Crystal Flow 2013 January - April

Vol. XXI No. 1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

january-april 2013

• Crystal

Flow shines in 34th PAWD convention

• Septage

management takes off

• DCWD

adjusts fees

• Out-of-school on Plumbing

Youth train

about the

Vol. XXI No. 1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

JANUARY-APRIL 2013

COVER

• Crystal

Flow shines in 34th PAWD convention

• Septage

management takes off

• DCWD

adjusts fees

• Out-of-school

Youth train

on Plumbing

The cover depicts the global paradox that the world is facing.

Although access to potable drinking water is still among the major problems in most nations, many places in the world are destroyed by destructive watercaused calamities such as flooding in many parts of the globe brought about by climate change.

Cover concept by Jonas A. Capute, Jr.

Vision To be the best and most efficient water utility in Asia, providing quality water at reasonable cost and excellent service, satisfying its customers, employees and the community, and ensuring water resource sustainability.

Mission We commit to supply potable and affordable water 24 hours a day, deliver reliable service, operate efficiently and take a proactive stance in environmental concerns.

Corporate Philosophy Service with Dignity and Honor.

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

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS BERNADETTE A. DACANAY Finance & Property

what’s

INSIDE? 3 4 5

6

14 Personnel 15 Phoenix, Jr. NBA score 500

Editor’s note From the GM’s desk Crystal Flow shines in 34th PAWD convention CSC revalidates DCWD’s accreditation

7 Septage management project 8 9

JEANNETTE CARLOTA M. DELINO Electronic Data Processing

takes off

DCWD adjusts fees Fora for employees and management held

10 Various stakeholders celebrate World Water Day

12 DCWD honors loyal and outstanding employees

16 17

in DCWD’s watershed rehab project

Out-of-school youth train on plumbing New DCWD hotlines Lumad scholar graduates

18 Teeners join 13th Eco Camp 19 DCWD stresses watershed and wildlife protection

20 Legally Speaking 21 2013 Model Employees

of the Year

22 Literary 23 Fun and Games 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.

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January - April 2013

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. 1

January-April 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

Anticipate, Prepare, Do

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s we celebrate our forty years of existence, Davao City is at the height of its development into a first class metropolitan. As prime movers of DCWD’s operations, we anticipate to play a major role in this transformation considering that among the pre-requisites of this development is dependable water supply.

Thus, we, the men and women of DCWD take the responsibility to take part in this very promising transformation by initiating projects that, upon completion, will be able to meet the ballooning demand for water not only among the residential customers but also the business sector while maintaining services at the most affordable levels and also while continuing to care for our water resources and the environment in general.

This issue emphasizes the preparations being made by DCWD to meet the future challenges of its operations and staying committed to the present tasks. And so we talk about the preliminaries for DCWD’s own septage management project, the implementation of fees adjustments to generate additional funds for the much needed infrastructure development projects, the addition of hotlines to widen the scope of DCWD’s off-site customer service, the revalidation of the Civil Service Commission’s accreditation and the intensified environmental protection efforts coupled with its corporate social responsibility projects.

At the same time, this issue also highlights the various activities conducted by the water utility to celebrate 40 years of existence like the recognition of its loyal and outstanding employees and the simultaneous celebration of World Water Day themed “Water Cooperation” of all water districts in the country with the Local Water Utilities Administration.

Read on and indulge in this collection. S

MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com

January - April 2013

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from the gm’s desk

Moving Forward, Renewing Commitments

M

ilestones are not just the mere counting of years and age. They are the marks of history made by the promises of accomplishments attained and a glaring glimpse of the future. This 2013, we celebrate our 40th founding anniversary which reflects our continuous pursuit for service excellence. More than this, it also signals the breaking of new frontiers.

We have always prided ourselves with what we have accomplished. If we look back to our humble beginnings and the transformations we have had as a water service provider of Davao City, we know for a fact that we have gone through extraordinary measures to get to where we are now. The numerous awards and recognitions that we received from local and international agencies and organizations and the positive feedback of our customers in the surveys conducted regarding our services prove that we are definitely working along our mission and vision.

We deserve some time to admire and bask in this glorious achievement like sparkling high grade rubies.

We all deserve a pat in the back – the past and present men and women of DCWD. However, as we celebrate 40 years of operation, we should also be reminded that this milestone also signals a big challenge to all of us – challenges that should be answered by more hard work, perseverance and commitment in order to address the evolving expectations of the Davaoeños.

Davao City is fast turning into a bustling metropolitan where the population of the people and economic development grow correspondingly. This entails higher water demand and better water services in the city. And, DCWD is not taking this sitting down.

Aside from hurdling of our everyday tasks, we have to seek and implement new technologies, strategies and techniques that will upgrade our facilities and manpower in order to better our services and improve the quality of the Davaoeños.

Thus, let this 40 years milestone mark our renewed commitments to deliver the most affordable and potable water to the City of Davao, 24-hours a day, in the spirit of dignified and honourable public service. S

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO Acting General Manager 4

January - April 2013

water news

Crystal Flow shines in 34th PAWD convention

D

avao City Water District’s Crystal Flow won for the fourth time the best publication award in the magazine category of the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD). The award was given during the closing ceremonies of the 34th PAWD convention at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City last February 8, 2013. Editor-in-chief and Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje received the plaque.

Coming in second was San Jose Del Monte City WD’s Tubig San Joseño magazine and in third was Cagayan de Oro City WD’s Flowell magazine. For the newsletter category, first placer was Metro Iloilo WD’s Tuburan while San Jose Del Monte City WD’s Tubig San Joseño was the second placer and Mabalacat WD’s Danum Agus Ning Bie was the third placer.

Judges in this year’s competition were writers from reputed news and publishing institutions, namely, Manila Bulletin news editor Joy Gotera, Waterpoint and the LWUAN editor Von Alerta and and Manila Standard Section editor Arman Armero.

PAWD’s best publication awards for the magazine and newsletter categories were first given in 2007 during the 29th PAWD National Convention where the Crystal Flow magazine was declared as the first ever winner in the magazine category. In 2008, the magazine only finished third, but reclaimed the top spot for two times in a row in 2009 and 2010.

The best publication awards encourage water districts in the country to produce high quality publications that adhere to high standards of print media to effectively inform the public of their operations. S January - April 2013

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water news

CSC revalidates DCWD’s accreditation

C

ivil Service Commission (CSC) Region XI director Annabelle B. Rosell together with CSC OIC-director of Davao City field office Evelyn B. Yparraguire and personnel specialist II Carlo Pascual conferred the certificate of Revalidation of the Level Two Accreditation Status of Davao City Water District subject to the terms and conditions of the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence Human Resource Management (PRIMEHRM) during the utility’s monthly convocation in April this year. Receiving the certificate were acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, OIC-assistant general manager for operation Exequiel B. Homez and OIC-assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles.

DCWD’s accreditation was first granted on April 19, 2006 per CSC Resolution No. 060678. On May 2012, the CSC assessed DCWD and found that the water utility has continued to be compliant to the requirements for said accreditation, thus the revalidation. This allows DCWD to exercise the authority to take final action on appointments subject to civil service laws and rules.

The PRIME – HRM is an integrated and enhanced form of the Personnel Management Assessment and Assistance Program and the CSC Agency Accreditation Program (CSCAAP) which utilizes reward, recognition, empowerment and continuous development programs to inculcate meritocracy and excellence in the public service HRM. It aims to assess HRM practices and capabilities of agencies; serve as search mechanism for best practices in the HRM; promote and serve as a venue for exchange and development of expertise in the area of HRM between and among government agencies; empower agencies in the performance of HRM functions; and promote and reward excellent HRM practices.

Since the PRIME – HRM was recently adopted by the CSC pursuant to Resolution No. 1200241 dated February 1, 2012, the guidelines used to revalidate DCWD’s Level II – Accredited Status were the ones included in the CSCAAP. DCWD’s top management lauded the collective efforts of the DCWD family for having been able to comply with the standards set by the CSC. They also encouraged everyone to continue excelling in their respective fields in order to continue giving quality public service to the people of Davao City.

(Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

(Top) CSC XI Director Annabelle B. Rosell gives to acting GM Edwin V. Regalado the certificate of Revalidation of the Level Two Accreditation Status of DCWD. (Left) DCWD top management (from L) OIC AGM-O Exequiel B. Homez, OIC AGM-A Mildred G. Aviles and acting GM Regalado pose for posterity with CSC XI Director Rosell, CSC Davao City Field Office OIC-Director Evelyn B. Yparraguire and Personnel Specialist II Carlo Pascual.

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January - April 2013

water news

Septage management project takes off D

avao City Water District entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) through its contract with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Philippine Water Revolving Fund Follow-on Program (PWRF-FP) to help the water utility prepare a feasibility study on the proposed septage management project. The study is due April this year.

The MoU was signed by acting GM Edwin V. Regalado and DAI / PWRF-FP chief of party Alma D. Porciuncula last January 11, 2013 at the DCWD Matina office. Witnesses were Pollution Control and Safety (PCS) officer John F. Baynosa and staff and the DCWD study team in charge of the preparation of the feasibility study on the septage project composed of Ricardo P. Corcino (Production Department), Jade C. Veloso (Corporate Planning Department) and Christine S. Guarde (Engineering and Construction Department). Other members of the study team not present during the signing were Jeoffrey C. Butanas (Commercial Department) and John Christian M. Palo (PCS Office).

The parties agreed that DAI / PWRF-FP will provide technical assistance to the study team in establishing the demand for a septage program and sewerage systems, evaluate various septage collection and treatment system options, identify priority septage management systems, develop technical designs and prepare the project financial analysis and related business plan. To do so, DAI / PWRF-FP will provide a specialist who will conduct mentoring workshops, give advice on the tasks specified in the agreed terms of reference (TOR), monitor progress of the project and provide inputs to the analysis of the septage treatment process, technology options and sizing of facilities.

DAI / PWRF-FP will also act as liaison between the water utility and lenders for the credit financing of the project.

DCWD, on the other hand, will designate a study team and assign a team leader to make the feasibility study; carry out the preparation of the feasibility study outlined in the TOR; monitor progress of the project; provide assistance to DAI / PWRF-FP advisory team during workshops and field visits; furnish hard and electronic copies of outputs under the study; facilitate and arrange meetings with local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations and other stakeholders; and participate in the advocacy, training and other related activities of DAI / PWRF-FP with other LGUs and water service providers to invest on sanitation projects or to adopt the septage management model.

It was also agreed that both parties should extend mutual cooperation to ensure timely performance and successful conclusion of the various implementations of tasks, regularly convene to conduct project monitoring meetings composed of duly designated representatives from both parties and collaborate and contribute to the promotion of sanitation investments.

With the growing population and fast economic development of Davao City, DCWD intends to undertake a septage management program that would address the growing concerns in urban pollution especially its effect on the water bodies and resources of the city. Thus, it sought the help of DAI / PWRF-FP which has developed a business model and tool kit for septage management for the water district to guide water service providers in septage systems development and encourage actual investments in urban sanitations. In fact, DAI / PWRF-FP has already provided technical advisory services to other LGU’s and water service providers that helped them develop / complete their feasibility studies to a level acceptable to lenders.

(Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

DAI / PWRF-FP chief of party Alma D. Porciuncula and acting GM Regalado shake hands after the signing. With them are DCWD employees (from L) Ernest C. Odchimar and Engr. John F. Baynosa of PCSO, Engr. Ricardo P. Corcino of PD, Engr. Christine S. Guarde of ECD, Jade C. Veloso of CPD and Angela A. dela Rosa of PCSO.

January - April 2013

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water news

DCWD adjusts fees D

avao City Water District has adjusted its water maintenance charges (previously known as meter rental fees) and likewise has discontinued granting the 10% discount for regular (blue) bills beginning April 1, 2013.

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado explained that thorough deliberations have been done and legal requirements complied for the implementation of these changes.

Board Resolution No. 12-606 issued last October 19, 2012 provides that the changes in the meter maintenance charges are based on the acquisition and maintenance costs of meters. Aside from changing its nomenclature from meter rental fee to meter maintenance charges, the following new charges for mechanical and electromagnetic water meters according to size will apply: for mechanical meters: 13mm (1/2”) - PhP 21.00, 20mm (3/4”) - PhP 32.00, 25mm (1”) - PhP 48.00, 40mm (1 ½”) - PhP 129.00, 50mm (2”) - PhP 230.00, 100mm (4”) - PhP 615.00, 150mm (6”) - PhP 1,278.00 and 200mm (8”) - PhP 1,532.00; b) for electromagnetic meters: 50mm (2”) - PhP 1,723.00, 100mm (4”) - PhP 2,112.00, 150mm (6”) PhP 2,178.00 and 200mm (8”) - PhP 2,778.00. As in previous years, the payment of the maintenance charges will still be divided into 60 months or five years, payable every month and included in the monthly water bills of all customers.

Acting GM Regalado also said that DCWD has been charging the same water meter rental fee approved on January 3, 1997 through Board Resolution No. 97-03. However, the unit cost of meters has increased through the years and DCWD has been consequently subsidizing a portion of the costs amidst the utility’s ballooning operational costs.

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January - April 2013

In another development, DCWD has discontinued the granting of 10% discount for regular (blue) bills per Board Resolution No. 13-026 issued last January 23, 2013.

Revenues generated will be used to help fund projects that will make DCWD facilities, especially those in flood prone areas in the city, more capable of withstanding calamities without or with minimal damages. Thus, the funds will be used to finance projects to beef up existing transmission lines and provide for alternative routes for water transmission in the event of incidents such as what happened in Bankerohan Bridge in December 16, 2012 when DCWD’s 600mm diameter and 750mm diameter transmission lines were damaged because of floating logs brought by the strong currents of Davao River. It will also be used to fund DCWD’s additional strategies, programs and projects to improve quality of service given to customers as the 10% increases in 2012, 2013 and 2014 are still not enough to fund DCWD’s 2011-2018 Medium-Term Development Plan.

“As much as we want to continue our operations using the existing charges, we could not. Our current facilities are definitely not enough to meet the massive economic and population growth in the city. Thus, we ask for your understanding and continued cooperation. We assure customers that whatever additional revenues we generate from the changes we have in our services charges will all be used to fund services improvement projects and in due time the people of Davao City will reap the fruits of DCWD’s efforts,” acting GM Regalado said. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

water news

Fora for employees and management held

A

ll 1,066 employees and officers of Davao City Water District attended the 2013 annual employees forum held in 11 batches from February 26 to March 19 with the management group in one session, at the D’Leonor Hotel.

consolidated feedback and assessment of our performance and direction of water utility’s operations,” he stressed.

(Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Among the topics presented were DCWD’s performance report for 2012 and its approved plans, programs and budget for 2013.

An open forum was conducted for each batch wherein the participants asked questions and gave suggestions to matters arising from the discussions and anything related to DCWD operations. Serving as panelists and moderators in the open forum were the top management and officers of the water utility.

Also discussed were matters involving personnel concerns including health care and wellness of employees and an orientation on the Strategic Performance Management System as mandated by the Civil Service Commission circular no. 6 series of 2012.

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado explained that the fora are very important as they served as venue for all employees and officers of the water utility to convene and discuss important matters related to the water utility’s operations. (Clockwise) Participants brainstorm ideas on how the water utility can improve its

operations in 2013 based on its performance in 2012 (From L) Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, OIC-assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles and “By allotting time for all key players of OIC assistant general manager for operation Exequiel B. Homez answer questions DCWD’s operations to sit down and discuss the during the open forum. Representatives from each group show their respective scores happenings in the water utility, we are able to get citing the strengths and weaknesses of the water utility in its operations.

January - April 2013

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Various stakeholders celebrate pproximately 200 participants from different water districts in Mindanao and schools and government agencies in Davao City joined the activities that Davao City Water District prepared for the World Water Day celebration (WWD) last March 22, 2013 at the Rizal Park. These were “Run for Water” fun run, sticker brigade, “Blue Hands” mural painting, motorcade and the National Water Caravan (NWC) that the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) campaigned among water districts to do. The celebration is an international and annual activity which promote the importance of freshwater and sustainable management of freshwater resources.

A

The activities centered on this year’s theme “Water Cooperation” which emphasized the importance of striking a balance between the different needs and priorities and share precious resource equitably by using water as an instrument of peace considering that the fulfilment of basic human needs, our environment, socio-economic development and poverty reduction are all heavily dependent on water.

The celebration started with the invitational five-kilometer fun run “Run for Water” joined in by employees from DCWD, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, City Engineer’s Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department

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January - April 2013

of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, PhilHealth and Philippine Red Cross, university and college students and faculty from the Mindanao Medical Foundation Inc. and Brokenshire College and some walk-in participants. Assembly time was at 4:00 AM and the starting point was at Rizal Park en route San Pedro St., Quezon Boulevard, Sandawa Road, Quirino Avenue, Pelayo St., Palma Gil St., C.M. Recto and then back again to Rizal Park. Emerging winner for the male category was Anthony Nersa and for the female category was Criselyn Jaro both from Brokenshire College. Special awards were also given to Matt Ronald Tan as the 40th runner in deference to DCWD’s 40th year anniversary this year,

Fred Garado for the early bird runner, Isagani Quintos for the Blue Runner and Raymond Sunga for the latest runner.

After the Fun Run, participants hailed jeepneys along San Pedro street and placed stickers on watershed protection and water conservation on their back portions. Then, they handmarked their support using blue water-based paint on a cloth during the mural painting activity dubbed “Blue Hands”. The painted hands represented DCWD’s campaign for water and water resource protection which included the

support of people from all walks of life. The masterpiece now adorns the main entrance of DCWD Matina office.

Midway through the celebration, LWUA acting deputy administrator for administrative services Manuel T. Yoingco, employees and general managers of the water districts of Kabacan, Tagum, Digos, Carmen, Panabo and Sultan Kudarat and representatives from Philippine College of Technology and Ateneo de Davao University arrived to participate in the motorcade and NWC which started from Rizal Park to DCWD Bajada office and then back again to Rizal Park. A short program followed wherein Deputy Administrator Yoingco awarded plaques of appreciation to Southern and Central Mindanao Water Information Council (SOCEMWIC) and DCWD for hosting the NWC in the Davao region.

Receiving the awards were SOCEMWIC president and Kabacan WD GM Ferdie Mar S. Balungay, DCWD OIC – assistant general manager for operations Exequiel B. Homez in behalf of acting GM Edwin V. Regalado.

DCWD also actively participated in the Watershed Summit 2013 themed “Strengthening Cooperation towards Water Resource Protection” at Grand Men Seng Hotel. Aside from being one of the presenters in the summit, DCWD also put up an exhibit showcasing its environmental protection efforts that help promote water resource sustainability in Davao City through different rehabilitation programs in the three major watershed in Davao City, namely, Mt. Talomo-Lipadas, Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan and Malagos. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

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water news

DCWD honors Loyal and

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avao City Water District recognized em for loyalty and excellent service du 4th Grand Awards Night last Februa the Grand Men Seng Hotel. Guest speaker w Service Commission XI regional director A B. Rosell. In attendance were the Board of composed of Chairman Eduardo A. B Vice-Chairman Eliseo R. Braganza Jr., Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and Director A Dataya; acting GM Edwin V. Regala assistant general manager for admin Mildred G. Aviles and OIC – assistan manager for operation Exe Homez; department mana division managers; award members of their families.

Top management and the Board of Directors in a posterity pose. (L-R) acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, OIC AGM-A Mildred G. Aviles, Director Abdul M. Dataya, Chairman Eduardo A. Bangayan, Vice-Chairman Eliseo R. Braganza Jr. and OIC AGM-O Exequiel B. Homez

Model Employees

The 123 awardees of 10, 1 and 30 years in service and fina winners in the DCWD’s annua for Model Employee of the Yea enjoyed the limelight as they recei respective awards.

Model Employees of the Year (MEY) (front row, 4th-6th from L) Alan Z. Fernandez, Cherry Gay J. Hidalgo and Maximo T. Viola with DCWD directors and officers and Civil Service Commission Region XI director Annabelle B. Rosell (back).

from R) Editor-in-chief and Best Publication (3rd Public Information / Relations

Division manager Ma. Editha C. Monje, CREA Department manager Imelda T. Magsuci (center), DCWD directors and acting GM Regalado for the recognition of Crystal Flow as PAWD’s 2012 best magazine.

10 years

10 years

10 years 12

January - April 2013

Model Employee of the Year non-supervis office category was supervising engineer Che J. Hidalgo Engineering and Construction Dep (ECD) and runners-up were senior engineer C. Naranjo, ECD and senior management inf systems analyst Roy T. Buquia and corporate analyst Aris V. Cabamungan, Corporate Department. MEY non-supervisory level field

water news

d Outstanding Employees

mployees uring its ary 22 at was Civil Annabelle Directors Bangayan, , Director Abdul M. ado, OICnistration nt general equiel B. agers and dees and

15, 20, 25 alists and al search ar (MEY) ived their

sory level erry Gay partment r Belinda formation planning Planning category

was plant mechanic Alan Z. Fernandez, Production Department (PD) while runners-up were utility worker Marlon T. Mat-an, PD and utility worker Jun O. Ocay and senior water maintenance man Silverio C. Sarpamones, Operations and Maintenance Department (OMD). Other nominees were water maintenance men Policarpio B. Ferrer Jr. and Emilio S. Molina, Commercial Department.

awardees together with (back row, 4 30 years infromservice R) acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, Chairman th

Dir. Rosell

MEY supervisory level was management information systems development chief Maximo T. Viola, Electronic Data Processing Department, while runners-up were water maintenance foreman Elmer P. Dimalanta, OMD supervising internal control officer Alvin R. Macatumbas, Systems and Internal Audit Department and division managers Arthur T. Dizon and Dennis A. Maningo, General Services Department.

Also recognized was DCWD’s official publication Crystal Flow after winning the Best Publication Award (magazine category) for the year 2012 during the 34th Philippine Association of Water Districts convention last February 8 at the Crown Plaza Manila Galleria. Receiving the award were Crystal Flow editor-in-chief and Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje and Community Relations and External Affairs Department manager Imelda T. Magsuci. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Eduardo A. Bangayan, OIC AGM-A Mildred G. Aviles and OIC AGM-O Exequeil B. Homez.

25 years

in service awardees together with (back row, 3rd from R) acting GM Regalado, Vice-Chair Eliseo R. Braganza Jr. and Commercial Department manager Paquito C. Ebero.

20 years

15 years

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personnel

C

s n ! o i t a l u t a r g n o

Non-Monetary Incentive Awardees

ATTY. CHARMAINE P. VALENTIN

Customer Service Assistant A Commercial Department Bar Examination passer last October 2012 Ateneo de Davao University

Newly Hired Regular Employee

ARCH. TYRONE A. ENSOY

Utilities Service Assistant C Operation and Maintenance Department Architect Licensure Examination passer last March 2013

RALPH EMMANUEL S. CULI

Engineering Assistant B Engineering and Construction Department

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me...”

Psalm 23:4 ARIEL E. ARANA, JR.

October 10, 1971 - April 6, 2013 Utility Worker A - Production Department 14

January - April 2013

Salamat...

Paalam!

-Your DCWD family

water news Jr. NBA, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Alaska plant 500 forest tree seedlings as part of Davao City Water District’s Adopt-a-Site project.

Phoenix, Jr. NBA score 500 in DCWD’s watershed rehab project

A

bout 500 forest tree seedlings were planted by the Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and players of the Jr. NBA in a tree planting activity conducted last April 3, 2013 inside the Malagos Watershed in Baguio District. The planting was headed by Beethoven N. Sur, Phoenix’s corporate manager and Sefu Bernard, NBA Asia’s basketball operations director.

Forty participants, mostly composed of employees of said petroleum company and players of the basketball organization, went out of their daily routine works and basketball trainings to commune with nature and help in restoring the watershed to its prime condition.

Series of environmental measures were conducted jointly by the Davao City Water District and Phoenix Petroleum Philippines as a result of their partnership forged in 2012.

Phoenix pledged to co-finance the rehabilitation of five hectares inside the Mt. Talomo Lipadas watershed in five years’ time through DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site program. It conducted a star studded marathon for the watersheds during the Araw ng Dabaw celebration which featured Alice Dixon and other showbiz personalities. The marathon aimed to raise funds to benefit the Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed and proceeds were donated by Phoenix to DCWD in the form of seedlings.

On the other hand, Jr. NBA is a basketball clinic program of Alaska milk and its professional basketball team

in partnership with NBA Asia. The program hosted a two-day basketball try-out in the city to select the best young basketball enthusiasts who will represent Mindanao in the national scene.

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado warmly thanked Phoenix for its outpouring support to the DCWD watershed rehabilitation program. He stressed the importance of the watersheds, particularly the Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed in the sustainable supply of quality drinking water for the city, as several studies have corroborated in proving that the Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed and its river systems are responsible for the replenishment of the world renowned Dumoy aquifer whose water is reputed to be among the best in the world.

DCWD’s watershed rehabilitation program has been going on since 1995. In 2001, DCWD launched the Adopt-aSite project which encouraged other sectors to partake in the re-greening measures. Through the years, support from the business, civic, academe, religious, media sectors as well as non-government organizations have continued to pour in for this cause. At the close of 2010, all 530 hectares assigned to DCWD by the DENR inside the Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed have been completely rehabilitated. In 2011, it took on another 470 hectares to reforest and of these, 265.6 hectares have already been rehabilitated through the help of 27 adopters. (Edjan S. Parreño / Edmarson M. Sola) S

January - April 2013

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water news

Out-of-school youth train on Plumbing

S

eventeen out-of-school youth (OSY) from District 2 completed the fourweekend plumbing training given through Davao City Water District’s “May Bukas Ka Bata!” program. It was conducted at the University of Southeastern Philippines during weekends from November 16 and until December 17, 2012.

The skills training is a joint project of DCWD and USEP to help OSY’s get alternative education that would help equip them with the necessary skills, knowledge, values, competencies and entrepreneurial abilities they need in order to be competitive for employment.

The memorandum of agreement for the program was signed by acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado and USEP president Dr. Perfecto A. Alibin on June 5, 2012.

In this project, DCWD shouldered the training expenses and monitored the trainees’ performance throughout the course of the program. USEP, on the other hand, conducted the actual training and provided the trainer and participants certificates of completion. Both partners conducted evaluation at the middle and end of

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January - April 2013

the training period to test the capabilities of the trainees.

For many years now, DCWD has been creating linkages with partners to maximize the efficiency of its projects including the ones under its community relations program. Aside from providing alternative education to unprivileged youths, it also offers educational assistance, health care programs, gender and development activities, water and sanitation projects, environmental protection campaigns and community extension undertakings.

(Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

water news

0908-4410653 and 0925-5113293

New DCWD hotlines

D

avao City Water District has added new mobile hotlines to widen customer reach and improve offsite service efficiency. Aside from its existing 221-9400, 221-9412 and 0927-798-8966 (GLOBE) hotlines, customers can already reach DCWD’s call center thru 0925-511- 3293 / DCWD (SUN) and 0908441-0653 (SMART) for any concerns they have regarding water services.

“Customer satisfaction has always been one of our paramount concerns. With approximately 184,000 water connections and still growing, we always find ways to make our services more accessible to our customers whenever they need our assistance. With the additional mobile networks, customers will find it more convenient to forward their concerns,” acting GM Edwin V. Regalado said.

Although customers can do walk-in consultations with DCWD’s customer service attendants in its Bajada and Matina offices and its collection center in Victoria Plaza, DCWD sought to expand the reaches of its customer service, thus the availability of 24 / 7 hotlines.

Calls or text messages received from the hotlines are

processed and coordinated with concerned department for appropriate action by DCWD’s call center. It operates 24 / 7 to attend to customer needs like billing and connection concerns, water interruption inquiry, leak reports, water availability, water quality, among others.

Aside from the hotlines, customers can also access the DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) to get latest news about DCWD operations and information regarding scheduled and even emergency water interruptions. They can also create their own accounts in the website so they can check their latest water bills online provided that they know their account numbers.

Leak reports can likewise be done through the website.

DCWD also has its own Facebook account (Dcwd Davao) where customers can access water service interruptions and can also post queries, suggestions and complaints regarding DCWD services. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Lumad scholar graduates R

ene M. Ca-a Jr., a Bagobo-Tagabawan who hails from Purok 4-A in Malagos, Baguio District completed his undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Science in Community Development from the University of Southeastern Philippines Mintal campus last April 2013. Ca-a is among Davao City Water District’s recipients of its “Tulong sa Lumad” scholarship program intended for youths with tribal ancestry who are interested to finish tertiary education.

Rene with Crea Department Manager Imelda T. Magsuci

According to him, aside from being given the opportunity to finish a degree in college, DCWD was also very instrumental in helping him achieve his dreams to help alleviate the status of his family and to change his tribe’s uninterested impression regarding college education.

He said that the scholarship did not only give him and his family hope but it also inspired his community and his tribe. He explained that not so many tribes people find the value of finishing tertiary education, a perception that he thinks should be changed.

“Since almost all tribes people have not finished college, we are often ridiculed or taken advantaged. That is why we need to be educated so that society’s notion about us will be changed for the better,” Ca-a explained. Thus, Ca-a is is very grateful to DCWD for giving him the chance to slowly start this change. His accomplishment will serve as inspiration to his community to also share his ambition for his tribe.

To return the favor, Ca-a promised to support DCWD’s programs in the uplands especially those concerning watershed rehabilitation.

The graduate receiving his diploma

The “Tulong sa Lumad” scholarship program started in 2003 as part of its environmental protection efforts in the watershed areas of Davao City. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

January - April 2013

17

water news

Around 300 young environment advocates of Davao City join the threeday camp filled with activities that develop their skills on environmental protection and leadership qualities.

Teeners join 13th Eco Camp

T

hree-hundred Davao City high school and college and university students joined the 13th Eco Camp held from April 5 to 7 at Malagos Park. This activity themed “Lead, Emerge Advocate! Dynamic Eco-leaders Ready to Stand (LEADERS) for Environmental Concern” was sponsored by the Davao City Water District in coordination with the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) and the Watershed and Environmental Protection Coalition in Davao (WEPCD).

Speakers from different agencies were invited to enrich the knowledge of the youth participants and inspire them to become leaders in their own right and advocates of environmental protection.

WEPCD president Dominador A. Lopez shared the importance of the youth’s role in nation building while Chinkie T. Peliño of Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) solicited the observations and realizations of the youth campers on the state of the environment during the eco tour in the Malagos conservation area where they planted 150 forest trees. To

The 2013-2014 WMYC officers take oath with DENR XI – FRDD chief Alfredo B. Zarasate (extreme R) during the opening ceremonies.

inspire the youth to help protect the water and water sources of Davao City, Community Relations Officer Ellanena J. Gabuya discussed DCWD’s experience in watershed rehabilitation.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Forestry Resources Management Division chief Alfredo B. Zarasate traced the proud history of WMYC as a youth group and inducted the new set of 2013 – 2014 WMYC officers: president Wilson Jay Cadaa of Davao City National High School (DCNHS), vice-president Kent Akmad Macacua of Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), secretary Maljun Lambac of University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) - Mintal, asst. secretary Jennie Lyn Alay of F. Bangoy NHS, treasurer Daniel Mediante of USEP - Obrero, asst. treasurer Ruisdale Barsales of AdDU, auditor Jackylyn Cortez of DCNHS, public information officer Jessa Lynne Cañazares University of the Philippines in Mindanao and board members Emy Mhar Concon of USEP Obrero, Aaron Joel Orozco of Holy Cross of Davao College and Derex Niño Maniquez of University of Mindanao.

Campers plant 150 forest tree seedlings inside the Malagos watershed conservation area.

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January - April 2013

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water news

DCWD stresses watershed and wildlife protection

A

side from its rehabilitation efforts in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas, Malagos and Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watersheds, Davao City Water District also upholds existing laws that protect the watershed areas in the country including the wildlife thriving inside these forests as depicted in Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.

The NIPAS Act classifies and administers protected areas in the country which includes areas or islands proclaimed as national park, game refuge, bird and wildlife sanctuary, wilderness area, strict nature reserve, watershed, mangrove reserve, fish sanctuary, natural and historical landmark, protected and managed landscape / seascape as well as identified virgin forests in order to maintain ecological processes and life support systems, preserve genetic diversity, ensure sustainable use of resources found therein, and maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent possible.

Since DCWD is one of the many stakeholders in watershed protection, it does not only implement rehabilitation and protection efforts. It also concerns itself with threats to endangered species inside identified watershed protected area.

An example of this is the case involving two locals in Barangay Malagos apprehended by DCWD security guards detailed inside the 235 hectares reservation area in Malagos.

The two were caught hunting for endangered Malagos bats inside the identified protected area at 4:20 AM on March 12, 2005. Although they were not caught with captured bats at hand, all evidences pointed at their intent to commit the act with the presence of a weapon and equipment used for bat hunting.

Unfortunately, one of the felons is still at large and only one faced trial. However, after further investigation and using the evidence provided by the prosecution, on March 1, 2012, the court found the tried felon guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Sec. 20 of RA 7586 and he was sentenced to suffer one year imprisonment. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Teeners join... from page 18 Kicking off the leadership skills development is the Lead-a-lympics where camp participants braved the physical and mental challenges set for them. These challenges tested and honed their skills as leaders and as team players. Sharing inspirational messages that the campers could emulate were Daniel J. Mediante on the role of the youth; Jono G. Jovita on spiritual leadership; Vina O. Cagampang on honest assessment contemplation; Engr. Ramel T. Paragas on solidarity; Rogar R. Garcia on idea, inspiration and imagination; Edjan S. Parreño on true and lasting standards or investments, Love Joy C. Mabano on responsible stewardship and Robert John U. Ajing on confidence in times of crisis.

Partners who helped make the event a success were the office of Councilor Marissa Abella, Philippine Eagle Foundation,

RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory, Vitarich Corporation, Alson Inc., Paredes Family, Taipan Restaurant, Nanay Bebeng’s Restaurant, Naty’s Lechon, Iluminada Farms and WMYC alumni.

For more than a decade now, WMYC has been conducting activities like the Eco Camp to enhance the leadership skills of the youth to allow them to productively use their extra time, energy and talents to promote environmental protection. Because of WMYC’s continued efforts, it has received various citations including the 2004, 2006 and 2010 Ten Outstanding Youth Awards. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod and WMYC Secretariat) S

January - April 2013

19

legally speaking

Legally Speaking: “I do”, “I do not”

by Atty. Charmaine P. Valentin

I

n Philippine setting, marriage is a social contract or a union between a man and a woman as husband and wife. The Philippine law upholds the sanctity of marriage; this is evident in the laws of the land. The Philippine Constitution in fact devotes a section on the sanctity of marriage and the importance of family, as the basic unit of society. As a Catholic country, we believe that marriage is a union before God which man cannot put asunder.

Like marriage, dissolution of marriage through divorce or annulment is also popular. Philippines is one of the only two countries / states that do not legalize divorce, the other one is the Vatican. There is recent development in the legislation which intends to legalize divorce in the Philippines. This has been a controversial debate among legislators as it is intensively opposed by the devout Catholics.

Divorce may not be applicable in the Philippines but marriage can still be dissolved through annulment. In annulment, marriage union is dissolved, property relations are separated, and issues on custody of children are resolved. Compared to legal separation, a spouse who has obtained an annulment can marry another.

Article 36 of the Family Code identifies psychological incapacity as a ground for annulment. Article 36 is also termed as a “de facto divorce law” in the Philippines. As a historical background, Article 36 of the Family Code is adopted from the 3rd paragraph of Canon 1095 of the New Code of Canon Law for those who because of causes of a psychological nature are unable to assume the essential obligations of marriage. Psychological incapacity therefore is anchored on the law and teachings of the Catholic Church.

The law does not exactly define psychological incapacity but the Supreme Court in the case of Santos vs. Court of Appeals (GR No. 112019, January 4, 1995) has this to say about psychological incapacity: “no less than a mental (not physical) incapacity that causes a party to be truly incognitive of the basic marital covenants that concomitantly must be assumed and discharged by the parties to the marriage. The intentment of the law has been to confine the meaning of psychological incapacity to the most serious cases of personality disorders clearly demonstrative of an utter insensitivity or inability to give meaning and significance of marriage.”

To prove the existence of psychological incapacity, the following requisites must be proved: juridical antecedence, gravity, and permanence or incurability. Juridical antecedence means that the incapacity must be rooted in the history of the party antedating the marriage, although overt manifestations may arise only after such marriage. Gravity means that the incapacity is grave enough to bring about the disability of the party to assume the essential marital obligations.

Permanence or incurability means

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January - April 2013

that the incapacity is incurable. If curable, the cure should be beyond the means of the parties.

In a number of cases, the Supreme Court ruled that the allegations of psychological incapacity were not sustained; therefore, it does not warrant annulment. Mere showing of irreconcilable and conflicting personalities, sexual infidelity or perversion, disagreements regarding money matters, abandonment, joblessness, immaturity, alcoholism, and drug addiction are not manifestations of the existence of psychological incapacity.

The testimony of an expert witness, psychologist or psychiatrist is deemed to be very important in proving the psychological incapacity of a spouse. In Hernandez vs. Court of Appeals, (G.R. No. 126010, December 8, 1999) the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of presenting expert testimony to establish the precise cause of a party’s psychological incapacity, and to show that it existed at the inception of the marriage. However, in Marcos V. Marcos [G.R. No. 136490, October 19, 2000], there is no requirement that the person to be declared psychologically incapacitated be personally examined by a physician; if the totality of evidence presented is enough to sustain a finding of psychological incapacity. Verily, the evidence must show a link, medical or the like, between the acts that manifest psychological incapacity and the psychological disorder itself.

Testimony of expert (psychologist/psychiatrist) is a necessary but not an indispensable condition in declaring the existence of psychological incapacity but the court greatly rely on the testimonies of expert witnesses in declaring the existence of psychological incapacity.

The court appreciates the totality of evidence in ruling the presence of psychological incapacity.

In a recent case involving annulment on the ground of psychological incapacity, the Supreme Court in the case of Ngo Te vs. Ong Gutierrez Yu-Te (G.R. No. 161793, February 13, 2009) granted the petition for annulment and ruled on the existence of psychological incapacity of the spouses. The Court found out that the petitioner is afflicted with dependent personality disorder, cannot assume the essential marital obligations of living together, observing love, respect and fidelity and rendering help and support, for he is unable to make everyday decisions without advice from others, allows others to make most of his important decisions (such as where to live), tends to agree with people even when he believes they are wrong, has difficulty doing things on his own, volunteers to do things that are demeaning in order to get approval from other people, feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone and is often preoccupied with fears of being abandoned. As clearly shown in this case, petitioner followed everything

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feature

2013 Model Employees of the Year SUPERVISORY AND DIVISION MANAGER LEVEL a. Personal Information

Maximo Tan Viola

MIS Development Chief B

Electronic Data Processing Dept. b. Performance Efficiency Expertise: Programming using Scripts and HPUX and Linux operating systems Certified Netware Engineer Most significant accomplishments: p Developed, installed and used the Jobs Management System to improve frontliner services and monitor and gauge the quality of service rendered by frontliners. p Developed and installed new customer information system where, from the customer inquiry program, the user can browse and edit information in the JMS, field findings information and meter reading information. This gives the user a great tool to help speed up customer transactions. p Increased the area in a screen to allow the programmer to display more information at one glance.

Currently we are limited to 80 characters by 20 lines per video screen in character-based systems.

His research and test have increased these limits and will be incorporated in the customer inquiry program after the migration to the new computer systems. c. Health and Personality p Runs and participates in fun run activities of DCWD and the city.

NON-SUPERVISORY LEVEL (OFFICE CATEGORY) a. Personal Information Cherry Gay Jainar Hidalgo

Supervising Engineer A

Engineering and Construction Dept. b. Performance Efficiency Expertise: Hydraulic modelling and management Most significant accomplishments: p Developed new diurnal pattern for hydraulic analysis p Earned units in Master of Science in Environment Resource Management and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Engineering Program to stretch her goals and challenges c. Health and Personality p Participates in fun run activities and cheer dance competitions.

legally speaking...from page 20 dictated to him by the persons around him. He is insecure, weak and gullible, has no sense of his identity as a person, has no cohesive self to speak of, and has no goals and clear direction in life.

On the part of the respondent, the Supreme Court stated: “afflicted although on a different plane, the same may also be said of the respondent. Her being afflicted with antisocial personality disorder makes her unable to assume the essential marital obligations. This finding takes into account her disregard for the rights of others, her abuse, mistreatment and control of others without remorse, her tendency to blame others, and her intolerance of the conventional behavioral limitations imposed by society. Moreover, as shown in this case, respondent is impulsive and domineering; she had no qualms in manipulating petitioner with her threats of blackmail and of committing suicide.”

Joblessness, being happy-go-lucky, and being irresponsible

NON-SUPERVISORY LEVEL (FIELD CATEGORY) a.

b.

Personal Information Alan Zabala Fernandez Plant Mechanic B Production Department Performance Efficiency Expertise: Repair and Maintenance of pumping equipment Most significant accomplishments: p Developed an original idea or suggestion in in-house pump repair which has a positive effect on the operations of his department. p Willing to help his co-workers who are in need and as a public servant, he is committed to DCWD customers over his personal interest. c. Health and Personality p Active in various sports including basketball, chess, running and badminton.

are not manifestations of psychological incapacity as ruled by the court in Mendoza vs. Republic of the Philippines and Mendoza (November 12, 2012). Also, sexual infidelity and abandonment of the conjugal dwelling, even if true, do not necessarily constitute psychological incapacity; these are simply grounds for legal separation as decided by the Supreme Court in the case of Republic of the Philippines vs. Encelan (G.R. No. 170022, January 9, 2013).

The law itself does not define psychological incapacity but its broad definition as illustrated in the rulings of the Supreme Court define it not as a physical disorder rather a psychological illness which existed even before marriage; must be grave as to incapacitate the party to perform the essential obligations of marriage. It too must be proved to be incurable.

Annulment therefore cannot be granted simply due to the whim of the parties or the mistakes made by one party to the other during marriage.

As a lesson: think twice. And by that, think twice whether to say “I do” or “I do not”. S January - April 2013

21

literary

Beloved

Sometimes

When I saw you I know its true I’m truly...madly...deeply...

In love with you.

When you touched my hand it seemed like magic from a wand a potion I cannot understand elated...enchanted...’til the last strand When you first kissed me an over powering intensity has encapsulated the lonely me... oh, how I love you, my baby It’s only you who makes me happy it’s only you who protects me it’s only you who gathers the rainbow for me come my darling buzker dogie... time for a walk... this will keep you lively.

-annodam

Because of You

Sometimes when I’m angry I wish I was not here, I just wish I could chase away All of my losses and fears.

Because of you my world is now whole, Because of you love lives in my soul.

Because of you I have laughter in my eyes, Because of you I am no longer afraid of good-byes.

You are my pillar my stone of strength, With me through all seasons and great times of length.

My love for you is pure boundless through space and time, it grows stronger everyday knowing that you’ll always be mine.

Sometimes I just want to die Or wish I was never born, Because of the pain The tears, lies, and scorn.

-unknown

Sometimes when I’m happy Which is pretty rare these days, My happiness chases the shadows But to some delay.

For some unknown reason It takes a while to smile, Maybe it’s the deaths The agony and denial.

But sometimes when I forget Which is hardly ever, The pain is chased away By friends who will stay forever.

-Kiril

Forgive me Forgive me for liking you too much and I’ll forgive you for not liking me enough.

Forgive me for the loud racing heartbeats of my heart and I’ll forgive you for not hearing it.

Forgive me for finding you amazing and I’ll forgive you for never noticing me.

Forgive me for wanting to be with you more than anything and I’ll forgive you for avoiding me.

Forgive me for being so pathetic and I’ll forgive you for taking advantage of it.

Forgive me for not being able to let go of you and I’ll forgive you for never holding on to me.

-unknown

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January - April 2013

“Masterpieces” By: Chiara Lubich If I were a poet I would write you a poem And if I were a composer I’d compose you a song All these masterpieces to tell you that I love you!

More than just a poem beyond the rhymes of poetry More than just a song beyond the rhythm of melodies.

If I were a painter I would paint you the nature’s best, And if I were a writer I would write you a book.

All these masterpieces to tell you that I love you!

More than just a painting beyond the beauty of scenery More than just a book beyond the realm of fantasy.

I love you!

For you have entered ‘to my life More than the blood in my veins, More than the air that I breathe.

fun and games THE ENVIRONMENT Find the words hidden in the word search. Write a list of the things you do to help the environment.

environment countryside natural habitats animals buildings roads air pollution industry waste rubbish litter congestion noise pollution responsibility quality of life damage fossil fuels packaging waste

1. WHAT’S THAT? First, think of the color of clouds.

Next think of the color of snow. Last, think of the color of the moon. Now, what do cows drink? _______________________ If you were to spell out the numbers, how far would you have to go before encountering the letter ‘A’? ________________________ What seven-letter word hundreds of letters in it?

that

has

________________________

Words follow a random path, starting off to the right or down.

2. WHAT DOES THIS SAY? /R/e/a/d/i/n/g/ ________________ MEREPEAT

________________

10AC XLR8

________________

TOKEEPUCH

________________

QTPI

________________

Esggsgeggegsgsge

________________

CCCCCCC

________________

I RIGHT I

________________

________________

STORM DRAINS: IT’S A DIRECT CONNECTION Never dump oil or other waste down the storm drain.

Take it to a recycling center instead.

Help get the used motor oil to the recycling center.

ANSWERS: 1. Water (if the teaser worked, you guessed milk), one thousand, mailbox ; 2. reading between the lines, repeat after me, Tennessee, accelerate, keep in touch, cutie pie, scrambled eggs, seven seas, right between the eyes

January - April 2013

23

DID Y OU compil

KNOW THAT.. .

ed by M

adonn

a C. Lla

guno

watermelon is a vegetable? It is related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.

While watermelon can obviously quench thirst being that it is mainly made of water, it can also stop joint irritation. Watermelon is considered to be an anti-inflammatory. It is said to help calm inflammation that occurs because of asthma, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.

the origins of ice cream go way back to about 60 A.D. when the Roman emperor Nero ordered ice to be brought from the mountains and combined it with fruit toppings? In the 13th century, Marco Polo learned of the Chinese method of creating ice and milk mixtures and brought it back to Europe. Over time, people created recipes for ices, sherbets, and milk ices.

It became a fashionable treat in Italy and France, and once imported to the United States, ice cream was served by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Dolley Madison. Jefferson’s favorite flavor was vanilla.

Kareem Abdul has the record for most points in a career? Over 20 years, he scored 38,387 points. In a single game, Wilt Chamberlain has the record at 100 points. That happened on March 2, 1962 and the opposing team continued to foul Chamberlain so he would not reach 100 points. He was a terrible free throw shooter, but he still hit 100 points. The player that has the second most points in a game is Kobe Bryant with 81 points. Michael Jordan has scored more points total in playoff games with 5,987.

the Valentine story is about a young Roman priest named Saint Valentinus who secretly performed matrimonial ceremonies of the soldiers belonging to Claudius II? The Emperor had forbidden his soldiers to get married fearing that they might not be able to concentrate on fighting wars. Saint Valentinus was hanged on 14th February 270 A.D. and since then the day is celebrated every year. While he was imprisoned he sent his last love note to the jailor’s daughter with an ending sign, “From your valentine”.

sea stars digest their food on the outside of their body? This is incredible. It latches on to a clam or muscle, prises it open, slides its stomach outside its mouth and into the gap in the shell and digests what’s inside. This allows the sea star to eat a larger organism than what could fit into its mouth on its underside. Once the stomach is retracted back into its body, it transfers from the one stomach (cardiac) to another internal stomach (Pyloric) to fully digest.

each color of rose sent on Valentine’s day has some meaning e.g. red rose means love and respect, pink says, “I am having sweet thoughts about you”? and white rose stands for purity and states, “I am worthy of you”. Also the number of roses also counts for instance, 1 stands for love at first sight, 12 is to say, “I love you”, 108 recommended for marriage proposals and 999 means “we’ll always be together.”

the Hognose, Grass snake and the Spitting Cobra will fake death when feeling threatened? They flip into their backs, open their mouths, and let their tongue flop out. And they will let out some smelly stuff from their anal gland.

Nobody would want to eat it after that!

Sources: www.buzzle.com, www.kidzone.com www.adviceopedia.com, www.factlist.com www.kites4kids.com, www.msinternet.com