Crystal Flow 2015 September-December

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2015

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WHAT’S INSIDE?

3 5

7

Editor’s Note

Towards a brighter future From the GM’s Desk

Contentment and happiness in public service Water News

Mayor Duterte opens Mandug water facility Watershed Code amendment paves way for DCWD bulk water project New collection center opens at SM Lanang Premier

Back-to-back awards for DCWD

4 14

Water News

Eduardo A. Bangayan Chairperson Atty. Abdul M. Dataya Vice - Chairperson

12

DCWD leads citywide Water Consciousness Month celebration DRANHS, DCNHS, SPCBED top speech contest

6 16

Water conservation campaign strengthens in schools

Catalunan Pequeño ES, DCSS and Ford Academy win art contest

8 18 10 20

DCWD hosts MAWD forum

9

City cooperative partners get Adopt-a-Site Project updates

DCWD gears for implementation of Gender and Development projects

11

Personnel

15

Employees attend seminars Women, youth and watershed rehab partners receive assistance

TEAM Tayo!

Together, Everyone Achieves More Thank you, Thank you, Blessed Tayo Feature

DCWD’s Excellence

22

17

Legally Speaking

The MTRCB, producer and televiewer Did You Know That...

19 21

23

Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, MPA Secretary Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. Member Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera Member

TOP MANAGEMENT Engr. Edwin V. Regalado, MPA General Manager Mildred G. Aviles, CPA, MM OIC - Office of the Assistant General Manager for Administration Engr. Exequiel B. Homez OIC - Office of the Assistant General Manager for Operations

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS Bernadette A. Dacanay, MBA, MA-Hum Finance & Property Paquito C. Ebero Commercial Services Engr. Noel C. Montaña Production Ariel L. Noble, MBA Corporate Planning Roberto S. De los Reyes, LLB General Services Atty. Richard D. Tumanda, RN Legal Engr. Rosanna Vicenta T. Cabanag, MPA OIC, Pipelines & Appurtenances Maintenance / Non-Revenue Water Management Office Engr. Oscar C. Dela Cruz, MS-ERM OIC, Engineering & Construction Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr. OIC, Community Relations & External Affairs / Official Spokesperson Hilton P. Husain, CPA, MBA OIC, Accounting Ruth G. Jabines, MBA, DM-HRM OIC, Human Resource

Vision Best water and wastewater service provider with utmost care for the people and the environment.

Cover

About the

The cover features the “Outstanding Regional Training Center of 2014” and “Gawad Pagkilala” awards conferred to Davao City Water District in the last quater of 2015.

Mission We commit to supply potable and affordable water 24 hours a day, provide wastewater treatment services, operate efficiently, take a proactive role in environmental concerns and keep a competent workforce.

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

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.

2

Engr. Reynaldo M. Petalcorin OIC, Information & Communications Technology Engr. Arnold P. Sarabia, MPA OIC, Internal Audit

Vol. XXIII No. 3 SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2015

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

duhaylungsod copy editor Engr. reynaldo m.

PETALCORIN features editor JAMAE CONCEPCION G. DELA CRUZ circulation chief JERELL J. LEONIDA artist JONAS A. CAPUTE JR. adviser ATTY. BERNARDO D. DELIMA JR.

Editor’s Note

Towards a brighter future

M

eeting the challenges of today and excelling in these endeavours ensure a promising future not just for DCWD as a water utility but also for the Davaoeños. Thus, DCWD never ceases to implement projects to continuously provide safe and potable water and outstanding water service.

The last quarter of 2015 mirrors DCWD’s holistic approach in improving its operations.

For service expansion, included is the addition of 2,000 service connections in Mandug with the operation of new facilities which will form part the Tigatto-Mandug Water Supply System come 2019. In customer service improvement, DCWD opens its SM Lanang Premier collection center for more water bill payment options.

Also included are DCWD’s hosting of the Mindanao Association of Water Districts annual forum reflective of DCWD’s support to the concerted efforts of water districts in Mindanao to be united in facing the challenges of water service provision, the back-to-back awards received by DCWD for its activities on environment protection and community relations and human resource development, the continued efforts of the water utility to propagate awareness on water conservation and environmental protection among its stakeholders, and the strengthening of unity among employees through the anniversary and Christmas celebrations and sportsfest with the theme TEAM Tayo!.

MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com

So sit back, relax and enjoy every page. This is our pat on the back, a documentation of our efforts in the last quarter of 2015.

3

From the GM’s Desk

Contentment and happiness in public service

A

s a water utility, there is no greater measure of success than the satisfaction we give to our customers. This has always been the guiding principle that paved the growth of DCWD into becoming among the largest water districts in the country today. And, this has also been the major motivation that drives us, the men and women of DCWD, to continuously improve our services.

As DCWD embarks on one of the most challenging journeys it has ever taken in its more than four decades of operation, let us all be reminded with the wise words of Mahatma Ghandi.

“Service can have no meaning unless one takes pleasure in it. When it is done for show or for fear of public opinion, it stunts the man and crushes his spirit. Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served.”

Ghandi’s take on public service is a strong reminder of how our attitude reflects the kind of service we give.

The decisions that we make should be based on what is the good for the general public and not only to serve the interest of a few. There should be no room for fear of public scrutiny as long as we know in our hearts that it will be for the benefit of the many. It is only through this that we can ensure that all our efforts are genuinely for public interest.

Also, the heart that we pour into our work will radiate towards every customer we encounter as we go about our lives as public servants. Thus, in the midst of all our endeavours, we must not forget to exude the happiness that we feel because we have been given the opportunity to serve. In turn, our customers will also feel the warmth of our service and our dedication to our work.

Of course, it will not always be bright and sunny. We acknowledge that as human beings, we have our own weaknesses. However, since we have chosen to tread the path of public service, we must all transcend beyond these drawbacks to ensure that we will always deliver our commitment to the Davaoeños who rely on our consistency and hard work for their daily water needs.

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO General Manager

4

Let us all make it a point to always put the customers in the heart of our work because they are the very reason why DCWD’s services continue to flow.

Water News Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte ceremonially opens the blow-off valve as Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan (3rd from L), city officials and Mandug constituents look on.

Mayor Duterte opens Mandug water facility

N

o less than Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte opened Davao City Water District’s Mandug water facility during its blessing and inauguration last November 19 in Brgy. Mandug. The blessing was done

by Rev. Fr. John P. Villarete of the Society of Divine Vocation.

The new facility which costs PhP92.2 million is part of DCWD’s Tigatto-Mandug Expansion Project that will improve water services in the second district. Initially, it consists of a 400cu.m. elevated tank, 100cu.m. concrete cistern tank, piping system and control and pump house that will be able to cater to around 2,000 service connections in DDF Village and its immediate environs along Mandug Road.

When the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD becomes operational in 2019, the facility will form part of the new Tigatto-Mandug Water Supply System which can accommodate 10,000 service connections.

The event was attended by former second district congressman Vincent J. Garcia representing current second district congresswoman Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, second district councilors Danilo C. Dayanghirang and Jimmy G. Dureza, Brgy. Mandug council headed by its barangay captain Edwin A. Cabuguas and DCWD Board of Directors and management headed by Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan.

About 200 local residents witnessed the inauguration.

Mayor Duterte thanked DCWD for responding to his request to supply water to Brgy. Mandug. He expressed hope that DCWD will also be able to extend its service coverage to nearby barangays.

In response, DCWD Chairperson Bangayan emphasized that the new water supply system is indeed the initiative of Mayor Duterte who challenged DCWD to expand its water services further to District 2. He was also grateful to Brgy.

Mandug for welcoming DCWD services as evidenced by the big turn-out of participants during the orientation for new service applicants held on November 14. On behalf of his constituents, Brgy. Capt. Cabuguas thanked the early Christmas gift from DCWD because, finally, the barangay already has access to potable water. Likewise, councilors Dureza and Dayanghirang also appreciated the efforts of the water utility. Cong. Garcia anticipated that DCWD will be able to serve more areas in the second district where more roads will be opened.

GM Edwin V. Regalado said that the DCWD family is more than pleased to serve the people of Brgy. Mandug and the whole of District 2 and promised to continue improving DCWD’s services throughout the city. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

5

Water News

Watershed Code amendment paves way for DCWD bulk water project

T

he Davao City Council approved on December 14 an amendment to the Watershed Protection, Conservation and Management Ordinance or Watershed Code of Davao City lifting the total ban of construction inside watershed areas.

Said amendment is on Article 9(a)(x) on the prohibited acts in conservation areas from “constructing or maintaining and kind of structures, fence or enclosure and constructing any business enterprise” to “constructing or maintaining any kind of structure, fence or enclosure and constructing any business enterprise. Provided however that the construction of any structure, fence or enclosure or the conduct of any business enterprise shall be allowed with the prior approval and concurrence of the City Council, upon proof and showing that the said structure, fence or enclosure or the said conduct of business shall be beneficial to the watershed areas and recharge areas as defined under this ordinance.”

GM Edwin V. Regalado explains that this is the amendment needed to be able to pursue the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD that will source water from Tamugan River located within Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watershed conservation zone.

In prior months, partners DCWD and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. have sought audience with various stakeholders to discuss the needs and benefits of tapping Tamugan River as Davao City’s new water source. Last November, the Watershed Management Council, the implementing body of the Watershed Code, favorably endorsed DCWD’s request for exemption from the construction ban to the Davao City Council.

GM Regalado further explains that the Watershed Code amendment is separate from the approval of the project itself. “The next step is presenting the project to the City Council for its approval under the new provision. Hopefully, we will meet the target to start construction by next year,” he said.

Per the project’s timetable, construction of water supply facilities will be from 2016 to 2019, afterwhich, water delivery will immediately commence. With the availability of treated bulk water, DCWD will be able to rest most of its production wells and reduce the use of groundwater. Thus, the project will not only increase water supply but more importantly, ensure long term protection of aquifers, water security and sustainability in Davao City. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)S

The Davao City Council hears the proposed amendment to the Watershed Code.

6

Water News

Rev. Fr. Richard Ong blesses the new payment center with DCWD Board of Directors led by Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan and top management led by GM Edwin V. Regalado (3rd and 2nd from L, respectively).

New collection center opens at SM Lanang Premier

T

he new collection center of Davao City Water District at SM Lanang Premier was blessed and inaugurated on November 24.

Located at the lower ground floor, this payment center is open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Rev. Fr. Richard Ong officiated the blessing ceremony.

Gracing the affair were Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan, Dir. Ma Luisa L. Jacinto, Dir. Charmalou D. Aldevera and the management team and officers headed by GM Edwin V. Regalado. Freebies of DCWD customized bags, foldable fans, bookmarks, notebooks and wall calendars were given to the first 100 paying customers.

With the opening of this payment station, customers now have another option in mall payment in addition to DCWD’s

Victoria Plaza and Felcris Centrale collection centers. All three collection centers are open from Monday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Water bill payments are also accepted at DCWD offices with this schedule: from Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Bajada and Matina; from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Toril; and during the monthly remote collection operations in Talomo, Mintal and Calinan district halls.

Bank payments can also be made over-the-counter at Development Bank of the Philippines CM Recto branch and at Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) via its iAccess and weAccess internet retail banking facilities for customers with existing LBP accounts. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)S

Rev. Fr. Ong gives special blessing to the tellers, officers and directors.

7

Water News

DCWD hosts MAWD forum A

round 350 delegates composed of directors, general managers and key officers of water districts all over Mindanao attended the Mindanao Association of Water Districts (MAWD) forum on November 11–12 at SMX Convention Center hosted by the Davao City Water District.

Themed “Water Safety and Security”, the forum kicked off with opening of exhibits that showcased products and technologies of the water industry and a program with Department of Health Region XI director Abdullah B. Dumama Jr. as the keynote speaker.

Plenary sessions and presenters were: State of the Water Safety Plans in the Philippines by Engr.

Bonifacio Magtibay of World Health Organization Philippines; Water Safety Plan, the Metropolitan Cebu WD Experience by Rebecca L. Husayan of MCWD; Water Security through Integrated Resource Management by Engr. Susan P. Abaño of the National Water Resources Board; Inspiring our Water Managers and Leaders by Noli Ayo of the Ateneo

DCWD Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan formally opens the exhibits.

He is assisted by outgoing MAWD Chairperson GM Carol S. Tolentino (R) and DCWD Director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto (L).

de Davao University; and Presentation of Listahang Tubig Survey Results by Aileen B. Castro of World Bank. Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) administrator Andres F. Ibarra and acting senior deputy administrator Edgardo C. Demayo were also present. They held dialogue with the participants and gave updates on the LWUA Memo Circular on Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.

In the same event, GM Edwin V. Regalado was elected as the new MAWD chairperson replacing GM Carol S. Tolentino of Metro Midsayap WD. He thanked the association members for their trust and confidence and likewise asked for their continued support and cooperation. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)S

Chairperson Bangayan and GM Edwin V. Regalado (7th and 8th from L) with the general managers of MAWD member water districts.

8

Water News

City cooperative partners get Adopt-a-Site Project updates

D

avao City Water District participated in the Cooperative Month celebration last October 3 at Matina Town Square by presenting the updates of the Adopt-a-Site project to its partner cooperatives.

Watershed management chief Lorna M. Maxino presents the Adopt-a-Site project updates.

Witnessing the signing of agreements and turnover of pledges was Davao City councilor April Marie C. Dayap, chairperson of the Committee on Cooperative Development and People’s Participation and cooperative officers. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz)S

Presenter was watershed management chief Lorna M. Maxino of the Environment and Watershed Protection Division (EWDP), the implementing arm of the Adopt-aSite project. She said that through the project, various groups are able to take part in the rehabilitation of Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed through their annual donation of PhP6,000 for five years for every hectare of land adopted.

Many cooperatives have been supporting Adopt-aSite, hence, DCWD takes the annual Cooperative Month celebration as an opportunity to keep the cooperative partners abreast of the developments.

In the same event, two cooperatives that have recently completed their five-year commitment signed another five-year agreement to adopt an additional hectare each and turned-over their donation to DCWD for the first year. These were the Davao International Airport Cooperative (DIAC) represented by its chairman Albin M. Durano and general manager Rossel F. Antonihao and the Manuel Guianga and Sirib Growers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAGSIGEMPC) represented by CEO Agripino L. Flores and chairman Renato R. Siga. EWPD manager Anthony D. Miranda signed on behalf of the water utility. DCWD also received the donations from the Toril Community Cooperative and JC Workers Employees Cooperative, both active adopters.

(From L) EWPD manager Anthony D. Miranda, DIAC chairman Albin M. Durano and MAGSIGE MPC chairman Renato R. Siga sign the memorandum of agreement for the adoption of additional one hectare each in Mt. TalomoLipadas watershed.

Engr. Miranda (4th from L) receives the monetary donation from the cooperative-adopters with Councilor April Marie C. Dayap (2nd from R) witnessing the turnover.

9

Water News

DCWD gears for implementation of

Gender and Development projects

T

he Community Relations Division (ComRel) along with Davao City Water District Gender and Development–Technical Working Group (GAD-TWG) attended the Gender Analysis Coaching last December 14 at the Eagle’s Ridge Resort in Ulas.

This event was among the preparations for the impending full blast implementation of DCWD’s GAD projects and other community relations activities.

Among the prerequisites of the implementation is the creation of the water utility’s GAD Planning and Budget (GPB) which requires gender analysis in the selected barangays in Davao City to help DCWD craft GAD clientfocused projects, activities and programs responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries. DCWD targets to conduct the gender analysis in 2016 to be spearheaded by ComRel with the help of GAD-TWG. The coaching trained the participants how to identify gender issues in order to design relevant client-focused GPB in accordance with the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2012-01 or the Guidelines for the Preparation of Annual Gender and Development Plans and Budgets and Accomplishment Reports to Implement the Magna Carta of Women issued by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Budget and Management.

Atty. Jennife D. Borong, OIC of the Community Relations Division, opens the Gender Analysis Coaching.

10

Before the lecture, the participants were given a pretest in order to assess their level of understanding of GAD concepts which is essential in the conduct of the analysis.

The lecture proper was divided into four parts given by resource speaker and trainer Amelita Balisalisa-Atillo of the PCW Women Resource Pool.

First part discussed the definition of gender analysis, its importance, the information it should be able to give, what it should involve and when to use it. Also provided was the gender analysis framework wherein the participants underwent a workshop using various tools in data gathering.

Second part highlighted how water contributes to gender inequality and the various gender issues connected to water supply, the importance of men and women involvement in water sanitation and access management and the role that women play in water provision and management.

Third and fourth parts enumerated the various data and materials that could be used in gender analysis.

Encapsulating the whole day activity, the group contextualized what they learned about gender analysis as springboard in the crafting of DCWD’s GPB in order to identify gender issues that can be addressed through responsive projects, activities and programs. (Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod) S

Personnel

CONGRATULATIONS! NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT PERSONNEL

EMMANUEL N. SANAMIN

Utility Worker B Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

PABLITO P. PAREJA JR.

MARCOS ARTHUR G. RISONAR

Utility Worker B Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Storekeeper A Finance and Property Dept.

NEWLY PROMOTED PERMANENT PERSONNEL

CHAVE P. CHANCO

Principal Engineer C Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

SILVERIO C. SARPAMONES Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

JULIUS G. LACRE Plant Mechanic B Production Dept

EMPLOYEES AWARDED WITH CAREER AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVE UNDER THE PROGRAM ON AWARDS AND INCENTIVES FOR SERVICE EXCELLENCE

MICHAEL P. OMAMBAT

Accounting Dept.

Certified Public Accountant

ARIES GRACE A. LAGANSUA

Production Dept.

Master of Public Administration University of Southeastern Philippines

FELOMINO C. GALILA JR. Principal Engineer C Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

JUN O. OCAY

Water Maintenance Man C Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

EDILBERTO C. MAGARIN Heavy Equipment Operator General Services Dept.

Retired Permanent EmployeeS

Thank you for the Service with Dignity and Honor

ROMEORICO A. LLANOS

Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

25 years in service

ROLANDO L. TUAZON

Senior Water Maintenance Man B Commercial Services Dept.

24 years in service

11

D

avao City Water District ended 2015 with awards in tow for its environmental protection and community relations and training and development activities.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XI commended Davao City Water District with Gawad Pagkilala award for the water utility’s sustained efforts in the protection, management and conservation of fisheries resources in Davao City particularly for the Artificial Coral Reefs (ACRs) Project at Brgy. Hizon. The award was given on October 23 in line with the National 52nd Fish Conservation Week celebration.

DCWD’s community-based ACR project, implemented by the Public Information/Relations Division (PI/RD) under the Community Relations and External Affairs Department, started as part of the Ocean Month celebration in May 2014 when employees handmade 22 artificial coral reefs and installed them in support of the LGU’s efforts of setting up a fish sanctuary. The 12

ACRs were then revisited and an underwater assessment was done last May 2015 and it showed the ACRs were all intact and have begun to mimic the characteristics of a natural reef. Women and fisher folks alongside shared that the fishes in the project site have noticeably increased.

With this progress, GM Edwin V. Regalado saw it fit to increase the coverage of the project by adding more ACRs. Thus, the utility committed to donate the rubbles from the demolished old Matina office building, another significant and memorable undertaking for the DCWD family. Hence, last October 21, selected DCWD employees led by PI/RD manager Maria Editha C. Monje, fulfilled the installation of 10 concrete posts as ACRs along with community representatives and divers from BFAR XI. Joining them were barangay captain Ralph O. Abella and BFAR-Fisheries and Resources Management Division chief Raul C. Millana whose office provided the technical support since the

start of the ACR project.

GM Regalado thanked BFAR XI for the commendation and the partnership that enabled the project’s success. He also encouraged the employees to continue the initiatives for the protection of the environment from ridge to reef.

In a separate development, the Human Resource Development Division under the Human Resource Department was conferred with the 2014 Outstanding Regional Training Center (RTC) award by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) during the 2015 LWUA-Water Resources Research and Training Department - RTC yearend planning conference on December 3 at the LWUA Residence in Balara, Quezon City.

Aside from DCWD, other water district RTCs in the country that were recognized were of Baguio, San Pablo City, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga City water districts.

Said award recognized the dedication and commitment of these RTCs to aid LWUA in organizing and conducting seminars and trainings that “empower water district personnel with the level of competence and professionalism required to transform provincial water supply development into a sustainable and relevant public service.”

This is not the first time that DCWD-RTC was hailed outstanding by LWUA. It also received same award in 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

GM Regalado emphasized that these awards are proofs that DCWD continuously strive to excel not just in water provision but as well as in other fields that are related in its mandate and operation. Further, he said that the recognitions will become source of inspiration for everyone in the water utility to always strive for excellence. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) S 13

Water News

DCWD leads citywide Water Consciousness Month celebration

D

avao City Water District once again filled November with various citywide activities to highlight Davao City’s Water Consciousness Month as declared by Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte thru Proclamation No. 12 issued on September 27, 2001. The month-long celebration themed “Huwag Patalo sa El Niño. Tubig, Tipirin Mo.,” promoted the national call to help mitigate the effects of El Niño phenomenon.

Water Consciousness Month has been spearheaded by the Public Information/Relations Division for more than two decades now. GM Edwin V. Regalado has also been unceasingly reminding DCWD employees and the general public that everyday is water and environment consciousness day and caring for the natural resources is tantamount to caring for human and animal life.

“Tubig sa Katawhan” November 1-2 free water in Wireless, Ma-a, Toril, Mintal, Calinan, Panacan and Tibungco public cemeteries

“Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko” November 10 bloodletting activity at the DCWD motorpool that collected 14,400 cc of blood from 32 employees done in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross

“Tulong Aral ng DCWD” beneficiary teambuilding November 28 participated in by 105 students from Tamugan, Tambobong, Malagos, Baguio and Tawan-Tawan elementary schools to strengthen their teamwork as DCWD’s strategic partners, reorient the scholars of the goals of DCWD’s scholarship program and aid scholars in the completion of the scholarship program

14

Water News

DRANHS, DCNHS, SPCBED top speech contest P atricia Eunice A. Madelo of Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School was hailed as overall winner of Davao City Water District’s 15th Extemporaneous Speaking Contest last November 20 at SM City Davao Annex. Second placer was Myriel Athena C. Dela Victoria of Davao City NHS and third placer was Viola Mae D. Bermejo of San Pedro College Basic Education Department.

In the final rounds, the top three winners explained their stand on whether or not protecting the environment is an intergenerational responsibility.

Madelo defended that environmental protection is everybody’s concern and this earned her the top spot.

Before reaching the final three, they bested these other 17 semifinalists: Kimberly B. Diapana (Amigo School of Calinan, Inc.), Chloe Ysabelle M. Gempesaw (Brainworks School, Inc.), Ian Angelo B. Sarto (Christian College of Southeast Asia), Regine Therese C. Lemana (Colegio de San Ignacio), Kazan Salus A. Advincula (Davao Central College), Radzmel G. Saji (Doña Carmen Denia NHS), Kim C. Mendez (Erico T. Nograles NHS), Renante M. Gumahin Jr. (Gorgonio Tajo Sr. NHS), Daneca G. Barbadillo (Holy Child College of Davao–Cabantian Campus), Aliana Rose C. Plaza (Holy Child School of Davao–Mintal Campus), John Jay G. Rabara (Holy Cross College of Calinan), John Paul J. Herrera (Lamb

of God Sped Academy), Julienne Isabel Luz Q. Bonleon (Philippine Science HS Southern Mindanao Campus), Jennika Patricia M. Rabe (Philippine Women’s College of Davao), Neshren L. Ebno (St. Augustine International School), Mike Joshua L. Lagarda (Sto. Niño NHS) and Mary Gabrielle G. Barluado (University of Immaculate Conception).

Patricia Eunice A. Madelo of Daniel R. Aguinaldo NHS (mid) Myriel Athena C. Dela Victoria of Davao City NHS (L) and Viola Mae D. Bermejo of San Pedro College Basic Education Dept. (R).

The 20 semi-finalists were chosen from the 72 power speakers from different private and public high schools in the city who competed in four-batch eliminations held November 4 and 5 at Lispher Inn.

director Elvira C. Quintela, Davao Doctors College Academic Support Services head Dr. Lily B. Babayenon and Ateneo de Davao University School of Arts and Sciences former dean Dr. Nilda J. Ginete.

All contestants were judged according to content or the implication of ideas and delivery or the articulatory flow and rhetorical and logical presentation of content.

For the eliminations, judges were People Collaborating for Environmental and Economic Management in Davao Foundation, Inc. executive director Miriam S. Colon, Switotwins, Inc. founder and CEO Glorypearl A. Dy and Davao Emcee Hannah Chloe S. Cano.

(Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Judges during the semi-finals and final rounds were Foodfirst Information Action Network Philippines Mindanao

The top three winners are flanked by the contest organizers with OIC of the Community Relations and External Affairs Department Bernardo D. Delima Jr. (standing, 6th from L).

The top 20 semi-finalists together with their coaches.

15

Water News

Water conservation campaign strengthens in schools

T

he Community Relations and External Affairs Department thru its three divisions led various school-based activities to strengthen Davao City Water District’s water conservation campaign.

The Public Information/Relations Division conducted the annual Goes to School Project, now on its 15th year of visiting one school in every congressional district. The Goes to School visits were made on November 13 at GSIS Heights Elementary School, November 18 at Mintal ES and November 25 at Teofilo E. Fernandez ES.

Baguio ES

Tambobong NHS

DCWD employees turned teachers lectured to around 3,000 public elementary students in grades four, five and six about water cycle, DCWD water distribution process, water conservation tips, rainwater harvesting and proper handwashing.

All students received customized drawstring knapsacks, notebooks and bookmarks while the teachers and school heads received foldable fans, pocket planners and corporate and eco bags. DCWD teachers also posted water and environmental protection stickers on lavatories and comfort rooms to remind the students and teachers to use water wisely and turned over posters on 10 water conservation tips, DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site project and water cycle to be used as lecture materials.

Mintal ES

Also in November, the Community Relations Division gave 40 kilos of rice to each of DCWD’s partner schools in the uplands for the feeding program dubbed “Isang Linggong Lugawan”. The activity was held on November 10 at Tawan-Tawan ES, November 11 at Tambobong ES, November 12 at Tamugan ES and November 13 at Baguio and Malagos elementary schools benefitting around 1,500 pupils.

Earlier in October, the Environment and Watershed Protection Division held lectures on the importance of watershed protection, DCWD projects in the uplands, water sources and water conservation tips. The lectures were participated in by a total of 805 high school students of Crossing Bayabas National High School Annex on October 13, Tambobong NHS on October 15 and Baguio National School of Arts and Trade on October 20.

The water utility believes that the student population is one of the viable sectors that should be educated and get involved in its water conservation campaign thus the continuous investment in school-based information and education activities. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) S

Teofilo E. Fernandez ES

16

Water News Contest judges (from L) Gilbert A. Miraflor, Atty.

Ritzel R. Polinar and Vicente P. Aviles (extreme R) together with the nine winners.

Catalunan Pequeño ES, DCSS and Ford Academy win art contest

K

ristine Joy P. Cadiente of Catalunan Pequeño Elementary School, Belle Angeline M. Aurelio of Davao City Special School and Alyza Mae T. Balansag of Ford Academy of the Arts emerged as the best three winners of Davao City Water District’s 21st Citywide On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest participated in by 80 elementary schools. The contest was held November 27 at SM City Davao Annex.

The winners whose works of art best depicted the contest theme “Ang batang Dabawenyo, tubig at kalikasan, kanyang pinahahalagahan” each received PhP3,000, plaque and customized

Kristine Joy P. Cadiente of Catalunan Pequeño ES

backpack, notebook and bookmark bearing environmental protection and water conservation messages.

Completing the top nine were these contestants who each received consolation prize of PhP500 and the same set of DCWD customized IEC materials. Nemia C. Paclibar (Armed Forces of the Philippines Logistics Command ES), Nicole Ashley S. Gorgonio (Davao Wisdom Academy, Inc.), Karl G. Tagud (Felipe Calderon ES), Andrea Chezca C. Sanchez (Holy Child College of Davao–Cabantian Campus), Allynna Lhalhaine T. Tan (St. Ignatius School of Davao) and Alrasir B. Baguinda (Vedasto F. Corcuera ES).

Belle Angeline M. Aurelio of Davao City Special School

Contestants were given two hours to interpret the theme using watercolor. Their artworks were judged based on the criteria of concept or relevance to the theme, artistry and originality by artists Vicente P. Aviles, Gilbert A. Miraflor and Atty. Ritzel R. Polinar, all Davao Watercolour Society members.

All contestants and their coaches received certificates and IEC materials from the water utility.

This art contest for elementary pupils gave a venue for budding young artists to express their ideas about water conservation and environmental protection. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) S

Alyza Mae T. Balansag of Ford Academy of the Arts

17

Water News

Employees attend seminars T hirty eight newly appointed permanent employees of Davao City Water District were oriented of their duties, responsibilities and liabilities as public servants in the Building Common Ground Phase 2 Seminar held November 19 and 20 at Pinnacle Hotel and Suites.

Resource speakers from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region Office XI discussed the salient points of the Code of Conduct and Liabilities of Civil Servants (RA 6713), the Anti-Red Tape Act (RA 9485), other applicable CSC personnel rules and common administrative offenses committed by government employees.

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Pag-IBIG Fund resource speakers also briefed the employees on the institutional support offered by their respective agencies. Teambuilding and fellowship activities to develop camaraderie and strengthen the working relationship among the employees capped the two-day seminar.

Employees actively participate in the group activity of the Building Common Ground Seminar Phase 2.

Relatedly, 15 water resource facilities operators of the Production Department (PD) honed their skills in a one-day Pump Operations and Maintenance Seminar held November 27 at Lispher Inn. Among the topics discussed by Engr. Rejan V. Zerna, supervisor of PD’s Maintenance Unit, were the basic principles of pump operation, pump performance testing procedure and repair of submersible pump.

Said capacity building seminars were organized by the Regional Training Center under the Human Resource Department.

(Jamae G. Dela Cruz) S

Production Department’s water resources facilities operators attempt to assemble a submersible pump.

Women, youth and watershed rehab partners receive assistance

P

artners of Davao City Water District in its watershed and environmental protection received various assistance.

Trainings on rag making were given to the Women and Environment in the Barangay (WEB) members of Marilog, Tamugan, Tacunan, Calinan, Manuel Guianga and Tagakpan to give them alternative sources of income and promote the practice of recycling in the households. In all, around 70 WEB members were trained within the last quarter of 2015.

DCWD also continued implementing the “May Bukas ka Bata” scholarship project or the free basic skills training on plumbing for out-of-school youth (OSY) in partnership with the University of Southeastern Philippines. The training ran from September 24 until October 27 with 17 OSY beneficiaries.

The water utility then subsidized the payment fees of the TESDA National Certificate II Assessment on Plumbing for the top 10 beneficiaries. Nine out of 10 or 90% passed the assessment exam administered on December 15.

Then on November 13 and 14 at DCWD Malagos Park, around 20 WEB leaders attended the Barangay Legal Education seminar in which salient points of gender and development concepts, Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), Anti-Violence against Women and their Children Act (RA 9262) and Philippine Legal System were discussed. The participants also visited the women detainees in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. At the end of this seminar, the participants shared that the inputs were helpful and relevant to their role as women leaders of their respective communities.

For the partner communities in the watershed areas, the 11th DCWD Free Medical and Dental Clinic was organized in coordination with the Davao City Health Office, Davao Medical Society medical student interns and barangay health workers.

Around 650 patients availed of the free health services extended to the residents of Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watershed areas specifically in Sitio Kidali and Sitio Subsub in Brgy. Tambobong on November 12 and 18, respectively, and Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed area in Brgy. Daliaon Plantation on November 18.

(Jamae G. Dela Cruz) S

Medical interns take relevant information of patients in Sitio Kidali, Brgy. Tambobong.

Brgy. Tagakpan women are among the beneficiaries of DCWD’s rag making trainings.

18

Water News

TEAM Tayo!

Together, Everyone Achieves More T

he employees of Davao City Water District celebrated their 42nd founding anniversary on November 3 with the theme “Team Tayo!” which stands for Together, Everyone Achieves More. It emphasized the values of combined effort, shared knowledge and collaboration among DCWD employees. Spearheading the celebration was the United Supervisors of DCWD. The celebration started with a holy mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Calixto Pelegrino and a special convocation. This was followed by the recognition of the 35, 30, 25, 20, 15 and 10 years in-service loyalty awardees. A significant activity, the releasing of doves, was done that symbolized the DCWD’s family’s love, peace and hope throughout its years of operation.

The Board of Directors, headed by Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan, led the ceremony.

In the afternoon, employees paraded and cheered for their respective team colors during the opening of the Palagsik 2015 sporstfest among the Yellow Pipers, the Red Fitters and the Green Wrenchers. Festive mood prevailed and sustained the rest of the afternoon with the exciting conduct of parlor games.

On November 9, the employees again gathered for the regular monthly convocation hosted by the Commercial Services Department. Highlighting the continued anniversary celebration was the TEAM TAYO! Departmental Fair and Competitive Exhibit that showcased every department’s operations, functions and history. The activity aimed to educate all DCWD personnel about the contributions of each department to the whole operation of the District and to encourage them to become more involved in the realization of the goals and direction of DCWD

as ONE TEAM. Of the entries, winning departments were the Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance, Production, and Engineering and Construction in first, second and third places, respectively.

On both occasions, prizes were raffled off to the employees.

The team composition was as follows: Yellow Pipers (Commercial Services, Information and Communications Technology, Legal and Production departments, and Office of the General Manager and Pollution Control and Safety Office); Red Fitters (Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance, Finance and Property, Accounting, Corporate Planning, Community Relations and External Affairs and Internal Audit departments), and Green Wrenchers (General Services, Engineering and Construction and Human Resource departments, Project Monitoring Office and Office of the Board).

After the opening ceremonies of Palagsik 2015, team colors competed in various sports activities from November 4 to December 11. Sport events facilitated by the DCWD Palagsik 2015 committee were basketball, volleyball, badminton, bowling, lawn tennis and table tennis. Declared as overall winner was the Yellow Pipers team finishing with 262 points. Tying in second place were the Red Fitters and Green Wrenchers with 260 points. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod)S

19

Thank You, Thank You, Blessed Tayo

T

he water utility celebrated Christmas with a simple gathering in Bajada office on December 11. The celebration carried over the anniversary theme “Team Tayo!” to emphasize the importance of teamwork in the organization’s success.

Opening the entire celebration was a holy mass officiated

by Rev. Fr. Richard Ong who reminded everyone to always be grateful for all the blessings they received.

Motif for the night was Rainbow Connection, thus employees came in dazzling shades of red, orange, yellow, blue, indigo and violet. Even with the variation in colors, everyone imbibed the holiday spirit of happiness true to the essence of the celebration’s theme, TEAM Tayo!, and that is to foster oneness in the DCWD family.

Highlight was the inter-color production competition dubbed as Pasalamat, Pasundayag 2015 underlining traditional Christmas holidays practices of the Filipinos packaged in creative song, dance and drama presentations.

Each of the team gave their best to showcase their talents and deliver the message of the real essence of Christmas. Overall winner was the Red Fitters followed by the Green Wrenchers in second place and the Yellow Pipers in third place.

In between, various performances from invited guests and in-house talents entertained the crowd while many of the employees came home with prizes won in the games and the raffle.

Capping the night was the pledging of commitment by the DCWD family headed by the Board of Directors to continue rendering excellent public service. Each department also received their own gift box for donations to Community Relations Division’s Book of Hope Project.

The United Supervisors of DCWD spearheaded the Christmas celebration. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

20

Feature

DCWD’s

excellence

by Ariel L. Noble

I’m sure you will agree that 2015 was a challenging year, in many aspects, for DCWD. And, I think our accomplishments would not have been possible without everyone’s effort, energy, resilience and commitment. And now that the old year is about to close, we will be faced with a new set of challenges and changes that accompany 2016.

So, I felt that it’s only appropriate to share something on how we can best meet these challenges and changes as individuals and as an organization. My thoughts then led me to the things that keep us together as a service provider.

And that is none other than our CORE VALUES – Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Stewardship or collectively known as TIES. Among these four, the most fitting to discuss to help guide us in the New Year is EXCELLENCE. What is EXCELLENCE? To borrow the words of Booker Washington, the African-American civil rights activist and educator, EXCELLENCE is to do a common thing in an uncommon way. To EXCEL doesn’t necessarily mean you have to move mountains or perform miracles. It is just simply doing things the right way, the right time, all the time in the most unusual manner. And when they are no longer working right, we must have the courage to evaluate what went wrong, strive to correct them or do something else that’s right and out of the ordinary.

According to Tom Peters, author of the 1982 best-selling book, “In Search of Excellence”, excellent firms don’t believe in

excellence—only in constant improvement and constant change. He further said that: “Life is pretty simple: You do some stuff.

Most fail. Some work. You do more of what works. If it works big, others quickly copy it. Then you do something else. The trick is to do something else.” And personally, I believe, the act of doing that something else, almost always leads to that thing we call EXCELLENCE. So, this 2016, let us all pursue the path that leads towards this core value.

Here is my two-cents: Be EXCELLENT in our work—in how we think creatively, efficiently and getting the right things done right the first time and all the time; Be EXCELLENT in our dealings with our internal and external customers— in how we prepare, how we communicate to them and how we add value to customer service…To quote Tom Peters once again: “The magic formula that successful organizations have discovered is to treat the customers like guests…”; Be EXCELLENT in our relationships with our team mates and those from other teams—in how we support each other, how we communicate and how we treat and care about each other as people; Be EXCELLENT in our involvements with people outside of DCWD—our families, our friends, our supporters, our colleagues, our partner organizations and our churches—in how we reach out to them, love them, help them and care for them;

Be EXCELLENT in our participation in our respective communities—in how we give our time and effort to make our city, our communities and our neighbourhoods as clean, safe and healthy places to live in; Be EXCELLENT in our efforts to protect the environment—in how we reuse and recycle, how we minimize our carbon footprints and maximize clean energy technologies, how we rehabilitate our watersheds, and how we nurture the beauty of nature around us; and, Be EXCELLENT in outdoing ourselves—in our self-talk, in our personal expectations and in our commitment to becoming all that we can be, both professionally and personally.

In 2016, we can control how we deal with our days in and out of the office.

Commit to being better every day. Be more responsive, responsible, and resilient.

Be more connected. Be more aware. Be tougher. Be stronger. Be more faithful.

Be more creative. Be more present. And always remember to EXCEL in however and whatever way you can.

So, together, let us welcome 2016 with thoughts that revolve around EXCELLENCE. For service organizations like us have only two options to choose from: to be DISTINCT…or to be EXTINCT…the choice is ours to make...

In closing, let us challenge ourselves to be EXCELLENT in the next 366 days of our lives...S

21

Legally Speaking

The MTRCB, producer and televiewer

by Atty. Fairy Faith R. Agustin “Ang susunod na programa ay Rated “PG”. Ito ay nangangailangan nang patnubay at gabay ng magulang para sa mga batang manonood.”

T

hese are popular lines we see every now and then while watching television. This is an advisory mandated to be televised in all TV programs requiring parental guidance by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board or MTRCB. In Filipino, it is known as the Lupon sa Pagrerepaso at Pag-uuri ng Sine at Telebisyon.

MTRCB is the agency responsible for rating television and film for the Philippines and is the authority behind the well-patronized annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). To better understand the role of MTRCB in our country, here is a case which finely illustrates the board’s powers and authority.

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation has a TV program “The Inside Story” produced and hosted by Loren Legarda. One of its episodes titled “Prostitution” stirred controversies.

Aired on April 15, 1991 at 10:45 in the evening, it covered female students moonlighting as prostitutes to enable them to pay their tuition fees. The program exposed the interviews with prostituted students, pimps, customers and a few faculty members. The Philippine Women’s University (PWU) was named as the school of these students and the façade of the PWU Building at Taft Avenue, Manila conspicuously served as the background of the episode.

Offended with this compromising exposure, PWU Chancellor and Trustee Dr. Leticia P. de Guzman and the PWU Parents and Teachers Association filed their letter of complaint before the MTRCB. They alleged that the episode besmirched the reputation of PWU and harassed some of its female students.

The MTRCB Legal Counsel subsequently initiated a formal complaint with the MTRCB Investigating Committee, alleging that ABS-CBN and Legarda did not submit “The Inside Story” to MTRCB for its review and it exhibited the same without MTRCB’s approval. These are in violation of Section 7 of Presidential Decree No. 1986 and the MTRCB Rules and Regulations.

ABS-CBN answered that the “The Inside Story” is a “public affairs program, news documentary and socio-political editorial” and the airing of which is protected by the constitutional provision on freedom of expression and of the press. With that, the MTRCB has no power, authority and jurisdiction to impose any form of prior restraint upon ABSCBN and the “The Inside Story”.

After hearing the parties, the MTRCB Investigating Committee rendered a decision on February 5, 1993 ordering ABS-CBN and Legarda to pay the fine amounting to PhP20,000 for non-submission of the program for MTRCB’s review and approval. It further directed ABS-CBN to submit to the Board all the subsequent episodes of “The Inside Story” and all other ABS-CBN programs falling under same category before airing on TV. An appeal was timely made by ABS-CBN and Legarda to MTRCB Chairperson Atty. Henrietta S. Mendez who just affirmed the same ruling of the Investigating Committee. Their Motion for Reconsideration (MR) was likewise denied per Resolution dated April 14, 1993.

Exhausting all available remedies under the law, ABS-CBN and Legarda filed a special civil action before the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 77, Quezon City. Their prayers were: to declare unconstitutional some provisions in the MTRCB Rules and Regulations, to exclude the “The Inside Story” from the coverage of MTRCB and to set aside the MTRCB Decisions.

22

The RTC favored the respondents as it said in its Decision dated November 18, 1997 that it annulled and set aside the MTRCB Decisions and further declared that MTRCB Rules do not cover the TV program “The Inside Story” and other similar programs, they being public affairs programs which can be equated to newspapers. Praying for reversal, MTRCB filed an MR but it was denied and this led it to file a petition for review on certiorari before the Supreme Court (SC).

The core issue to be resolved by the SC in such case was simple – whether or not the MTRCB had the power or authority to review the “The Inside Story” prior to its exhibition or broadcast in TV. In resolving this, the SC focused on Section 3 of PD 1986 which details the functions, duties and powers of MTRCB. Crucial provision is: “b) To screen, review and examine all motion pictures as herein defined, television programs, including publicity materials such as advertisements, trailers and stills, whether such motion pictures and publicity materials be for theatrical or non-theatrical distribution, for television broadcast or for general viewing, imported or produced in the Philippines, and in the latter case, whether they be for local viewing or for export.” Other pertinent MTRCB duties and powers are: “c) To approve or disapprove, delete objectionable portions…; d) To supervise, regulate and grant, deny or cancel, …all motion pictures, television programs and publicity materials…”

SC granted MTRCB’s petition and remarked in its Decision dated January 17, 2005 that: “…Our task is to decide whether or not petitioner has the power to review the television program “The Inside Story.”

The task is not Herculean because it merely resurrects this Court En Banc’s ruling in Iglesia ni Cristo vs. Court of Appeals. There, the Iglesia ni Cristo sought exception from petitioner’s review power contending that the term “television programs” under Sec. 3 (b) does not include “religious programs” which are protected under Section 5, Article III of the Constitution. This Court, through Justice Reynato Puno, categorically ruled that P.D. No. 1986 gives petitioner “the power to screen, review and examine “all television programs,” emphasizing the phrase “all television programs,” thus: The law gives the Board the power to screen, review and examine all ‘television programs.’ By the clear terms of the law, the Board has the power to ‘approve, delete… and/or prohibit the… exhibition and/or television broadcast of… television programs…’ The law also directs the Board to apply ‘contemporary Filipino cultural values as standard’ to determine those which are objectionable for being ‘immoral, indecent, contrary to law and/or good customs, injurious to the prestige of the Republic of the Philippines and its people, or with a dangerous tendency to encourage the commission of violence or of a wrong or crime.’

Settled is the rule in statutory construction that where the law does not make any exception, courts may not except something therefrom, unless there is compelling reason apparent in the law to justify it. Ubi lex non distinguit nec distinguere debemos. Thus, when the law says “all television programs,” the word “all” covers all television programs, whether religious, public affairs, news documentary, etc. The principle assumes that the legislative body made no qualification in the use of general word or expression. It then follows that since “The Inside Story” is a television program, it is within the jurisdiction of the MTRCB over which it has power of review.” (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board vs. ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and Loren Legarda, G.R. No. 155282, January 17, 2005).

This SC ruling goes to show that MTRCB has a BIG say in all TV programs and this is a fact that we, the televiewers, ought to know. S

Did you know that…

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

compiled by Madonna C. Llaguno

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is an English Christmas carol? From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember. To fit the number scheme, when you reach number “9”, representing the Fruits of the Holy Ghost, the originator combined six to make three, taking the six fruits that were similar: the fruit in each parenthesis was not named separately. They are actually Twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost.

The “True Love” we hear in the song is not a smitten boy or girlfriend but Jesus Christ, because truly, Love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree also represents Him because that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators.

The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience (Forbearance) Goodness (Kindness), Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Continency (Chastity).

The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

The three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The five golden rings represented the first five books of the Old Testament, which describe man’s fall into sin and the great love of God in sending a Savior.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Apostles.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles’ Creed.

Original Source: Fr. Calvin Goodwin, FSSP, Nebraska Printed with permission from Catholic Tradition. catholicnewsagency.com

23