

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May-August 2013

FIRST PLACE. The Dynamic band of Brgy.

15-B.

THIRD PLACE. The MTBKA band of Brgy. Tawan-tawan.

water news

DCWD employees plant trees.

Various stakeholders

COA XI employees plant 600 lagundi seedlings.

plant trees in watersheds

D

avao City Water District along with various youth sector, government offices and local government unit conducted separate tree planting activities in summer 2013 which paved for the planting of 1,095 malibago and lagundi seedlings and bamboo clumps in different watershed areas in the city.

DCWD conducted the two-part Employees Tree Planting last April 30 and June 21 at the Malagos watershed reservation in time for the Earth Month and Environment Month celebrations in April and June, respectively. Spearheading the activity was the Environment and Watershed Protection Division which also sought assistance from the local government unit of Brgy. Baguio Proper and the Association of Community Concerned on Watershed (ACWA-PO), DCWD’s partner people’s organization in Malagos. ACWA-PO also pledged to do maintenance activities to ensure growth of the planted seedlings and clumps. The employees tree planting is an annual activity that allows DCWD employees to appreciate the very core of their operations since the watersheds replenish the groundwater where majority of Davao City’s water come from. The activity also gives the employees the opportunity to contribute to DCWD’s efforts to save and rehabilitate these watersheds.

Then, last May 7 during the 114th anniversary of the Commission on Audit (COA) from May 2 to 8, approximately 200 COA Region XI employees joined the tree planting activity also in the Malagos watershed reservation. COA XI has been very supportive in DCWD’s endeavour in environmental protection. In fact, also during the COA anniversary last year, the same

activity was conducted still in partnership with DCWD. In addition, the COA Region XI Multi-Purpose Cooperative is one of the adopters of DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site Project which is a multi-sectoral approach in protecting and rehabilitating the watersheds of Davao City.

Lastly, months later, DCWD also conducted separate tree planting activities on August 3 with the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) and the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) and on July 29 with WMYC, the winners of the Tugtugan at Rampahan sa Kalikasan 2013 and the youth of Sitio Panigan for the Tamugan and Davao Riverside Rehabilitation program which is a joint project of DCWD and partners PSME, WMYC, University of Southeastern Philippines, Brgy. Tamugan Council, Lower Tamugan High School and Watershed and Environment Protection Coalition of Davao.

The program stipulates that these partners agree to use their collaborated resources and manpower to help conserve and protect the environment by planting and conducting maintenance activities in identified riverside sites.

DCWD, with its mandate to provide quality and affordable water to the people of Davao City, places on top of its priorities the protection of the city’s main water sources. That is why DCWD has been instigating projects that promote environmental protection while partnering with the youth, women, business and labor sectors, non-government organizations, government agencies, among others. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

The local government unit of Brgy. Baguio Proper and DCWD’s partner people’s organization in Malagos and the Association of Community Concerned on Watershed plant trees and clean up Cogan Creek.

DCWD employees clean up and plant tree seedlings in Cogan Creek.

May-August 2013

17

water news

Schools and community

receive water tanks

T

hree water tanks were separately donated to TawanTawan Elementary School, Mt. Tipolog Bantay Kalikasan Association (MTBKA) of Brgy. TawanTawan and Sitio Acacia in Brgy. Tamugan by the Davao City Water District last July 18, 2013 as part of the water utility’s Patubig sa Eskwela and Patubig sa Barangay projects and in line with DCWD’s 40th anniversary celebration.

The Patubig sa Eskwela for schools and the Patubig sa Barangay project for the communities provide free alternative water sources such as water tanks or jetmatic pumps to areas with no water connections yet.

Barangay captain Danilo L. Gumapac (4th from L) shake hands with DCWD community relations officer Ellanena J. Gabuya after receiving a new water tank for barangay use.

Recipients of said water tanks were very grateful to DCWD for responding to their request and including them in the projects. They noted that the water tanks will be of big help to the students, faculty and residents there.

Artemio Loyola elementary schools; while the Patubig sa Barangay which began in 2004 has helped 23 barangays with 147 jetmatic pumps donated in all.

The Patubig sa Eskwela started in 2006 has already benefitted Tamugan and Doña Carmen Deñia national high schools and Bago Oshiro, Porras, Leon Garcia, Piedad and

These projects are also part of DCWD’s corporate social responsibility program which helps alleviate living conditions of the needy communities in Davao City. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

T

wo scholars of Davao City Water District’s Karunungan ng Kabataan Project passed the Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) Test given last December 2012. These are Mary Jane P. Calo and Shiela Mae D. Sayson of Brgy. Carmen in Baguio District.

The ALS A&E test is given to ALS students in order to assess if they have mastered all the competencies of the ALS curriculum for the secondary level. Students who passed this exam like Mary Jane and Shiela Mae are entitled to all the rights of a duly recognized secondary education graduate. This means that they are eligible to pursue higher education.

Mary Jane is already 28 years old and completed her second year in high school in 2002 but was not able to finish secondary

scholars pass ALS test

DCWD

education because she married early. Although she has already taken the ALS A&E test in 2011, she failed despite being prepared and confident. The trauma she experienced with the death of her five year-old son clouded her concentration when she was asked to write a composition entitled “Ang Karanasan na Hindi Mo Malilimutan”.

Shiela Mae, on the other hand, is 18 years old and is still single.

She was only able to finish until second year high school and was forced to stop because of her family’s financial difficulties. Like Mary Jane, she also took the 2011 ALS A&E test and failed due to being mentally and emotionally unprepared because at that time, she still did not fully embrace the ALS program as her desire to pursue formal education was still strong.

The Karunungan ng Kabataan Project offers opportunities to individuals who are interested to enrol in ALS education by providing the budget needed to recompense an instructional manager to teach enrolled ALS students for six months. DCWD partners with the Department of Education ALS Division and various schools in order to realize this cause.

(From L) Mary Jane P. Calo and Shiela Mae D. Sayson of Brgy. Carmen in Baguio District are pleased to pursue higher education.

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May-August 2013

The water utility hopes to encourage more individuals who were not able to finish secondary education to avail of this opportunity.

(Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

water news

Watershed kids get

educational assistance

E

ducational assistance was given for free to 759 students in the uplands in separate occasions in June and July 2013 through different educational program of Davao City Water District.

Close to 700 children of DCWD’s partner people’s organizations (POs) received bags, notebooks, pads of paper, pencils and pens through the 11th Tulong Eskwela program conducted in Brgy. Tungkalan on June 1, Brgy. Malagos on June 7, Brgy. Manuel Guianga on June 11 and Brgy. Daliaon on June 15.

The student beneficiaries and their parents were very happy and thankful for the donations given to them as the free school supplies were already a big help considering the prices of commodities nowadays. Recipient PO’s included Tansing Colong Watershed Association, Malagos Watershed Bufferzone Residents Organization, Starapple Wines Watershed Association, Association of Community Concerned on Watershed, Tungkalan Tribal Association and Lipadas Watershed Tungkalan Association. Daliaon Plantation Lipadas Watershed Association, Saro Lipadas Watershed Peoples Organization and Sinabadan Tribal Ancestral Domain Organization.

(Top) Children enjoy their new DCWD customized school bags. (Bottom) (R) Community relations officer Ellanena J. Gabuya distributes bags, t-shirts and school supplies to the “Tulong Aral ng DCWD” scholars at Tamugan ES.

Bags, t-shirts and school supplies were also distributed to 59 students of Malalan Alternative Learning System (ALS) school on June 9 and 12, Tawan-Tawan Elementary School (ES) on June 18 and 26 and Tamugan ES on June 19 and 26 as part of the Tulong Aral ng DCWD and Karunungan ng Kabataan sa Komunidad (KKK) projects. The Tulong Aral ng DCWD caters to identified grades five and six scholar students while the KKK is intended for ALS students.

DCWD has always placed emphasis on environmental protection as it sees the need to care for the water sources of Davao City. However, aside from implementing reforestation and maintenance projects, the water utility also instigates various community development programs such as educational assistance projects that encourage children in the watersheds to attend school and motivate them to pursue vocational or higher education. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s May-August 2013

19

water news

DCWD holds public accountability seminar

T

hirty-seven employees of Davao City Water District underwent a two-day public accountability seminar focusing on the EHEM! AHA! Anti-Corruption Advocacy of the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) on May 7-8, 2013 at the Episcopal Church in the Philippines Diocese of Davao in Matina.

The seminar tackled the four modules included in EHEM: A Self-Check Manual for Combating Corruption. Invited speakers who facilitated the activities using said modules were OMB – Mindanao Complaints Unit chief Atty. Marco Anacleto P. Buena, graft prevention and control officer III Villa D. Lim and graft prevention and control officer II Maria Fe P. Adegue.

(Top) Graft Prevention and Control Officer III Villa D. Lim of the Office of the Ombudsman for Mindanao discusses the second of four modules of the EHEM self-check manual for corruption as participants listen.

For Module 1 – Experience, the participants were asked to list down all the realities of corruption that they encounter in their everyday lives. Then, they formulated a cause and effect web chart of different kinds of corruption for Module 2 – Analysis. Then, for Module 3 – Reflection, identified were the different Filipino cultural values that, when exploited, help perpetuate corruption. Lastly, in Module 4 – Action, the participants were asked to create their personal creeds on how they could counter the temptations of corruption and be models to their workmates.

Sharing messages to inspire the participants were acting GM Edwin V. Regalado and OIC assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles.

Participants in

20

e of the activities.

action during on

May-August 2013

EHEM! is “the anti-corruption initiative of the Philippine Jesuits that echoes the urgent call for cultural reform against corruption in the Philippines” which the Ombudsman adopted in order to re-orient public employees and officials of their sworn allegiance of relentless and honest public service.

DCWD has adopted the EHEM manual for the four batches of seminars already conducted starting in 2007. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

water news

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DCWD welcomes

new scholars for SY 2013-14

D

avao City Water District welcomes three new additions to its scholarship programs for tribal and non-tribal university students for the 2013 – 2014 school year.

New addition to the “Tulong sa Lumad” tribal scholarship program is Kevin Itdang who is a first year community development student at the University at Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Mintal campus. He has joined the three other scholars, Maljun Lambac, third year in business administration; Veronica M. Binulang, third year in community development and Rhesa Ingay, second year in public administration, who are also enrolled in USEP Mintal.

For the “Tulong Niyo, Diploma Ko” non-tribal scholarship program, new scholars are first year civil engineering students Xena Gancino and Krizzia Heizel Rosales of USEP Obrero campus. Other scholars Daniel Mediante, third year in mechanical engineering and Emy

Mhar P. Concon, second year in computer technology are also studying in USEP Obrero.

Through DCWD’s scholarship programs, the scholars avail of free tuition and school fees and allowances for textbook, uniform, housing, meals and transportation.

The scholars who were chosen based on scholarly merit and financial capabilities, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to DCWD and promised to excel academically in order to make the most of the chance given to them.

For two decades now, DCWD has been helping the youth of Davao City to earn degrees in their fields of interest. It was in 1993 that DCWD started supporting unprivileged but deserving students with its academic and non-academic (vocational) programs. After 10 years, DCWD created the tribal scholarship program for the tribal youth as part of its environmental protection efforts in the watershed areas. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) s

May-August 2013

21

legally speaking

THE POLITICAL AWAKENING…

Unconstitutionality of PDAF Atty. Charmaine Valentin

T

he Filipino spirit has been challenged lately. With the numerous calamities to the existing political turmoil, the Filipino spirit has been put into a test.

We Filipinos are famous for our resiliency; the Filipino spirit they say is water proof. Resiliency, however, should not be equated to negligence and passitivity. With the current political, social, and environmental landscape of the nation, the Filipinos are developing not only the spirit of resiliency but also of vigilance.

Borrowing the language of Senator Grace Poe,” the government must be exposed to the sunshine of public scrutiny to kill the germs that would lead to corruption.” With the declaration of the unconstitutionality of the Priority Development Fund (PDAF), Filipinos have something to hope for.

PDAF is commonly termed as Pork Barrel. Pork Barrel refers to an appropriation of government spending meant for localized projects and secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative’s district (Chua, Yvonne T. and Cruz, Booma, B, “Pork is a Political, Not A Developmental Tool”). Pork Barrel has taken numerous faces; its existence is not only apparent in the recent administration. Act 3044 or the Public Works Act of 1922 is considered as the earliest form of Congressional Pork Barrel.

Over the years, Pork Barrel has taken different names. From the pre-martial law era, martial law era, Aquino-Ramos-Estrada-Arroyo Administration to the present administration, pork barrel as a concept has remained the same.

The 2011 PDAF Article included an express statement on lump-sum amounts allocated for individual legislators and the Vice-President; Representatives were given PhP 70 Million each, broken down into PhP 40 Million for hard projects and PhP 30 Million for soft projects; while PhP 200 Million was given to each Senator as well as the Vice-President, with a PhP 100 Million allocation each for hard and soft projects.

In the 2012 and 2013 PDAF Articles, allocation for the Vice-President, which was pegged at PhP 200 Million in the 2011 General Appropriations Act (GAA), had been deleted. In addition, the 2013 PDAF

22

article now allowed LGUs to be identified as implementing agencies if they have the technical capability to implement the projects.

Legislators were also allowed to identify programs/projects, except for assistance to indigent patients and scholarships, outside of his legislative district provided that he secures the written concurrence of the legislator of the intended outside-district, endorsed by the Speaker of the House. (G.R. Nos. 208566, 208493 & 209251).

The unconstitutionality of PDAF was anchored in both procedural and substantial issues. Worthy for extensive discussion are the substantive issues which support PDAF’s unconstitutionality. The Congressional Pork Barrel is declared unconstitutional for it is a clear violation of the principle of separation of power, non-delegability of legislative power, and check and balances.

The principle of separation pf powers refer to the constitutional demarcation of the power of government. The legislative branch which includes the Congress has the power to enact laws, the executive branch, through the President has the power to execute the laws, and the judicial branch, through the Court has the power to interpret laws. This was designed to check and balance the different powers of the government.

The Congressional Pork Barrel, the PDAF Article wrecks the assignment of responsibilities between the political branches as it is designed to allow individual legislators to interfere way past the time it should have ceased or particularly after the GAA is passed.

The legislative branch of the government has the power to enact laws, included in its function is the oversight function to examine whether enacted laws are implemented.

Moreover, in the Congressional Pork Barrel, the post-enactment measure which govern the areas of project identification, fund release and fund realignment are not related to functions of congressional oversight and, hence, allow legislators to intervene and/ or assume duties that properly belong to the sphere of budget execution (G.R. Nos. 208566, 208493 & 209251).

In relation to the principle of separation of powers, legislative power shall be exclusively exercised by the body to which

May-August 2013

the Constitution has conferred the same.

Section 1, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution states that such power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, except to the extent reserved to the people by the provision on initiative and referendum. The Supreme Court observes that the 2013 PDAF Article, insofar as it confers post-enactment identification authority to individual legislators, violates the principle of non-delegability since said legislators are effectively allowed to individually exercise the power of appropriation (G.R. Nos. 208566, 208493 & 209251).

The Supreme Court ruling also reiterated that Congressional Pork Barrel violates the principle on check and balances.

One character of this principle is the power to veto by the President. The Supreme Court in its ruling states that PDAF is a lump-sum appropriation; the legislator’s identification of the projects after the passage of the GAA denies the President the chance to veto that item later on.

The Congressional Pork Barrel is in clear violation of the principle on separation of power, non-delegability of legislative power, and check and balances. With the foregoing, the Supreme Court in its November 19, 2013 decision declared the Congressional Pork Barrel unconstitutional.

In the language of the Supreme Court in declaring the unconstitutionality of PDAF, “the Court urges the people and its costewards in government to look forward with the optimism of change and the awareness of the past. At a time of great civic unrest and vociferous public debate, the Court fervently hopes that its Decision today, while it may not purge all the wrongs of society nor bring back what has been lost, guides this nation to the path forged by the Constitution so that no one may heretofore detract from its cause nor stray from its course. After all, this is the Court’s bounden duty and no other’s.”

The Highest Court challenges every Filipino to be vigilant and to take an active part in the political restructuring of the nation. This is indeed an era of political awakening. s

fun games A. SCRAMBLED WORDS. Hungry? Well then, unscramble the words below and discover these delicious foods.

1. TORACR _________________________

11. AAANBN _________________________

2. IEP _______________________________

12. OOTMTA _________________________

3. TIRUF ____________________________

13. TTCLEUE _________________________

4. OACBN __________________________

14. NCRO _____________________________

5. ECEHSE _________________________

15. OATOPT __________________________

6. LPAPE ___________________________

16. TARYBRESWR __________________

7. EDRAB __________________________

17. AGHRMRUBE ___________________

8. GBELTEVEA ____________________

18. AOEGRN _________________________

9. NCDAY __________________________

19. PIAZZ ____________________________

10. CRIE ____________________________

20. OUPS _____________________________

c. CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 2 propose or put forward 3 accomplishment 5 elaborate plan 6 assign a task to another person 9 collaborate or work together 11 planned piece of work 14 display of data or demonstration 15 final result or conclusion

DOWN 1 imposed quantity 4 rival 5 written endorsement 7 timetable 8 time limit for completing something 10 programme of action 12 objective, target 13 preliminary version of a document

B. Add it up!

The goal is to place all the numbers from 1 to 9 inside one of the squares so that all the lines passing through the center square add up to the same number.

D. The Apostles. Find the name of all the apostles hidden in the puzzle below.

Andrew Bartholomew James James Alpheus John Judas Matthew Matthias Philip Simon Simon Peter Thaddeus Thomas

This includes the 12 original apostles and the one selected to take Judas’ place.

ANSWERS: A. Carrot, Pie, Fruit, Bacon, Cheese, Apple, Bread, Vegetable, Candy, Rice, Banana, Tomato, Lettuce, Corn, Potato, Strawberry, Hamburger, Orange, Pizza, Soup; B. ACROSS: 2 submit, 3 achievement, 5 strategy, 6 delegate, 9 cooperate, 11 project, 14 presentation, 15 outcome DOWN: 1 quota, 4 competitor, 5 signature, 7 schedule, 8 deadline, 10 plan, 12 goal, 13 draft

May-August 2013

23

DID YOU KNOW THAT... compiled by Madonna C. Llaguno

it is said that the minions have existed since the beginning of time as yellow henchmen? They served the history’s most ambitious evil villains. Through their lovable ineptitude, minions have managed to thwart and ultimately destroy all those bad guys.

The language Minion-ese was especially created for Despicable Me Minions in the movie. Some of the words are derived from Spanish, Japanese and even Korean language.

Marcela Mariño Agoncillo was the maker of the first Philippine flag? Born in Taal, Batangas, on June 24, 1859, she was married to Felipe Agoncillo. She labored to make the Filipino flag in Hong Kong with the help of Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of Jose P. Rizal. She died on May 30, 1946 in Taal, Batangas.

Protea was named after the sea god Proteus who could assume different shapes? And, indeed the protea comes in many forms, from tiny dwarf flowers, to shrubs, to trees.

Aster in Greek means star for its star-like blossoms? Legend says that it was created from stardust when Virgo looked down from the heavens and wept.

the cashew nut in its natural state contains poisonous oil? Roasting removes the oil and makes the nuts safe to eat.

Dendron from Dendrobium Orchid means tree? These orchid grow on trees and areepiphytes, which means they depend on the tree for structural support but not nutrition.

the strawberry is the only agricultural product that bears its seeds on the outside?

vitamins are grouped according to their solubility in either fat or water? Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble, meaning they need fat to be absorbed into the body and can be strored in the body. Vitamins B complexes and Vitamin C are water soluble and because they cannot be stored in the body, they must be replaced every day.

Gerbera Daisy was named after Truagott Gerber, a German botanist and naturalist who traveled extensively in Russia and wrote an important monograph on Russian specimens? It is also known as gladiator, because of its sword-shaped leaves, derived from a Latin word meaning little sword. It is referred to in history as the sword lily.

the Zinnia flower was named after Johann Gottfried Zinn (1737-1759), a professor of Botany at Gottingen University in 18th century? His name was used because he was the first person to publish a scientific drawing of the plant in 1753.

lava, the molten rock expelled by a volcano, can reach temperatures of approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit?

Lapu-lapu was the King of Mactan Island and was known as the first Filipino hero? When Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese who “discovered” the Philippines, landed in Cebu, he ordered Filipinos to honor the king of Spain. Chief Lapu-Lapu refused his demand. Magellan, along with 48 soldiers, met LapuLapu in Mactan Island for a battle. During the battle, Magellan and 15 of his men were killed. For 54 years thereafter, no Spaniard set foot on the Philippine soil.