Crystal Flow May-August 2012

Vol. XX No. 2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

may - august 2012

What’s

Inside?

• New warehouse inaugurated • 73,543 seedlings planted in watersheds in eight months’ time

• NAMADACWAD celebrates 26th anniversary

• Customer service goes online

what’s 3 4 5 6

INSIDE? 14 15

Editor’s note From the GM’s desk

Employees Plant Trees

Projects finished ahead of time

Med-Dent mission conducted in Baguio

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“Lawig 6” participants plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings First aid team champs Red Cross competition

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NAMADACWAD celebrates 26th anniversary

Water kids attend art workshop

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Families gather for Fun Day

DCWD supports Davao City’s coastal

TOP MANAGEMENT ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO Acting General Manager

MILDRED G. AVILES OIC - AGM for Administration

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS

CNA registered with CSC

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Illegal water connection is everybody’s concern Employees run for various causes Legally Speaking Fun and games Did you know that...

about the

COVER Although the design concept is originally DCWD’s, the artwork, pictures and images have been downloaded from this link: Earth Day 2012 - Mobilize the Earth | Earth Day Network http:// imagodesign.net / www. visualphotos.com

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

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.

CRYSTAL FLOW

The official publication of Davao City Water District Your contributions are welcome at the DCWD Public Information / Relations Division Office.

No part or whole of this newsletter will be printed without prior approval.

May - August 2012

ATTY. ABDUL M. DATAYA Member

DCWD helps establish tree park in

Vision

2

ATTY. CHARLEMAGNE B. ALDEVERA Member

ENGR. EXEQUIEL B. HOMEZ OIC - AGM for Operation

21 22 23 24

MA. LUISA L. JACINTO Secretary

rehab efforts

Tacunan

District

10

Upland communities receive educational

eight months’ time

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8

More support for watershed rehab pour in

16 Personnel 18 Customer service goes online

73,543 seedlings planted in watersheds in

EDUARDO A. BANGAYAN Chairman ATTY. ELISEO R. BRAGANZA, JR. Vice-Chairman

supplies from DCWD

New warehouse inaugurated

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ENGR. ROSANNA VICENTA T. CABANAG OIC, Operation & Maintenance / Non-Revenue Water Management Office BERNADETTE A. DACANAY OIC, Finance & Property 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. XX No. 2

May - August 2012

Editorial Board editor-in-chief MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE associate editor MADONNA C. LLAGUNO news editor JENNIFE D. BORONG copy editor ENGR. REYNALDO M. PETALCORIN features editor RUTH G. JABINES religion editor FIDELA M. DAJAO circulation chief JERELL J. LEONIDA artist CHARISSA V. MANALANG adviser IMELDA T. MAGSUCI

editor’s note

In achieving the vision

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eedless to say, delivering quality service to the people it serves is the top priority of Davao City Water District. In order to consistently perform at its best to satisfy customer needs, the water utility does not only focus on accomplishing service improvement projects. It also upholds the welfare of its employees simply because it acknowledges the great importance of every man and woman that comprises the water utility.

Thus, among the highlights of this issue are the different activities that the water utility conducted which promoted the health and wellness of the workforce. Among others, enjoy the entertaining accounts of the DCWD family day celebration and the fun run activities that also called out “No to SB 2997...No to HB 5497”, the 26th founding anniversary of NAMADACWAD, the different activities in observance of Environment Month and Independence Day, the victorious finish of DCWD’s first aid team in the Davao 4th Industrial First Aid competition, the accomplishments in the field of environmental protection and the planting of 1,000 mangrove seedlings through Lawig 6.

This issue also invites the reader to dig into the DCWD technical operations to enhance customer satisfaction.

The Facebook and website extend DCWD’s customer service online that mirror the utility’s sincerity in bringing its daily operations closer to the senses of its customers for better corporate understanding.

Indeed, this issue again details all the efforts of DCWD to implement programs that would help achieve its vision to become one of the best water utilities in Asia in the name of quality service. S

MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com

May - August 2012

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from the gm’s desk

Of service excellence and moral integrity “

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f you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress.”

This is a very strong line uttered by American President Barack Obama which reflects so much the efforts of our own government to reshape the working philosophy and ethics of public officials and employees.

And this line is something that we, in the Davao City Water District, should use as beacon in our everyday work alongside our own president’s “Matuwid na Landas” maxim.

It has been said that in order for a company to succeed, it needs to employ talented and skilled individuals who can contribute to its overall operations. Yes, indeed, this is true. However, in these very competitive times, more and more people are equipped with the expertise to become highly qualified and thus help the company achieve its goal to become the best water utility in Asia. DCWD is blessed to have in its employ the best men and women in their respective fields.

Yet, skills and talents are not enough. They are useless if not paired with highly exceptional moral integrity. We must remember that being public servants, we are not only expected to accomplish our own tasks. We must always have our customers, the general public in consideration for they are the reason for our existence. Thus, our character and our commitment to deliver the best kind of service we can render are among the best that we should offer.

Thus, I encourage every woman and man, including me, that make up the DCWD family to reexamine ourselves. We need to pause and critic the way we fulfil our own duties and responsibilities. We need to ask ourselves if we are making optimum use of our capabilities by coupling them with the right attitude as public servants.

Let no disappointment discourage us from walking in the right service path. We must stay focused to become the best in everything that we ought to do to serve excellently with moral integrity. S

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO Acting General Manager 4

May - August 2012

water news

Vice-Chair Eliseo R. Braganza, Jr., (L) congratulates the DCWD family for its newly completed building. The Board of Directors, top management and other officers join Rev. Zenon B. Ampong during the blessing ceremony.

New warehouse inaugurated

D

irectors and employees of Davao City Water District attended the blessing of the newly completed building at the DCWD Matina office last June 15.

Rev. Zenon B. Ampong of the St. Paul Parish blessed the new facility which will serve as warehouse, pipe storage and motorpool of the water utility.

Vice-Chair Eliseo R. Braganza, Jr., in his message during the program, said that the management foresees a great improvement on the working conditions of its employees since the Property Division of the Finance and Property Department and the General Services Department in Bajada will be transferred to the new building. This will help decongest the Bajada office which currently houses most of the employees. He added that the management is also anticipating the construction of the Matina office.

Acting GM Regalado explained that the completion of the building was made possible through the joint efforts of the DCWD family particularly the hands-on contributions of the Engineering and Construction, Operations and Maintenance and General Services Departments.

The new facility, which is among the many projects that DCWD has undertaken in line with its Infrastructure Development agendum, will also be instrumental in the improvement of overall operations especially that this warehouse can accommodate more materials and equipment needed for maintenance, repairs, installation of new connections and many more. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Also present during the event were Directors Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, Abdul M. Dataya and Charlemagne B. Aldevera, acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, OIC – assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles, OIC – assistant general manager for operation Exequiel B. Homez and other officers.

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water news

73,543 seedlings planted in watersheds in eight months’ time

“

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or Davao City Water District, every month is Earth Month,” said acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, citing the perpetual commitment of the water utility to protect and preserve the watersheds of Davao City. Translating this into action, the utility and its partners have planted a total of 73,543 seedlings from January until August 2012 inside Mt. Talomo-Lipadas and Malagos watersheds. Together with Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watershed, these two replenish the water sources of Davao City.

For Mt. Talomo-Lipadas, 66,874 seedlings were planted (55,622 white and red Lauan, 6,596 Cacao, 4,074 Coffee and 582 Tiger Grass) as part of the second phase rehabilitation program in the area and in support to the National Greening Program (NGP).

Also in the same watershed and through DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site project, 600 Lauan and 250 budded Cacao seedlings were planted during separate tree planting activities held at Sitio Baracayo, Barangay Daliaon Plantation in Toril by the Ayala Business Club of Davao on February 29, the Davao City Maharlika Lions Club on April 14 and the Davao City Mt. Talomo Lions Club on April 21.

For Malagos, planted were 2,456 Lagundi, Lauan, Lumbang, Mahogany and Narra seedlings also through the Adopt-a-Site project in the area.

of employees and outside groups and individuals to do tree planting and parenting activities for the whole year.

At yearend 2010, it can be recalled that DCWD was able to completely rehabilitate 530 hectares of land inside Mt. TalomoLipadas. This success inspired the water utility to enter into another memorandum of agreement with DENR in 2011 to rehabilitate another 470 hectares of land. Since last year, 171 hectares have already been completely restored in the watershed.

Acting GM Regalado explained the great importance of what DCWD is doing. “If we continue these efforts, there is a great chance that the future generations of Davao City will still be able to enjoy the quality of water we have today,” he said.

These watershed rehabilitation efforts are in line with DCWD’s NICER agendum which is Environmental protection together with Non-revenue reduction, Infrastructure development, Customer satisfaction and Resource management. DCWD’s efforts in the watershed rehabilitation include community organizing; information, education, communication and advocacy campaigns; linkaging and coordination; and, the Adopt-a-Site project. Throughout the existence of the environmental protection programs of DCWD, 824,281 trees have already planted. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

As for Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan, 600 Malibago seedlings and 2,763 Tiger Grass were planted. Other areas inside the watershed are still on the preparatory stage.

The District believes that environmental protection should be staple as securing Davaoeños’ everyday water needs thus, “Caring for and protection of the environment and the watersheds must be a continuing effort and highlighted in our everyday existence because this is an integral part in ensuring water resource sustainability in the city,” acting GM Regalado continued.

In 2011, DCWD planted 71,200 seedlings in the three watersheds and intended to plant 85,879 seedlings more in 2012 inside Mt. Talomo-Lipadas. The number was even expected to go up considering the big number of seedlings already planted in the first quarter alone.

Also, the water utility has more programs that encourage participation

Ayala Business Club of Davao members gather after planting trees.

Employees plant trees

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ifty-five employees of Davao City Water District joined the 3rd employees tree planting last May 18 and June 8 wherein a total of 450 Malibago seedlings were planted along the riverbank of upstream Tamugan River at Brgy. Tambobong.

These activities are part of DCWD’s Environmental Protection agendum which emphasizes the protection and rehabilitation of the major watersheds in Davao City to ensure water resource sustainability for the future generations.

The employee’s tree planting is an annual activity which is very effective in promoting environmental awareness among DCWD employees by exposing them to the watershed rehabilitation project areas of the utility.

Elven Apor of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department briefs participants on how to properly plant a Malibago seedling.

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May - August 2012

Also, this is DCWD’s way of supporting the National Greening Program of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

water news

Projects finished ahead of time

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avao City Water District’s simultaneous systems improvement projects conducted last July 6-8 were successfully accomplished earlier than scheduled.

The tapping of the 1,200-mm diameter mortar line coated steel pipeline (MLCSP) transmission line to the Panorama Reservoir #1 was done 12 hours earlier than expected. The installation of 600mm diameter butterfly valve at Bacaca Road corner Diversion Road in Buhangin and the replacement of 600mm diameter butterfly valve also at Panorama Reservoir #1 were finished approximately two hours ahead of schedule. Hence, water service resumed much ahead of schedule, benefitting all water service disrupted areas especially in the farther north and elevated places.

Since their completion, the DCWD call center has been receiving positive feedbacks from customers living in these areas, citing increased water pressure and longer daily water supply.

Also conducted on July 7 was the cleaning of the 22-thousand cubic meter capacity Panorama Reservoir #1. (Jovana The Operation and Maintenance Department Production Department personnel crews install the butterfly valve at Bacaca Road doing disinfection after the cleaning T. Duhaylungsod) S corner Diversion Road in Buhangin.

of the reservoir.

Employees from the Commercial, Engineering and Construction, Operation and Maintenance and Production departments clean Panorama Reservoir #1.

ECD crew after the tapping of the MLCSP transmission line to the Panorama Reservoir.

Med-Dent mission conducted in Baguio District

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esidents of Barangays Tawan-Tawan, Wines, Gumalang, Tamugan and Carmen have benefited from the medical and dental mission of the Davao City Water District held last April 27, May 4, 11, 18 and July 12, respectively. Out of the 1,171 beneficiaries, 159 availed of free tooth extraction and 1,012 sought free medical consultation, treatment and deworming.

Local barangay officials thanked the utility for the activity and for providing free medicines and vitamins for their constituents.

Imelda T. Magsuci, Community Relations and External Affairs Department manager and official spokesperson, said that the medical and dental mission is part of DCWD’s corporate social responsibility for its partners in the watershed areas.

Dr. Carlo L. Denia checks a patient in Barangay Wines.

DM Magsuci also thanked the volunteer doctors and health workers of City Health Office (CHO) and the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) which have been partners of the utility in its various medical and dental activities.

Volunteer physicians and dentists who served during the medical

Dr. Virgelio Pineda does tooth extraction on patients in Baranagay Wines.

and dental missions were Carlo L. Denia and Florentina A. Ong of NCIP; Enelyno A. Buenaventura, Laredo P. Rabang, Isagani N. Braganza, Marilyn P. Puno, Virgelio Pineda and Merle V. Perez of CHO. (Sylvia May L. Vosotros) S May - August 2012

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water news

“Lawig 6” participants plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings

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mployees of the Davao City Water District planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings and did coastal clean-up at Sirawan Beach in Toril last May 11 as part of “Lawig 6”, a coastal educational tour in response to the worldwide celebration of Ocean Month themed “Buhay Dagat. Buhay Natin”. Fifty-four employees attended the whole day activity which sailed from Sta. Ana Wharf and made stopovers at Times Beach, Punta Dumalag, Gulf View and Sirawan Beach.

In behalf of acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, Finance and Property Department OIC - manager Bernadette A. Dacanay opened the activity by discussing the relevance of “Lawig 6”. She cited that the District has been contributing so much to help lessen the effects of pollution to the environment. “From the mountains to the seas, DCWD has been conducting activities to help reverse the effects of climate change and one of these activities is Lawig 6,” she said.

“Lawig”, now in its 6th year, is an annual event organized by the Community Relations and External Affairs Department - Public Information / Relations Division of DCWD. Lending support were the Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI – Coastal and Marine Management Division (DENR XI – CMMD), City Environment and Natural Resources Office – Coastal Marine Services (CENRO – CMS), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources XI – Coastal Resource Management Section (BFAR XI – CRMS), City Agriculturist Office (CAO), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Davao and Barangay Sirawan local government.

While traversing the coastal areas of Davao City, invited speakers from partner agencies discussed matters relevant to the whole event. Redentor G. Magno, forester I of DENR XI CMMD, gave insights on how the sea is part of the watershed and the different devastating effects of climate change to the ocean ecosystem. Special agent Romulo C. Nicdao imparted the different effects of pollution to the ocean ecosystem while agricultural technologist Carlos John L. Necor talked about the status of Davao City’s marine resources. Both speakers are from the fishery section of CAO. Aylwin N. Ventura, technical assistant of the BFAR XI CRMS, and Ryan T. Revilla, marine biologist of the CENRO - CMS, shared the importance of mangroves to the environment. They also lectured on how to properly plant mangroves in preparation for the mangrove planting activity.

Before going home, customized umbrellas were given to all participants as souvenir.

Redentor G. Magno DENR - CMMD

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Romulo C. Nicdao CAO fishery section

May - August 2012

Carlos John L. Necor CAO fishery section

Aylwin N. Ventura BFAR - CRMS

Ryan T. Revilla CENRO – CMS

water news In between lectures, the participants were entertained by the organizers through different games that were designed to help reverberate the call for environmental protection.

At the end of the day, Electronic Data Processing Department manager Jeanette Carlota M. Delino lauded the efforts of all participants who took part in the cause to save the ocean.

FPD OIC manager Bernadette A. Dacanay welcomes the participants in behalf of Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado

EDP DM Jeanette M. Delino thanks the participants for their cooperation.

Escorting and assuring the safety of the participants were four members from the PCG, namely, PO3 Aldrine F. Cordero, PO2 Mahaleel A. Bermas, PO1 Joven C. Caro and SN1 Raymund G. Villanueva. Barangay Sirawan officials were also present during the mangrove planting and coastal clean-up activities.

“Lawig” is a vernacular word that means aboard and any activity like sailing or journeying on the sea. DCWD, however, uses its more symbolical meaning which is the heightening, strengthening and intensifying of a campaign towards environmental protection specifically watershed preservation embracing the law of nature that says “everything is related to everything else and everything must go somewhere”. DCWD’S “Lawig” was first launched in 2004 as the water utility’s response to the Ocean Month celebration. Other Lawig celebrations that followed were in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Employee-participants and guests plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings.

and here’s the proof.

Group activity before the coastal clean-up.

Assigned groups are instructed to make a creative presentation of their collected garbage.

Participants ride a Coast Guard rubber boat from the ferry to the shore of Sirawan Beach in Toril for the mangrove planting.

It’s chow time!

All aboard!

May - August 2012

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water news

First aid team champs Red Cross competition

The first aid team and support staff composed of (first row, from L) Matt Ronald B. Tan, Nones D. Anino, Francis Lloyd A. Bangcas, Ernest William C. Odchimar, Christopher N. Cagalawan, Aris V. Cabamungan, Anji Laura A. Grecia, Roxanne C. Sayago, Kharren Rhay I. Pala, Mark Timothy C. Isturis, Allan D. Antiga, John Christian M. Palo and Nonie R. Co (second row, extreme L) with OIC-AGMA Mildred G. Aviles, pollution control and safety officer John F. Baynosa and human resource OIC-manager Ruth G. Jabines (standing, 6th, 5th and 3rd from L), Philippine Red Cross Davao chapter board of directors and Department of Labor and Employment regional director Joffrey M. Suyao (standing, 4th from L) during the awarding ceremony.

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he first aid team of the Davao City Water District bagged the first place in the Davao 4th Industrial First Aid competition sponsored by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Davao City chapter last July 16 at the SM Annex activity center. The team also won special prizes after topping both the problem solving and bleeding control and bandaging categories. Said competition is in line with the observance of National Disaster Consciousness Week themed “Ligtas na Bayan, Maunlad na Pamayanan”.

Team members Aris and Roxanne help control the “bleeding” of a “victim” during the bleeding control and bandaging category where DCWD got a special award.

(From L) Roxanne, Kharren, Nones and Aris attend to “victim” during their winning moments in the problem solving category.

Garnering a total of 527 points, DCWD beat nine other competitors including the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in second place with 508 total points and HEDCOR Incorporated which finished third having amassed a total of 490 points. EDC got the special awards in basic life support and patient transfer relay categories, while HEDCOR Inc. topped the splinting relay.

Other competing teams were the Mindanao Corrugated Fibreboard Incorporated, Unifrutti Incorporated, Multicon Builders Incorporated, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Incorporated, Jaicor Plastic Incorporated, Longridge Construction Incorporated and Master Sports Incorporated. Non-competing teams which exhibited skills in administering first aid were the Philippine Red Cross Disaster Management Services and Davao Medical School.

The competing first aid team members were Roxanne C. Sayago of the Human Resource Department (HRD) who was also the team leader, Anji Laura A. Grecia of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department, Nones D. Anino of the Accounting and Budget Department and Kharren Rhay I. Pala and Aris V. Cabamungan both of the Corporate Planning Department. Substitutes were Allan D. Antiga of the Finance and Property Department, Christopher N. Cagalawan of the Electronic Data Processing Department, Ernest William C. Odchimar of the Pollution Control and Safety Office, Francis Lloyd A. Bangcas of the Production Department, Matt Ronald B. Tan of the Commercial Department and Nonie R. Co of HRD. Showing support during the event were OIC-AGMA Mildred G. Aviles, pollution control and safety officer and team coordinator John F. Baynosa and HRD OIC-manager Ruth G. Jabines.

In the opening ceremonies, PRC Davao City Chair Antonio T. Uy wished all competing teams the best and thanked everyone for joining the contest. He expressed hope for a bigger competition next year which will hopefully include barangay rescue teams. He also noted that Davao City is currently organizing a risk management group, which is a first in the Philippines, that is why rescue teams such as those that joined the contest are greatly encouraged.

(From L) Nones, Aris and Anji Laura carry the patient during the transfer relay category.

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May - August 2012

Engr. Baynosa noted that it is the first time that DCWD joined the contest and with the help of very able mentors, very dedicated team players and the knowledge acquired in trainings, the DCWD first aid team brought home the top honors. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

water news

NAMADACWAD celebrates 26th anniversary

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embers of the Davao City Water District’s labor union Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Davao City Water District (NAMADACWAD) celebrated their 26th founding anniversary last July 14 at the DCWD Talomo Sump.

Attended by the union officers and members, the event opened with a short program wherein NAMADACWAD president Rodrigo L. Aranjuez inspired participants with a speech. Pres. Aranjuez noted that it was the first time that the union was able to formally celebrate their founding anniversary and they wish to make the celebration an annual event.

“Usa sa mga tumong sa pag saulog sa anibersaryo sa unyon mao ang paghatag ug higayon sa tanan myembro na makatapok nga dili maghisgot ug problema (Among the objectives of celebrating the union’s anniversary is to give members the chance to gather without having to discuss problems),” the president explained.

He noted that for the years that the union has existed, members and officers only meet twice a year during general assemblies scheduled every April and November and discussions often center on issues pertaining to labor and social matters. He continued to explain that the event also served as a form of thanksgiving that NAMADACWAD has stayed strong over the years since it was formed in 1982 and formally registered at the Department of Labor in Manila on July 16, 1986.

The program was then followed by a tree planting activity of 200 Malibago seedlings along the riverbank of Talomo River near DCWD’s meter room in Talomo Sump. In 2010, NAMADACWAD also planted a total of 300 Malibago and Mahogany seedlings in the same area in time for the Earth Day celebration.

A

Members plant 200 Malibago seedlings.

A festive boodle fight lunch which emphasized the call for simplicity and equality among members was shared by the participants. All the while, they were entertained by a performance of environment and labor themed songs by the union’s Agos band whose players are also NAMADACWAD members.

To date, NAMADACWAD has 512 members and still growing.

Among the matters that the union wants to emphasize on its members is to continue protecting the interest of the employees, consumers and water district and giving sincere service to the people of Davao City by providing sufficient, quality and affordable water. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Water kids attend art workshop

n environment-themed art workshop was held for the children or water kids of Davao City Water District employees last April 21-22 at the DCWD Bajada office. Participants aged 7-15 years old enjoyed the two day activity themed “Teach us to love and care for the environment” which was spearheaded by the Community Relations and External Affairs Department - Community Relations Office with help from the Watershed

Management Youth Council volunteers who served as facilitators.

The workshop taught the children different art techniques like perspective, negative space, shading and coloring among others. Applying what they learned, they were asked to use the environment as subject for their respective art pieces and this made them appreciate more the beauty of Mother Nature and the need to protect it.

Now on its eighth year, the “Summer Fun for Kids” has been very instrumental in including the children of employees in the utility’s campaign for environmental protection. This campaign highlights the preservation and restoration efforts conducted in the three watershed areas of Davao City, namely, Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan, Malagos and Mt. Talomo-Lipadas. This campaign is done through the Environmental Protection agendum of DCWD.

Water Kids show their final masterpieces.

Aside from teaching the youth the importance of protecting and preserving the environment, the art workshop also provided the participants an avenue for the kids’ summer holiday and allowed them to make friends with the other children of DCWD employees. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S May - August 2012

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Families gathe

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“

OIC-AGM-A Mildred G. Aviles

Dir. Abdul M. Dataya

OIC-DM Ruth G. Jabines

t’s more fun at GAP Farm!”, thus was t family day held last May 19. The annu than 2,000 employees and their familie Dataya.

Festivities opened with a short pres Sedi, followed by the opening message Administration Mildred G. Aviles who also of acting GM Edwin V. Regalado. Directo families of DCWD employees coming toge

Among the highlights of the event Gamers and Animators group of Davao Ci II and Gundam costumes and dramatic pe

The whole day affair was also filled w enjoyed rummaging every nook and cran game of eggs containing local riddles of were challenged by the “Parade of Animal tested by the “Parade of Heroes, Presiden kite-making workshops were also given to event even more exciting, the traditional p

Families also had free lunch, snacks a

The family day celebration has beco DCWD family. Aside from being one of the Collective Negotiation Agreement signed greatly helps in creating a venue where a each other’s company in a livelier environ Duhaylungsod) S

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May - August 2012

er for Fun Day

the theme of the Davao City Water District ual whole day affair was attended by more es. Joining the fun was Director Abdul M.

sentation from official mascots Tobi and of OIC – assistant general manager for o welcomed everyone to the affair in behalf or Dataya said that he was pleased to see ether for a day of fun and fellowship.

was the presentation of the Cosplayers, ity who entertained guests with their DOTA erformances.

with fun and educational activities. Families nny of GAP Farm for the treasure hunting which they answered for prizes. Toddlers ls” game while the teeners and adults were nts and Tribes” trivia competitions. Art and interested participants. To make the whole pabitin was also played.

and drinks.

ome one of the annual highlights of the e stipulated agreements in the water utility’s d last August 16, 2011, the activity also all employees and their families can enjoy nment other than the workplace. (Jovana T.

May - August 2012

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water news

More support for watershed rehab pour in

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hree more groups joined the growing number of watershed adopters inside Mt. Talomo-Lipadas through Davao City Water District’s Adopt-a-Site project.

L5 Cooperative Board Chair Jessen R. Monsalud signed the Adopta-Site memorandum of agreement with DCWD last July 5 in the DCWD Matina office. This was witnessed by City Cooperative Development Office supervising cooperative specialist Julius Adrian A. Oxales and Cooperative Development Authority cooperative development specialist Doreen R. Catayoc. Also present were other L5 officers including Vice-Chair Rogelio B. Luy. After the signing, the cooperative gave the full donation of P30,000 for the one hectare of land that they adopted.

L5 Cooperative Board Chair Jessen R. Monsalud (3rd from L) and acting GM Regalado shake hands after the MoA signing . With them are Vice-Chair Rogelio B. Luy (extreme L), the other officers of L5 Coop and representatives from the CCDO and CDA.

Monsalud expressed how privileged they were to become part of DCWD’s watershed rehab project and he added that “Hopefully po next year, if may budget, maybe we can add one more site. We are very happy and more than willing to help this project.” L5 is the 11th cooperative in the city to become an adopter.

The Phoenix Philippines Foundation Inc. (PPFI) also committed to adopt five hectares of land and this was sealed last July 9 at “Kapihan sa SM”.

Corporate Legal assistant vice president Socorro T. Ermac-Cabreros and Visayas-Mindanao Corporate Affairs and Facilities manager Beethoven N. Sur signed the Adopt-a-Site MoA last July 9 at “Kapihan sa SM” sealing their pledge to help rehabilitate five hectares of land. A total of 150,000 pesos will be donated by the PPFI to support its five hectares adopted site in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed for five years. Last July 11, Sur personally turned over the P30,000 worth check to acting GM Edwin V. Regalado as initial donation for the one hectare of land.

“With climate change, we are encouraged to get involved in the protection of our watersheds,” Cabreros said. Sur also added that the MOA signing is just an initial partnership of Phoenix with DCWD since the foundation conducted a fun-run last August 12 to raise funds for the reforestation of watershed wherein they will donate seedlings corresponding to the number of participants who will join the run.

Phoenix corporate manager Beethoven Sur turns over a check worth Php 30,000.00 to acting GM Regalado.

Lastly, during the second plenary meeting of the Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao (RCWWD) last July 12 at the Grand Men Seng Hotel, club president Cheryl Leilani M. Gomez and director of community service Gina M. Espejo signed the agreement and witnessed by other RCWWD officials and members including Rotarian and DCWD Director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto. The club also gave the initial donation of P12,000 pesos for the two hectares of land.

Prior to the signing, DM Magsuci gave a short presentation of the rehabilitation efforts that DCWD has already done and is doing for the watersheds of Davao City. This was then followed by an open forum where the Rotarians asked DCWD regarding the water supply condition of the city. The shared interest of both parties in protecting the environment was very evident in the discussion.

In 1995, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) assigned to DCWD the rehabilitation of 530 hectares in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed. For the lack of funds, DCWD launched in 2001 the Adopt-a-Site project to look for ways to finance its environment protection project through multi-sectoral partnership. With the support from its adopters, the 530 hectares was completely rehabilitated in 2010. Further in 2011, DCWD entered into a memorandum of agreement with DENR to rehabilitate additional 470 hectares in the same watershed to complete the 1,000 hectares rehabilitation project.

Rotary Club of Waling-waling Davao president (R) Cheryl Leilani M. Gomez and director of community service Gina M. Espejo sign the memorandum of agreement with DCWD acting GM Regalado and spokesperson Imelda T. Magsuci. Witnessing are (standing, from L) club secretary Jannette Valderosa, rotarian and DCWD director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and DCWD Environment and Watershed Protection Division manager Anthony D. Miranda.

14

Acting GM Regalado thanked all new adopters for becoming part of DCWD’s Adopt-aSite project. Support coming from outside parties is more than welcome because this helps the water utility in securing water resource sustainability for the future generations. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod and Sylvia May L. Vosotros) S

May - August 2012

water news

Upland communities receive educational supplies from DCWD

D

avao City Water District distributed educational assistance to different upland communities on separate occasions benefitting 823 day care, elementary, high school and Alternative Learning System students through DCWD’s various community outreach programs in time for the opening of classes in June.

For DCWD’s “Tulong Eskwela” program, the Environment and Watershed Protection Division distributed bags and educational supplies to 605 children of partner people’s organizations (PO’s) living inside Malagos, Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan and Mt. TalomoLipadas watersheds last June 2 at Sitio Baracayo Grande in New Daliaon, Purok 6 in the Tungkalan indigenous people’s area and Purok 9 in Tungkalan; June 7 in Malagos; June 15 in in Brgy. Manuel Guianga; and June 16 and 30 in Brgy. Tambobong.

Present in the Tambobong distribution was DCWD director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto who explained to residents that the utility is committed in helping them improve their community, “Kay partner man jud namo Director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and Brgy. Tambobong captain Exequiel Salandao and tribal council mo sa pagaruga sa atong kinaiyahan (because you are of elder member Datu Samuel Gubat distribute educational supplies and bags. our partners in caring for our environment),”she said.

She also encouraged the children to study well and help Learning System in Malalan Elementary School in Brgy. Carmen. their parents improve their lives.

The 40 grades five and six students of Upper Tamugan Elementary School and Tawan-Tawan Elementary School received bags, school supplies, raincoats and t-shirts last June 5. These students are also the “Tulong Aral ng DCWD” scholars who will receive monetary incentive if they score 85% in their Math, Science and English classes in every grading period this school year.

Also on the same day, the water utility donated a rainwater harvesting tank to Lower Tamugan National High School and seven sacks of rice to the 10 scholars housed in the school’s “Tahanan ng Pag-asa”. During the turnover ceremony, principal Zenaida A. Milando said that “Though still in its testing phase, the housing program will already encourage the scholars to continue studying and hopefully finish their high school education even though they live in far flung barangays and need to walk for hours just to study. However, in order to make the project more effective, we need support for their food and daily necessities. Thus, we and all the people behind this project are very thankful for your contributions,” Milando said during the turnover ceremony. The Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) were also pledged to help.

Through the Nutrition and Wellness program, the Kanacan Day Care Center received rice, raincoats and slippers donations for its 35 students on June 5. Slippers were also given to all 115 students of two Gumalang day care centers on June 6.

And, through DCWD’s Adopt-a-School program, bags, school supplies and t-shirts were given to 18 students of the Alternative

All recipients of educational assistance, school and local barangay officials and the parents thanked DCWD for the donations given.

The water utility acknowledges the big role of their community partners in the success of its Environmental Protection agendum.

Thus, in its efforts to rehabilitate and protect the watersheds of Malagos, Mt. Talomo-Lipadas and Mt. Tiplog-Tamugan, DCWD has made it a point to include the immediate residents in the watershed areas in its projects.

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado explained, “These programs motivate children in the uplands, especially those living inside the three watersheds of Davao City, namely, Mt. Talomo-Lipadas, Mt. Tiplog-Tamugan and Malagos, to acquire basic education and help alleviate their living conditions. These programs are among the strategies that the DCWD employs to further strengthen its partnership with partner PO’s in the rehabilitation and protection of the watersheds.”

Merging both its corporate social responsibility and environmental protection agendum, DCWD has always been extending help in the form of various community and education programs to the immediate communities living inside the watershed areas. These programs have been proven to be very effective in eliciting community participation in the protection and preservation of the three major watersheds in Davao City, namely, Malagos, Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan and Mt. Talomo-Lipadas. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S May - August 2012

15

personnel

DCWD Family CO

newly Hired Regular Employees

ENILITO F. FERRER Utility Worker B GSD

RODRIGO C. LANSON, JR.

Painter B GSD

JASMIN L. RUBILLAR Engineering Asst. A ECD

EDJEAN FRANCES P. MANZANO Secretary B LD

JIMMY A. TROCIO Painter B GSD

MARIA LUZ L. PAPILLERO Customer Service Asst. D CD

DIANNE B. GICANA Engineering Asst. B ECD

SHALIMAR L. AMIGABLE

RODANTE B. PANES Water Utilities Mgt. Officer A PD

CATHERINE C. FIEL Secretary B OMD

MAXIMO T. VIOLA Mgt. / Information Systems Dev’t. Chief B EDP

SHARON HAZEL C. PATES

POLICARPIO B. FERRER, JR.

PETER DAVID A. BAUTISTA Customer Service Assistant D CD

NORHELIN L. REDULLA Industrial Relations Mgt. Officer C HRD

MAE RAMONETTE T. SARIGUMBA Industrial Relations Mgt. Officer B HRD

HEIDY O. PALENCIA Mgt. / Information Systems Design Specialist B CPD

BOBBY C. BLAZO Carpenter B GSD

MELANO, JUNIOR B. RIVERA Public Relations Asst. A CREA

newly Promoted Regular Employees

HONEYLETTE MIA C. FEROLIN Sr. Industrial Relations Dev’t. Officer B HRD

MYLENE B. ANDAN Industrial Relations Mgt. Officer B HRD

Laboratory Technician A PD

Water Maintenance Man A

CD

ELISA C. MADRAZO Sr. Industrial Relations Mgt. Officer B HRD

16

RJIN ADELE R. DACANAY Engineering Asst. A ECD

May - August 2012

JANETTE J. AYAG Supervising Materials Planning Officer GSD

JAMES AQUILINO M. COLOMA General Services Chief B GSD

Procurement Asst. A GSD

Leo Rhey M. Geraldo General Services Chief B GSD

personnel

ONGRATULATES

employees who have completed their post graduate studies

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO Acting General Manager OGM Master in Public Administration

ENGR. REU A. ASESOR Principal Engr. C ECD Master in Public Administration

JAMES AQUILINO M. COLOMA General Services Chief B GSD Master in Public Administration

ENGR. JOHN F. BAYNOSA Supervising Water Utilities Management Officer OGM Master in Public Administration

IMEE LOU F. GONZALES Industrial Relations Mgt. Asst. B HRD Master in Public Administration

ADELAIDA M. NORIEGA Division Manager C Accounts & Billing CD Master in Public Administration

ELISA C. MADRAZO Sr. Industrial Relations Mgt. Officer B HRD Master in Public Administration

NORHELIN L. REDULLA Industrial Relations Mgt. Officer C HRD Master in Public Administration

CORAZON A. TUBILAN OIC-Division Manager C General Accounting ABD Master in Public Administration

ENGR. ALDRICH APOLO M. CANCIO Principal Engr. C ECD Master in Public Administration

ENGR. RUTH AGNES G. CHAVEZ Division Manager C Customer Care CD Master in Public Administration

MA. DONNA MAE C. MUﾃ前Z Customer Service Asst. A CD Master in Public Administration

MAE RAMONETTE T. SARIGUMBA Industrial Relations Mgt. Asst. B HRD Master in Public Administration

ROSEMARIE P. INVIDIADO Property / Supply Officer B FPD Master in Business Administration

May - August 2012

17

water news

Customer service goes online

A

side from going to Davao City Water District’s offices in Bajada and Matina to get updates on and inquire about water-related services, the general public can also check its website at www. davao-water.gov.ph and official Facebook account “DCWD Davao” (https://www.facebook.com/davaocitywaterdistrict. Said services are in line with DCWD’s customer satisfaction agendum which guides the water utility to continuously improve the way it attends to customer needs.

The website allows the general public to register their own email account so that they receive updates on emergency and scheduled water service interruptions in their emails. Customers can also view and compute their bills online by encoding their DCWD account numbers and report leaks through the website. Other information available on the website include matters related to DCWD operations and services, interactive maps of DCWD offices and collection centers, environmental protection programs, bids and awards, copies of official DCWD publication and others.

The Facebook account also informs customers of emergency and scheduled water interruptions. Compared to the website, it is more interactive in responding to queries regarding the District’s services such as water service interruptions, new service connections, bills, among others.

T

Inclusion of these online tools in responding to customer needs is a very effective means to increase the water utility’s visibility among Davaoeños. Said online services expand the reaches of DCWD’s customer assistance especially with the large number of people who have access to the internet nowadays.

With the addition of these two customer service interventions to the already existing front line customer service assistance in the Bajada and Matina offices and its 24/7 call center that could be reached through 2219412 or 0927-7988966, the water utility will be able to cater to customer needs faster and more efficiently. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

DCWD supports Davao City’s coastal rehab efforts

hrough the Community Relations Unit, Davao City Water District extended support to a writeshop for the formulation of the Lasang-Bunawan Marine Protected Area (MPA) management plan last April 27 at the Barangay Bunawan session hall. Said plan will help the local barangay officials protect, rehabilitate and conserve 415 hectares of coastal area in Lasang and Bunawan.

The Lasang-Bunawan MPA as declared last 2007 through City Ordinance No. 0375-0, is a combination of mangrove habitat and fish sanctuary situated at the northern part of Davao City which stretches from Sitio Bucana in Barangay Lasang down to Sitio Budbud in

Barangay Bunawan. The presence of whale sharks or “butanding”, sea turtles and other marine species and habitat was among the reasons for its declaration.

Twenty-eight barangay officers in the Lasang-Bunawan area participated in the activity which was facilitated by resource speakers from the office of Councilor Marissa Salvador-Abella, Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Coastal and Marine Management Division (DENR – CMMD) and the Fisheries Section of the City Agriculturist Office (CAO). Discussed were the different biophysical, socio-economical and institutional problems that greatly affect the MPA in Lasang-Bunawan. From these problems, the participants formulated their own Lasang-Bunawan MPA management plan, vision, mission and goal, all of which will constitute chapters two and three of the plan.

The writeshop is part of the on-going drafting of the proposal for the coastal resource management plan of Davao City in which the initial areas covered were from Barangays Hizon to Lasang. This project is spearheaded by the office of Councilor Marissa SalvadorAbella in coordination with other agencies including DCWD, DENR, City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource, CAO and City Planning Office.

Participants listen to Leland C. Briones of DENR – CMMD as they consolidate the different biophysical, socio-economical and institutional problems of the Lasang-Bunawan coastal area.

18

May - August 2012

Prior to the writeshop, a consultation was conducted regarding the proposed plan to protect and rehabilitate critical habitats of the marine ecosystem in the city particularly in Barangays Bunawan and Lasang on April 18. Another two-day writeshop was conducted last May 23 and 25 at the Sangguiang Panlungsod for the continuation of the drafting of the plan. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

water news

DCWD helps establish tree park in Tacunan

I

n line with the Environmental protection agendum of Davao City Water District, the utility will help establish a one hectare tree park at Tacunan Elementary School. Last June 20, a ceremonial groundbreaking was done in said school to start the construction of the tree park pavilion.

Leading the ceremonial groundbreaking was Director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto together with the officials of Barangay Tacunan, teaching staff of Tacunan Elementary School and members of Barangay Council for Women.

In behalf of the water utility, Director Jacinto expressed support for the project and commended the initiative of the barangay officials and active participation of women in environmental conservation efforts. “We hope that your vision for this park will be materialized in the near future and we will be firm in our support to your community,” she said.

The utility had donated Php 20,000 worth of materials for the construction of a perimeter fence and for fruit tree seedlings.

It will also assist in the tree planting, maintenance, monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto (R) and Tacunan Brgy. Capt. Algen dela Peña (middle) break the soil for the tree park project.

The tree park will be planted with 1,000 forestal and fruit trees. The project shall be implemented in partnership with Watershed Management Coordinating Council (WMCC), Barangay Council of Tacunan, Nagkahiusang Kababaihan sa Barangay Tacunan (NAGKABATA) and Tacunan Elementary School. (Sylvia May L. Vosotros) S

CNA registered with CSC

C

ivil Service Commission (CSC) XI director Annabelle B. Rosell ceremoniously turned-over the certificate of registration of Davao City Water District’s collective negotiation agreement (CNA) to acting GM Edwin V. Regalado and Nagkahiusang Mamumu-o sa Davao City Water District (NAMADACWAD) president Rodrigo L. Aranjuez at the DCWD Bajada office during the utility’s monthly convocation last June 4.

Said registration was issued March 15 this year by the CSC after the CNA entered into by and between DCWD management and NAMADACWAD has complied with the prescribed requirements in the Amended Rules and Regulations Governing the Exercise of the Right of Government Employees to Organize.

It can be recalled that last August 16, 2011, the DCWD management and officers of NAMADACWAD signed the 20112014 CNA. The ceremonial signing was attended by Vice-Chair Atty. Eliseo R. Braganza and Director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and was witnessed by the employees.

The CNA is effective from August 16, 2011 until August 16, 2014 and contains 20 articles defining the relationship of the management and the employees wherein both parties

Top management and NAMADACWAD officers pose for posterity after accepting the certificate of registration of DCWD’s CNA from (2nd from R) CSC XI director Anabelle B. Rosell.

pledged to work hand in hand in achieving various goals of the utility.

With the strengthening of the CNA, both the management and NAMADCWAD vowed to continue working together in pursuing efforts for the betterment of DCWD as a whole and for the ultimate benefit of the customers. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S May - August 2012

19

water news

I

llegal water connection is not a simple matter and has many repercussions. It is everybody’s concern not only by DCWD but the customers as well since it has riffle effects.

Threat to Human Health

More than a criminal offense, illegal connections can pose threat to human health. One of its effects is water contamination and the occurrence of water-borne diseases that affect human health that if unabated, could lead to death. To ensure that water is clean and safe, DCWD regularly conducts water sampling and do physical and microbiological tests.

Low water pressure and supply

Water stealing can cause low water pressure depriving consumers of adequate water supply. Currently, the utility has established 20 pressure monitoring stations to prevent pipe bursting and to balance supply of water in its service areas.

Water wastage and income loss

Illegal connections also result in water wastage and revenue loss on the part of DCWD. Consequently, this could also lead to opportunity loss since expansion projects could be delayed due to lack of funds.

These projects include mainline extension and improvement to accommodate additional new service connections and to increase water pressure so that more can enjoy 24-hour water supply.

Criminal offense

DCWD warns that illegal connection is a criminal offense. Any from of unauthorized acquisition of water through illegal reopening of closed lines, water meter tampering, illegal removal of water meters and direct tapping are punishable for six months up to two years with a fine not exceeding double the amount of the value of water stolen or the value of damaged facilities as stated in Republic Act 8041 or the National Water Crisis Act of 1995.

Illegal water

connection

is

everybody’s

concern

Charges

DCWD imposes Php 5,000 administrative charges and a fine corresponding to a certain offense: for meter tampering, 150% of the average consumption and the cost of water meter; for direct tapping, 200% of the average consumption plus the cost of water meter; and for illegal opening of closed line, the amount of actual consumption shall be imposed.

Action

To apprehend violators, the utility has implemented illegal connection detection and apprehension program. As of July 11, 58 cases of illegal connections have been apprehended and 60 percent of which were already settled. The committee discloses that illegal connections are rampant in Mintal, Bangkal, Talomo, Matina, Ma-a, Boulevard, Agdao, San Rafael, Buhangin, Sasa, Panacan and Tibungco.

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado said the most common violation is the illegal re-opening of closed line. This is usually done by customers whose services have been disconnected due to unpaid water bills or accounts. He encourages the public to pay their bills on time to avail of the 10% discount given by the utility and to avoid penalties due to late payments.

The illegal connection detection and apprehension program is one of the undertakings of the utility to curb losses under its Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction agendum. Under the same agendum, DCWD also implements mainline replacement projects to prevent leaks. The public may report illegal connections, water meter and street leaks to DCWD through its call center hotline 221-9412 or 0927-7988966. (Sylvia May L. Vosotros) S

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May - August 2012

water news

Employees run for various causes T

wo fun run events exclusive to Davao City Water District employees have been conducted to promote wellness and environmental protection and to raise awareness on issues affecting the water utility.

First fun run was held last June 9 from the DCWD Matina office to Barangay Matina Pangi and was themed “Takbo Para sa Kalusugan, Kalikasan, Kalayaan“. After the run, the 300 employee-participants planted 600 Malibago and Mahogany seedlings along the riverbank of Matina Pangi.

During the opening program, OIC-assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles stressed that the activity is very instrumental in preventing another flood disaster like the one that devastated many lives and property in Brgy.

Runners warm-up before the start of the KKK fun run.

Matina Pangi on June 2011. Matina Pangi barangay captain Benjamin T. Badon was very thankful that DCWD has chosen their area for the benevolent cause.

Winners for the male category were Romeo C. Masuela of the Engineering and Construction Department in first place, Dick O. Magdosa of the Production Department in second and Ariel M. Clenuar of the General Services Department in third. For the female category, first, second and third placers were Roxanne C. Sayago of the Human Resource Department (HRD), HRD OIC-manager Ruth G. Jabines and Jade C. Veloso of the Corporate Planning Department.

Closing the whole event was OIC-assistant general manager for operation Exequiel B. Homez who lauded all participants. He challenged everybody to strive harder and to continue supporting and joining DCWD hosted fun runs and other events.

The second fun run was conducted last August 25 with the theme “Run for wellness…No to SB 2997…No to HB 5497”.

(L-R) Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, first placer for the women’s

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado expressed gratitude to all participating employees who category Roxanne C. Sayago of HRD, first placer for the men’s joined in promoting health awareness and in campaigning against Senate Bill 2997 and House category Romeo C. Masuela of ECD and OIC-AGM for operation Bill 5497 or the water sector reform act. Said bills may lead to privatization of water utilities, Engr. Exequiel B. Homez pose happily. retrenchment, loss of job and unregulated water rate increases which may be detrimental to consumers.

The DCWD Bajada office ground was the starting and end point of the 5 kilometer fun run. The awarding of the top ten runners was done right after the race. In the same order, Messrs. Masuela, Magdusa and Clenuar once again dominated the male runners while Ms. Sayago, OIC-department manager Jabines and Veloso for the female runners.

DCWD management is mindful of the health of employees to ensure that they are fit to work and their performance level is high. Acting GM Regalado explained that, “Aside from enjoying ourselves, these activities allow us to exercise which is really good for our health. If we are physically fit and mentally awake, then we are an asset to this office.”

There will be another DCWD fun run slated on November 3 in celebration of the 39th anniversary of the utility. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod and Sylvia May L. Vosotros) S

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado together with the employees plant seedlings after the fun run.

May - August 2012

21

legally speaking

Right to quality education not absolute

by Atty. Bernardo D. Delima, Jr.

W

hen we talk of the month of June, enrollment easily pops up in our mind. To the minds of employee-parents, the idea of enrollment fees sets in. Even then, they mind less of that but value more of this for their children: EDUCATION. While parents regard education that high, so does the state.

Evident thereto is the provision in the 1987 Philippine Constitution under Section 1 of Article XIV that states: “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.”

However, here is a case wherein the Supreme Court ruled that the right to quality education invoked by a private respondent is not absolute. Roberto Rey C. San Diego, the private respondent, is a graduate of the University of the East with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He took the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) for five times and failed the same.

When he applied to take it again, the Department of Education Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Director of Center for Educational Measurement rejected his application on the basis of the three-flunk-rule disapproving applicants who failed the NMAT for three times. San Diego then went to the Regional Trial Court of Valenzuela, Metro Manila, to compel his admission to the test.

He filed a petition for mandamus wherein he first invoked his constitutional rights to academic freedom and quality education. By agreement of the parties, San Diego was allowed to take the NMAT scheduled on April 16, 1989, subject to the outcome of his petition. In an amended petition filed with leave of court, he squarely challenged the constitutionality of MECS Order No. 12, Series of 1972, containing the above-cited rule. The additional grounds raised were due process and equal protection.

After hearing, the RTC rendered a decision on July 4, 1989, declaring the challenged order invalid and granting the petition.

The DECS elevated the said decision to the Supreme Court which reversed the same and rationalized that: “The three-flunk rule is intended to insulate the medical schools and ultimately the medical profession from the intrusion of those not qualified to be doctors.

While every person is entitled to aspire to be a doctor, he does not have a constitutional right to be a doctor. This is true of any other calling in which public interest is involved; and the

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May - August 2012

closer the link, the longer the bridge to one’s ambition. The State has the responsibility to harness its human resources and to see to it that they are not dissipated or, no less worse, not used at all. These resources must be applied in a manner that will best promote the common good while also giving the individual a sense of satisfaction.

A person cannot insist on being a physician if he will be a menace to his patients. If one who wants to be a lawyer may prove better as a plumber, he should be so advised and adviced. Of course, he may not be forced to be a plumber, but on the other hand he may not force his entry into the bar. By the same token, a student who has demonstrated promise as a pianist cannot be shunted aside to take a course in nursing, however appropriate this career may be for others.

The right to quality education invoked by the private respondent is not absolute.

The Constitution also provides that “every citizen has the right to choose a profession or course of study, subject to fair, reasonable and equitable admission and academic requirements.

The private respondent must yield to the challenged rule and give way to those better prepared. Where even those who have qualified may still not be accommodated in our already crowded medical schools, there is all the more reason to bar those who, like him, have been tested and found wanting. x x x The Court feels that it is not enough to simply invoke the right to quality education as a guarantee of the Constitution: one must show that he is entitled to it because of his preparation and promise. The private respondent has failed the NMAT several times. While his persistence is noteworthy, to say the least, it is certainly misplaced, like a hopeless love. x x x We cannot have a society of square pegs in round holes, of dentists who should never have left the farm and engineers who should have studied banking and teachers who could be better as merchants.

It is time indeed that the State took decisive steps to regulate and enrich our system of education by directing the student to the course for which he is best suited as determined by initial tests and evaluations. Otherwise, we may be “swamped with mediocrity,” in the words of Justice Holmes, not because we are lacking in intelligence but because we are a nation of misfits.” (Department of Education, Culture and Sports and Director of Center for Educational Measurement vs. Roberto Rey C. San Diego and Judge Teresita Dizon-Capulong, G.R. No. 89572, December 21, 1989).

fun and games 2. FAMILY PHOTO How many squares do you see?

Can you give the right warning message of the following?

In a family photo you see:

1 grandfather 1 grandmother 2 fathers 2 mothers 6 children 4 grandchildren 2 sisters 2 brothers 3 sons 3 daughters 1 father-in-law 1 mother-in-law 1 daughter-in-law

4. GUESS WHAT?

I am where the sky is orange; I am where the grass is red; I am the land of violet bananas and the home to blue oranges.

What am I? ______________ A bomb goes off. Carnage.

One person, only a few feet away, survives!

How can this be?

What’s the fewest number of people possible that are in the photo?

6. ARE YOU GENIUS?

5. REBUS PUZZLES

Each of the picture below represents a common phrase.

Find the words that fit. Example: 16 = O in a P ... You need to figure out what the “O” and “P” stand for. Answer: 16 Ounces in a Pound

__________________ __________________

Example: For the common defense

__________________ __________________

__________________ __________________

1) 26 = L of the A ____________________ 2) 7 = D of the W ____________________ 3) 12 = S of the Z ____________________ 4) 3 = B M ____________________ 5) 24 = H in a D ____________________ 6) 60 = S in a M ____________________ 7) 7 = W of the A W ____________________ 8) 90 = D in a R A ____________________ ____________________ 9) 52 = C in a D 10) 18 = H in a G C ____________________

opis dey!

________________________________ ________________________________

TONE

ANSWERS 1. 30 squares; 2. Eight people-4 kids (2 boys and 2 girls), their mom and dad and their grandma and grandpa; 3. Do not enter, Pavement ends and Reserved parking; 4. A film negative/ The person was watching it on TV; 5.

For the common defense, Ready for the big time, Easy as a pie, Foreign film, Mercury rising and Two heads are better than one; 6. 26 Letters of the Alphabet, 7 Days of the Week, 12 Signs of the Zodiac, 3 Blind Mice, 24 Hours in a Day, 60 Seconds in a Minute, 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, 90 Degrees in a Right Angle, 52 Cards in a Deck and 18 Holes in a Golf Course

Answer:__________________

RODENT

May - August 2012

23

did you know that... compiled by Madonna C. Llaguno

armored knights raised their visors to identify themselves when they rode past their king?

This custom has become the modern military salute.

the largest food item on a menu is a roast camel?

The camel is stuffed with a sheep’s carcass, which is stuffed with chickens, which are stuffed with fish, which are stuffed with eggs. This feast is sometimes featured in Bedouin weddings.

there are no letters assigned to the numbers 1 and 0 on a phone keypad? These numbers remain unassigned because they are so-called “flag” numbers, kept for special purposes such as emergency or operator services.

in Italian: “MAFIA” means “BEAUTY, EXCELLENCE and BRAVERY”; “COSA NOSTRA” means “OUR THING”?

the word malaria comes from the words mal and aria, which means bad air? This derives from the old days when it was thought that all diseases are caused by bad or dirty air.

pepper has three times as much vitamin C as an orange and twice as much iron as spinach?

Mozart could write down, note for note, symphonies he had heard just once?

Venus is the only planet to rotate in a clockwise, or retrograde, motion? It is also notorious for how slow it rotates as nearly one day of time on Venus is equivalent to one year on Earth.

“ough” can be pronounced in eight different ways? The following sentence contains them all: “A rough-coated, dough-faced ploughman strode through the streets of Scarborough, coughing and hicoughing thoughtfully.”

the eight ‘noble metals’ — ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, osmium, iridium, platinum and gold — do not rust?

a BBC study indicates that melting chocolate in your mouth increases brain activity and the heart rate more intensely than passionate kissing, with the effect lasting four times longer after the activity ends? Eating regular small quantities of chocolate reduces cholesterol and the chances of a heart attack.

worcestershire sauce, the popular English sauce, is made from dissolved anchovies?

The anchovies are soaked in vinegar until they have completely melted. The sauce contains the bones and all.

the word “highjack” originated during prohibition? When a truck of illegal liquor was taken, the gunman would say “HIGH, JACK”, indicating how the driver should raise his hands.

Sources: www.sciensational.com, www.angelfire.com, www. ehow.com, royalhelmut.brinkster.net and www.corsinet.com