Crystal Flow 2012 September - December

Vol. XX No. 2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

What's Inside?

• New water supply system inaugurated • Projects highlight improvements for • •

water systems Davao City WD classifies service connections 2012 Customer Satisfaction Survey

September-december 2012

What’s INSIDE? 3 4 5 6

Editor’s note From the GM’s desk New water supply system inaugurated Workers rush to lay bypass lines to replace damaged transmission lines

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Projects highlight improvements for water systems

8

Davao City WD classifies service connections

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Davaoeños celebrate water consciousness month

1O

New partners respond to watershed rehab call

11

DCWD links with various groups for environmental protection activities

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2012 Customer Satisfaction Survey

14

DCWD co-sponsors youth development activities

15

DCWD coop joins city coops in regreening city

Upland partners train on basic financial management

16 Personnel 18 Legally speaking 19 Employees celebrate Christmas by giving to Pablo victims

20 Feature 21 Fun and Games 22 Feature 23 Did you know that 24 TIES at work

about the COVER

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

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

This cover illustrates the different activities that DCWD conducted to promote the wellness quality of Davao City’s pristine water.

Corporate Philosophy Service with Dignity and Honor.

Cover concept by: Jonas A. Capute

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.

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September - December 2012

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

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

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

Crystalflow Vol. XX No. 3 September-December 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

Walking

Tall

amidst adversaries

W

e have improved and we have done so tremendously.

To score 93% in the overall satisfaction rated by our customers themselves in 2012 is but a huge feather added to everyone’s cap but along with it comes greater responsibility to keep it fluttering high or higher. There is no way to go down.

I joined my DCWD family in walking tall with heart warming pride amidst humility twice over in two terrible aftermaths during the yuletide season.

Personally, I’ve never walked so tall in my entire life until the day my colleagues in the field have braved the heat and cold when they laid temporary bypass lines on Generoso Bridge to replace the damaged transmission lines and restore water to the downtown and northern areas of the city supplied by Line 1 of DCWD’s Dumoy Water Supply System. I was amazed and amused specially when the affected customers did not get angry when they phoned the DCWD call center despite the high demand for water in that most festive time of the year. The second time I was overwhelmed with pride was when I lost appetite for a high spirited Christmas party and instead sweated it out repacking relief goods for the Pablo victims.

These and more await you, reader of this issue of the various activities and accomplishments of DCWD in the last four months of 2012. In here, you shall find the heart of service to the public, the people that we serve and the environment that we help care for.

Truly, this year has not only been a blessing for the whole DCWD family. It has also been a year of fulfilment. Not only were we able to meet the challenges of public service, we were also able to share love and joy to the people who need them most at the time when they most need them. S

MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com

September - December 2012

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from the gm’s desk

Braving the test of times “

When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.”

These are the words of Paulo Coelho in one his books that describes DCWD’s journey in previous years especially in 2012. It encapsulates DCWD’s never-say-no attitude in facing challenges one after another.

Indeed, so much has happened in 2012 and the challenges we as a water utility faced are nothing but ordinary. Alongside the everyday tasks that we devotedly accomplish in the spirit of service excellence, we also had to hurdle the implementation of our new rates, the preparation for the reclassification of our service connections, the threat of SB 2997 and HB 5497 and the uneventful damage of our major transmission lines along Bankerohan River that crippled our operations in the north areas of the city.

Many thought that we would back down and maybe we ourselves have been shaken. Yet, we never let those petty fears get the better of us. Instead, we embraced them all and make use of them as new knowledge that we could use to better ourselves as public servants.

We should always bear in mind that whatever we have done to solve our problems as a water utility will be written in the history books. Let us be reminded that DCWD is considered as one of the best water utilities in the country. Whenever we fail or succeed, our actions will serve as bases for other utilities that look up to our accomplishments. That is why we should all serve as inspiration in helping them achieve what we have in the field of non-revenue water reduction, infrastructure development, customer satisfaction, environmental protection and resource management.

However, more than the prestige, what drives us to make the best of all the difficulties we face are the very people we serve, the people of Davao City. By placing them on top of our priorities, by ensuring that they all get affordable and safety water, we always excel in whatever we do because we know for a fact that they are the very reason for our existence, for the water utility’s existence.

Thus, no matter how big the challenges are, no matter how bleak the chances are, the men and women of DCWD will never back down. Instead, we glide through our problems, one step at a time. S

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO Acting General Manager 4

September - December 2012

water news

Water for Life. The ceremonial opening of the valve is done by Congresswoman Mylene G. Albano, Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte and Leo Gizel. With them are (from L) Fr. Boy Roland T. Ong, Chairman Eduardo A. Bangayan and Vice Chair Eliseo R. Branganza, Jr. and other officials.

New water supply system inaugurated

D

avao City Water District’s Tibungco Water Supply System serving residents in Tibungco Relocation Phase 2 was blessed and inaugurated last October 25, 2012. This water system was funded by the Water for Life Foundation of the Vitens-Evides International, a water utility in the Netherlands, which donated 5.5 million pesos in 2010 for the drilling of one production well with a maximum flow of 25 gallons per minute, installation of electro-mechanical facilities, construction of 18 cubic meters elevated steel water tank, laying of pipe networks and financing of new service connections applications.

Fr. Boy Roland T. Ong from Tibungco Parish blessed the facility. Present during the event were Vice-Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, third district Congresswoman Mylene Garcia – Albano, acting head of City Building Office Engr. Jaime G. Adalin representing Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, DCWD Board of Directors led by Chair Eduardo A. Bangayan, DCWD Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, Water for Life Foundation representative Leo Gijzel, Metro Davao Sports Association officers and members, Tibungco Barangay Captain Joseph Calvo, DCWD officers and residents of Tibungco Relocation Phase 2.

The Water for Life Foundation, DCWD and Local Government of Davao City that jointly undertook this project were thanked by homeowners president Celso Cabansag in behalf of the residents who will no longer hike through slippery and steep terrain in order to fetch water for their daily needs. With the development of the water supply system, they now have access to clean and potable water right in their respective homes. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod and Sylvia May L. Vosotros) S September - December 2012

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water news

Workers rush to lay bypass lines to replace damaged transmission lines

T

welve days after typhoon Pablo devastated Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley and a just few hours before the first Simbang Gabi on December 16, 2012, big cut logs came raging down the strong currents of the flooded Davao River, got entrapped and swirled rabidly along with big uprooted bamboo clusters and debris. Altogether, they ramped the pillar supports of the 600mm and 750mm transmission lines sandwiched by the twin Bankerohan bridges many times until they destroyed three pillars and thus breaking the two main pipes into half. Water gushed from the broken pipes like huge waterfalls. Residents nearby panicked at the unimaginable sight.

For the next 14 hours, close to 40,000 service connections or about 200,000 people across northern riverbank particularly in the entire poblacion, Barrio Obrero, Agdao and many parts of Lanang, Sasa, Barrio Pampanga and Panacan did not have water since these areas were being supplied by the damaged pipes. The number included the entire Matina and Ecoland and large portion of Ma-a because the cut pipes on the southern riverbank needed to be plugged before water supply could be restored.

In a special meeting, The Board of Directors and acting GM Edwin V. Regalado declared the situation an emergency thus immediate actions must be taken.

Hence, Line 1 of the Dumoy Water Supply System, DCWD’s largest system had to be stopped operating. Immediately, Acting GM Edwin V. Regaldo mobilized the technical departments and indeed, the crews successfully plugged the pipes on the southern riverbank. Line 1 then resumed operating but only serving Matina, Ecoland and portion of Ma-a towards farther south, the areas up to the southern riverbank only.

DCWD sought the help of the Volunteer Fire Brigade for water rationing in the affected areas but it was never enough. Water from Line 2 was shared to the areas but again, it was always insufficient. Amazingly, the Davaoeñoes were very understanding, patient and cooperative. The affected customers tried their best to ferry water from relatives and friends living in other places belonging to the seven other water systems. DCWD also allowed customers to fetch water from its Bajada and Matina offices and Talomo Sump.

Meantime, acting GM Regalado and OIC-acting assistant general manager for operations Exequiel B. Homez mapped out contingency plans with the technical group and before Christmas day, one 400mm bypass line was laid on Bankerohan Bridge last December 21-22 and another before New Year on December 28-29. The people of Davao City altogether spent the holidays with adequate water, thanks to the selflessness and dedication of

all DCWD crews who braved the cold and harsh working conditions just to restore water supply.

Acting GM Regalado explained, “The bypass lines from Matina to Bankerohan temporarily replace the damaged transmission lines. Although they may not restore normal water supply in affected areas specifically in downtown, Agdao, Obrero, Bajada, Lanang and Sasa, they will already be of considerable help,” A third bypass line will be laid in January 2013 to continue augmenting water supply and pressure, he added.

He also said that “The three bypass lines are but temporary remedies while the water utility is working on the reconstruction of the pillar support and collapsed mainlines, hence, several parts of the city might still experience low water pressure”.

In behalf of the water utility, acting GM Regalado thanked all affected customers for their relentless understanding and cooperation amidst all inconveniences brought by the collapsed transmission lines. However, despite the increase in supply and pressure in downtown areas as a result of the installation of bypass lines, he appealed to owners and administrators of establishments in the city, such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals and the likes, to continue storing water in clean containers and water tanks as part of their contingency plan for low water pressure even when supply is seemingly back in normal condition, so as not to disrupt events and conventions that the city will host in the coming months.

Most of all, the acting GM also extended DCWD’s warmest thanks to other government agencies and their heads of office for rendering quick assistance to the utility during the installation period of the bypass lines, namely: Department of Public Works and Highways – Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza, CESO III and District Engineer Lorna Ricardo for the immediate issuance of the written approval on the installation of the bypass lines along Bankerohan bridge; Philippine National Police – City Director PSSupt. Ronald Dela Rosa and Col. Abude for ensuring the security during the days-long working period; Traffic Management Command – Ret. PSupt.

Desiderio A. Cloribel, for providing assistance for the smooth traffic flow of the motorists passing through the area while the work was going on. Credit also went to the city’s Public Safety Command in-charge Español Jaldon and Barangay Captain Edgar Ibuyan Jr. DCWD likewise expressed its deep gratitude for the unwavering support of the Davao Volunteer Fire Brigade and Filipino-Chinese Firefighters in helping the utility ration water to waterless areas on account of the incident and even during emergency water interruptions brought about by repairs and improvement works. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod and Emarson M. Sola) S

Holidays Rush. Davao City WD crews lay 400mm bypass line to alleviate water supply problems of Line 1 of Dumoy Water Supply system.

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September - December 2012

water news

Dumoy WSS

Tugbok WSS

The reconstruction of pumping facilities of Dumoy Production Well No’s. 8 and 12 was completed last November.

These wells supply water to Talomo Sump 1 which serves Gulf View Subdivision in Bago Aplaya, Talomo, Bangkal, Matina, Ecoland, some areas in Ma-a and J.P. Laurel Avenue, entire downtown including Bo. Obrero and Agdao.

Various well drillings were also done in year 2011 and these include Tugbok PW # 6 in Sitio Basak in Mintal; Riverside PW # 1 in Brgy. Riverside and the PW # 2 located at Brgy. Los Amigos and Lubogan PW # 2 which is located in Brgy. Bankas.

The construction of facilities for these production wells are currently undertaken and will be done on first quarter of 2013.

A new PW No. 5 was drilled following the plugging and sealing of the old PW No. 5 after it was condemned due to sand pumping and low water yield.

The new well is located just beside the old one and drilling was 5.1M pesos. This is one of the wells that supply water in downtown areas. It has maximum flow of 1,200 gallons per minute (gpm) with 180m depth pilot hole. Temporarily, it is operating through the existing pumping facilities while the bidding for the construction new facilities is still on process.

Toril WSS PW # 2 in Brgy. Lubogan in Toril District supplies water in portions of Lubogan and Marapangi, entire Crossing Bayabas, Toril and Daliao including Kristina Homes II, Nakada Village, Don Lorenzo Subd. Phase 1 & 2, Marapangi Resettlement Area, Samantha Homes, Kalambuan sa Katawhan Village, Gutierrez Village, Doña Manuela Subd., B.B. Homes, Davao Housing Subd., Ilocano Village, Prudential Village, Toril Executive Village and Rovical Village.

Cabantian WSS Facilities of Cabantian PW #2 costing 6,544,447.86 pesos and Toril PW # 2 is amounting to 9,746,445.64 pesos were completed last year.

Cabantian Well # 2 situated in Brgy. Cabantian is now serving the residents of Holy Trinity Subd., Emily Homes Subd., Countryville Executive Homes, Emilia Homes Subd., Deca Homes, BACAHOA Village, Cecilia Heights and Greenland Village Phase II. The drilling of Cabantian Production Well No. 3 with depth pilot hole of 180 meters was completed on September 25, 2012 with total project cost of 6,544,477.86 pesos. The well is located at Barangay Cabantian and has maximum flow of 200 gpm.

Calinan-Riverside

Projects highlight improvements for water systems

Cabantian PW # 3 well will supplement the existing two production wells under Cabantian WSS. However, it is not yet operational since it lacks pumping and treatment facilities. The preparation of the facilities design and detailed engineering will be done by the Engineering and Construction Department.

Target of completion for these projects will be on the fourth quarter of 2013.

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n line with its infrastructure development, Davao City Water District continues to conduct system improvement projects to enhance water supply of its service coverage in the eight water supply systems (WSS).

Panacan WSS Construction of a 1,500 cubic meter capacity reinforced concrete circular ground reservoir and drainage system in Brgy. Tibungco was completed. Project cost was around 9.6 M pesos and was contracted with the Allado Construction Company Inc. Last year, DCWD completed the drilling of the Panacan production well #4 with a 160-meter depth pilot hole amounting to 6.6M pesos. Construction of the recently drilled well’s pumping facilities which costs 9.4 M pesos commenced last November.

At yearend 2012, the Engineering and Construction Department started facilitating the implementation of additional infrastructure projects which include laying of transmission / distribution line in Panacan PW # 3 and 4, and exploratory drilling of Panacan PW # 5.

Also completed in 2011 was the drilling of Panacan PW # 4 for Panacan WSS located in Brgy. Malagamot. The construction of well facilities will begin in November to be completed within the second quarter of 2013.

WSS

DCWD is planning to divide the existing Calinan-Riverside Water Supply System by year 2013.

Currently, the present system is serving the following areas: Crossing Cogon to Calinan Proper down to DavaoBukidnon Road including Bagobo Village, Lanzona Village, Francisco Village, Babad Compound and Purok 7, from Datu Sibing St. to Durian Village, Estrella Village, Hilsha I & II, Pioneer Subd., Megaville Subd., from Villafuerte St. to Palarca Compound towards Purok 1,2,4,5 and 10 in Barangay Dacudao, and Barangays Los Amigos Ula and Tacunan.

With the division of WSS, the Calinan WSS will serve consumers in Crossing Cogon towards Barangay Dacudao while Riverside WSS will cater to the residents of Barangays Los Amigos, Ula, Tacunan including Biao Tienda.

The utility is now implementing infrastructure projects in Riverside WSS. It has awarded to Sinian International Corporation the construction of facilities of Riverside production well no. 2 located at Brgy. Los Amigos. The total project cost is 9,158,338.69 pesos and it will be completed

by January 2013. Also, the utility is reconstructing the pumping facilities of Riverside production well number 1 and with target date of completion on April 2013. The total cost of the project is 9,979,999.99 pesos. S

September - December 2012

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water news

Davao City WD classifies service connections

A

fter 20 years, Davao City Water District is implementing the classification of service connections per Board Resolution 12 – 642 issued on October 25, 2012. All water connections will be classified according to residential / government, commercial / industrial and bulk seller with corresponding water rates.

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado clarified that said changes will not affect residential and government connections. The rest of the rates per class will be factored accordingly as such:

for Commercial C

1.25

Residential condominiums, residential compounds, apartments, other multiple dwelling units with one central water meter

for Commercial B

Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles (except car washing) (e.g. vulcanizing shops, auto repair shop), Postal and courier activities, including messengerial/handling services, Publishing of books, newspapers, periodicals, software development and website hosting

1.50

for Commercial A

Wholesale and retail (e.g. sale of motor vehicles, parts and accessories, beverages, agricultural products, garment, scrap), Retail trade, except gasoline stations/sari-sari stores (e.g. bookstore, drug store, boutique, ukay-ukay, flower shop, grocery, supermarket, department store), Warehousing and storage ( e.g. cold storage, warehouse, customs brokers, freight forwarding, logistics), Financial and insurance activities (e.g. banks), Professional, scientific and technical services (e.g. audit firm, law offices, etc.), Administrative and support services (e.g. travel agency, call centers, etc.), Private clinics, Creative arts and entertainment activities (e.g. promotion agencies, art galleries, stage play production), Libraries, archives, museums and other cultural activities (e.g. libraries, museums, archives, botanical gardens, zoological gardens), Activities of membership organizations, except religious organizations (e.g. NGOs, trade unions, political organizations), Repair of computers and personal goods (e.g. repair of appliances, cellphones electronics, jewelry, shoes, watches), Embassies, international organizations a n d foreign diplomatic missions

1.75

for Commercial

Shopping malls, Crop and animal production, hunting and related services (e.g. poultry raising, livestock raising, etc.), Forestry and logging (e.g. production of firewood, charcoal, wood chips, etc.), Fishing and aquaculture (e.g. fishpond, marine fish tanks, seaweed farming), Mining and quarrying (e.g. limestone quarrying, salt extraction, sand and gravel quarrying), Manufacturing (e.g. food, beverages, tobacco, textile, wood products, paper products, etc.), Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, Sewerage (e.g. operation of sewer systems or treatment facilities, cleaning septic tanks, etc.), Remediation and other waste management services (e.g. groundwater, industrial plants), Construction (e.g. buildings, roads, railways, utility projects, industrial facilities, etc.), Carwash shops, Gasoline stations, Transport services (e.g. bus line operation, trucking services, taxicab operation), Support activities for transportation (e.g. emission centers, piers, wharfs), Private hospitals, Gambling and betting activities (e.g. casinos, lotto outlets, etc.), Waste collection, treatment and disposal, Theaters, video showing, sound recording, music publishing, Accommodation (e.g. hotels, motels, condotels, resort hotels, pension houses, camping sites/facilities, dormitories, boarding houses), Restaurants, fast-food chains, cafeteria, refreshment stands/ kiosk/counters, dining cars, event catering, bars, cocktail lounges, coffee shops, night clubs, Sports, amusement and recreational activities (e.g. health/wellness centers, gyms, golf clubs), Real estate activities, except renting of apartments/ dwelling units (e.g. cemetery development, arcades, market places, office condominiums), Private education (e.g. pre-schools, colleges, universities, academy, vocational schools) and Other personal services (e.g. funeral parlor, spa, steam and bath, body building, laundry, dry cleaning, domestic services, pet boarding, etc.)

2.0

3.0 8

for Bulk / Wholesale

Water collection, treatment and supply (e.g. water chandlers, private water service providers)

September - December 2012

It is expected that around 21,694 service connections of the existing 183,766 connections as of December, 2012 will be affected once the classification is implemented. Said changes will be applied in the January 2013 reading and reflected in the February 2013 billing. However, DCWD will begin implementing charges on service connection classifications under Commercial A with 1.75 factor rate, Commercial with 2.0 factor rate and Bulk Wholesale with 3.0 factor rate. The implementation of changes for the rest of the classifications will be announced later.

Acting GM Regalado explained that DCWD’s service connection classification meets the general requisites of water rates set by the Local Water Utility Administrations (LWUA) in the Manual of Water Rates and Related Practices (2000). The computation of the new rates as well as the classification are all based on LWUA’s guidelines and the 2009 Philippine Standard Industrial Classification which is “the standard of all productive economic activities in the country” (National Statistical Coordination Board, 2012).

“The DCWD management sees the need to come up with socialized pricing that would benefit the residential connections in the long run. With this new classification, more water-intensive businesses will be assigned higher conversion factors, thus, in turn, subsidizing residential consumers,” he explained.

He mentioned that with these new rates, business establishments will be more conscious in using water paving for water-conservation measures like the utilization of water harvesting tanks which is an ordinance rarely implemented by commercial establishments in the city.

Acting GM Regalado also said that the last time DCWD implemented socialized pricing of water rates was from 1973 to 1991 after which it imposed uniform pricing until the present. Although DCWD’s Commercial Department already classified service connections in 2009, it was only for the purpose of establishing customer profiles and formulating policies for customer welfare and satisfaction.

A public hearing for this purpose was held last November 19, 2012 at the Almendras Gym in the city. There were only a few queries raised to which DCWD management was able to clarify to the public. Imelda S. Mallare, senior water utilities development officer from LWUA, witnessed the proceedings. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

water news

Davaoeños celebrate water consciousness month

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he Water Consciousness month celebration and 39th year anniversary of DCWD in November both themed “Water for Wellness” were filled with various activities call geared promoting good health and water conservation.

a two day seminar-workshop and camp on Nov. 17-18 on women empowerment, solid waste management, urban container gardening, agricultural techniques in the rural areas and evaluation and planning of WEB activities.

Kicking off the month-long celebrate was the “Tubig sa Katawhan” project that gave free and potable water in the public cemeteries of Toril, Ulas, Wireless, Panacan, Calinan and Ma-a from Nov. 1 to 4.

For the first time, DCWD conducted the Citywide Science and Math Quiz Bee competitions for elementary and high school students of public and private schools in the city. Topping the 30 elementary students on the Nov. 20 contest were Riki E. Rapisura of Precious International School of Davao in first place, Althea Angela L. Roy of Ateneo de Davao University Grade School in second place and Nui Lee A. Cabornida of Don Manuel H. Gutierrez Sr. ES in third place.

Emerging winners of the Nov. 21 contest among 30 high school students were Lilibeth Diane Yu of Davao Christian High School in first place, Kristoffer Miguel R. Abella of St. Paul College of Pasig – Davao Campus in second place and Lorenzo M. De Vera of Philippine Science HS – Southern Mindanao Campus in third place. Both the quiz bee contests were held at SM City Davao Annex.

With the help of the local barangay health workers, City Health Office, National Commission for Indigenous People, DCWD Employees Cooperative and Rotary Club of Davao 2000, the water utility was able to successfully extend free medical and dental services to 651 residents of barangays Tambobong on November 8 and Malagos on November 16.

DCWD employees participated in the five-kilometer fun run dubbed “Running Water Year II” last November 10 which started from the DCWD Matina office towards Ecowest St. enroute Mc Arthur Highway, Tulip Drive and Quimpo Boulevard and back to DCWD Matina office.

Through the 11th “DCWD Goes to School” project, employee-volunteers lectured on water, watershed and environment topics to approximately 2,500 students of A. Loyola Elementary School in Toril on Nov. 13, Sixto Babao ES in Tibungco on November 14 and Ma-a Central ES in Brgy. Ma-a on November 15. DCWD also distributed school supplies to the students while their schools were given posters on water cycle and water conservation tips as learning aides.

On all weekends between November 17 and December 17, twenty-six out-ofschool youth attended basic plumbing skills training as part of the “May Bukas Ka, Bata” project at the University of Southeastern Philippines Obrero Campus.

Members of the Women and Environment in Barangay (WEB) attended

Also held were the “Organic Farm Produce Tiangge” which is the selling of backyard grown vegetables and fruits and herbal medicines of WEB members in barangays Gatungan, Tamugan and Baganihan were sold at the DCWD Bajada Office and the “Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko”, a bloodletting activity participated in by 42 DCWD employees and in partnership with Red Cross wherein a total of 18,450cc of blood was donated. Both activities were conducted last November 22 at DCWD Bajada office.

Capping the month-long activities was the 12th Citywide Extemporaneous Speaking contest wherein 45 high school students vied for the prestige on November 26-27 at Lispher Inn for the eliminations and Nov. 29 at SM City Davao Annex for the final rounds.

Lorenzo M. De Vera of Phil Sci was hailed champion and coming in second place was Christine B. Suarez of Holy Cross College of Sasa, Inc. and Mikaela S. Navidad of Southpoint School Inc. in third place. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

September - December 2012

9

water news

M

New partners respond to watershed rehab call

ore and more organizations, institutions and companies heed the call for environmental protection as Davao City Water District’s Adopt-a-Site project gets more support during the last quarter of 2012 through adoption of hectares of land inside Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed and conduct of tree planting activities.

The Davao Association of Colleges and Schools, Inc. (DACS) headed by president Danny C. Montaña marked significant by adopting five hectares through

a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed with DCWD Community Relations and External Affairs Department manager Imelda T. Magsuci last September 4, 2012.

“Adopting a watershed site is a significant and historical moment for us because protecting our watershed is to protect life as well, securing what we have, the cleanest and the abundance of water.

However, we will not just adopt but we will also visit the place and see what we can do still so that our expression of support and partnership will not only be limited to adoption alone but more of a handson participation of saving our water,” Mr. Montaña said.

The Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Davao City Chapter (PICE - DCC) also adopted one hectare last September 13, 2012.

The MOA was signed by PICE - DCC President Erdsan Rene S. Suero and Directors Cary H. Beatisula and Francis R. Rizon and DCWD acting GM Edwin V. Regalado with Environment and Watershed Protection Division manager Anthony D. Miranda.

During the launching program of the 2012 Cooperative Month celebration themed “Cooperative Enterprises Build a Better World” last October 2, DIPPSCOR Employees MultiPurpose Cooperative (DEMULCO),

Lastly, the Phoenix Philippines, Inc. (PPI) and its volunteers from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Davao Doctors Hospital, Southpoint School, Holy Cross of Davao College, Scoop and TV5 planted tree seedlings at the Malagos Watershed last September 15, 2012. DCWD arranged the activity in relation to Phoenix’ adoption of watershed areas in Davao City watershed.

One thousand hills of narra and mahogany seedlings were planted as part of PPI’s pledge after conducting the Phoenix Kadayawan Fun Run earlier on August 12 dubbed as “One Runner, One Tree” which was joined by about 3,000 runners.

In behalf of the water utility, acting GM Regalado extended his heartfelt gratitude to all supporters of DCWD’s efforts to rehabilitate the watersheds to ensure water resource sustainability for the present and future generations. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod and Sylvia May L. Vosotros) S

(From right) DCWD CREA Department manager Imelda T. Magsuci, DACS President Fr. Danny C. Montaña, Board of Trustee member SMA. Marissa R. Viri and Executive Director Jimmie-Loe P. dela Vega sign the memorandum of agreement while the other DACS representatives look on.

PICE Davao City chapter adopts a site. DCWD acting general manager Edwin V. Regalado (middle) and PICE Davao City Chapter President Erdsan Rene S. Suero (2nd R) lead the MOA signing together with (from R) Directors Francis R. Rizon, Cary H. Beatisula and DCWD EWPD manager Anthony D. Miranda.

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First Community Cooperative (FCC), JC Workers Members Cooperative (JCWMC) and King Cooperative joined the growing number of cooperative-adopters by adopting one hectare of land each. In fact, the Davao City Cooperative Development Office used DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site project as model in conceptualizing its Lunhaw Dabaw Program (LDP) to further increase participation on environmental protection by planting 9,000 forest and fruit tree seedlings in separate tree planting activities in Sitio Malamboon Brgy. Bucana in Ecoland for the coastal area, in Brgy. Matina Pangi for the riverbank area and in Sitio Ladian in Marilog District for the upland area.

September - December 2012

More support for Davao City watershed rehabilitation. DCWD OIC – assistant general manager for administration Mildred G. Aviles (5th from L) and environment and watershed protection division manager Anthony D. Miranda (4th from L) receive the checks from the cooperative-adopters for their pledge in the Adopt-a-Site project.

Saving the watersheds.

Phoenix Phils. Inc. (PPI) corporate manager Beethoven N. Sur (L) and AVP for corporate legal Socorro Ermac-Cabreros (R) plant a tree at the Malagos Watershed.

water news

DCWD links with various groups for environmental protection activities

W

ith the help of different organizations, local government units and schools, Davao City Water District conducted several environmental protection activities in the uplands.

program. This program aims to encourage selected students who live in far flung barangays to pursue and finish secondary education by allowing them to live in a bunkhouse strategically located near the school premises.

In addition to the 2,790 Malibago seedlings planted by the members of the Supreme Student Government of Davao City headed by Lower Tamugan High School on November 24, 2012 students of the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) early on September 10, 2012 members of the Women and the Environment in the Barangay (WEB) on September 1 and members of the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) on August 5, stakeholders of the Riverside Rehabilitation Project realized their 5,000 seedlings target to be planted along the riverbanks of Davao River and Tamugan River.

Last September 19, 2012 the Tacunan tree park in Tacunan Elementary School officially opened. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon were three judges of the Adopta-tree contest, namely, DCWD’s Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje, OIC of the Integrated Gender and Development Division Lorna B. Mandin and office of Councilor Rachel P. Zozobrado staff Imelda Bajao in the presence of DCWD, the local barangay council of Brgy. Tacunan, Tacunan ES, Nagkahiusang Kababainhan sa Barangay Tacunan and WMCC.

This project is a joint cause by DCWD, USEP, WMYC, Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers, Watershed Management Coordinating Council (WMCC) and the barangay council of Brgy. Tamugan last October 2011 wherein all parties pledged to jointly use their manpower and resources to rehabilitate, enhance and maintain portions of the Davao River and Tamugan River.

The project was also very instrumental in extending help to the scholars of “Tahanan ng Pag-asa” in Lower Tamugan National High School. Aside from the tree planting activity conducted, the USEP students also donated nine sacks of rice, goods and used clothings to the 10 beneficiaries of the school’s housing

Last August 10, 2010, all the stakeholders of the tree park project signed the memorandum of agreement to seal their commitment to help establish the park. DCWD pledged to monitor and evaluate activities conducted in the park, provide the 1,000 seedlings to be planted and do maintenance in the project area.

Furthermore, during the groundbreaking held June 20 this year, the utility donated Php 20,000 worth of materials for the construction of perimeter fence and purchase of fruit seedlings. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

The Adopt-a-tree contest was very instrumental in the beautification of the tree park as it encouraged the help of individuals and sectoral groups to adopt-a-tree planted in the park for them to landscape. Although various groups committed to help realize the establishment of the park, local barangay officials admitted that there was still not enough budget to do landscaping projects. That is why the council was very thankful that the contest received positive support.

For the sectoral category, winners were the entries of the Parents and Teachers Association in first place, the Barangay Health Workers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars in second place and the Barangay Health Workers in third place. For the individual category, winners were the entries of barangay captain de la Peña in

Tacunan tree park official opens.

Students from the University of South Eastern Philippines help plant the 2,500 seedlings in Brgy. Tamugan specifically along the riverbanks of Davao River and Tamugan River

first place, Joel Sagabain in second place and barangay kagawad Alberto Ponce in third place.

Members of the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) help realize the 5,000 trees target of the Riverside Rehabilitation project

Members of the Women and the Environment in the Barangay (WEB) help plant the 2,500 seedlings in Brgy.

Tamugan specifically along the riverbanks of Davao River and Tamugan River

USEP students help the “Tahanan ng Pagasa” scholars.

September - December 2012

11

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September - December 2012

September - December 2012

13

water news

DCWD co-sponsors youth development activities

F

orty-five student government leaders and advisers attended the values laden leadership seminar sponsored by Davao City Water District and Datu Bago Awardees Organization (DABAO) last September 5, 2012 at the Villa Margarita Hotel. Datu Bago Awardees Atty. Adoracion P. Cruz-Avisado, Apolinario B. Veruasa, Dulce Saavedra, Enrica O. Babao, Linda C. Tesoro, Ma. Ires A. Melliza, Pat G. Montemayor, Pilar C. Braga, and Sister Mary B. Josephine Bacaltos also came.

The activities in the seminar were very effective in imparting upon the youth how they can become ideal leaders. Analyses workshops on the prevailing perceptions of the participants on the present day situation of Davao City youths, gender sensitive leadership and the proper use of leadership power were conducted and facilitated by Atty. Cruz-Avisado.

As output, participants came up with their respective action plans in order to address the issues identified in the workshops.

These action plans were then synthesized to come up with a holistic approach on how the youths can be instrumental in effect positive change among their contemporaries. The participants were also taught how the Theory of Power can be properly applied in leadership.

This seminar is an annual event conducted by DCWD and DABAO for eight years now. It serves as an ideal venue where recipients of the prestigious Datu Bago award can share their experiences and expertise to mould better leaders from the pool of promising young people in Davao City.

In another development, the Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao (RCWWD) and DCWD conducted a peace summit themed “Peace Forum for the Youth” last September 21, 2012 at the audio visual room of the University of Mindanao in Bolton in observance of the New Generations Month celebration in September.

Present in the event were guest speaker Atty. Jesus Dureza, District 3860 governor Peter M. Rodriguez, RCWWD members, DCWD reps and 144 students from various youth organizations, high schools, colleges and universities in the city.

Peace advocate. Atty. Jesus Dureza tells the students about present situation of the peace process in Mindanao.

As opener, Governor Rodriguez laid the foundations of the forum by discussing that the definition of peace varies from person to person.

Atty. Dureza, a known peace advocate and former cabinet secretary, enlightened participants about the peace process in the country by discussing the different groups that threaten the peace in Mindanao and enumerating the various peace negotiations made with these groups. He mentioned that although there are still no final peace decisions reached, on-going ceasefires have been agreed. However, he said, peace talks are only one of the many means that peace could be achieved. Among the other paths to peace include affirmative action, legal or societal reforms, social cohesion, poverty alleviation and rehabilitation of victims of conflict. Also in his discussion was the demographics of Mindanao to show how culturally, financially and religiously diverse the people are. He said that these differences majorly contribute to the conflict in war-stricken areas.

The highlight of Atty. Dureza’s discussion was centered on the roles of the youth in promoting peace in Mindanao. “It is necessary for the youth to start promoting a culture of peace by becoming peace ambassadors in their respective homes, communities, country and the world,” he said.

In the open forum, Atty. Dureza asked the youth participants what they could do to promote peace in their own ways. The students were all very eager to share their views and insights regarding their own contribution as young peace advocates. Tolerance of various differences in culture, tradition, religion and financial state are among the most effective ways to achieve peace in Mindanao and these could also be practised by the youth in their own little ways.

Promising youth leaders of Davao City. Forty-five student government leaders and advisers together with the Datu Bago Awardees after the values laden leadership seminar.

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September - December 2012

RCWWD president Cheryl Leilani M. Gomez expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all participants and the people who helped make the event successful. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

water news

DCWD coop joins city coops in re-greening city

I

n celebration of the annual Cooperative Month in October, the City Cooperative Development Office (CCDO) with the help of the Davao City Cooperative Development Council (DCCDC) conducted “Lunhaw Dabaw Program” last October 1, 2012. Approximately 9,000 forest and fruit tree seedlings were planted through the program wherein simultaneous tree planting activities were conducted in different parts of Davao City, particularly, in Sitio Malamboon Brgy.

Bucana in Ecoland for the coastal area, in Brgy. Matina Pangi for the riverbank area and in Sitio Ladian in Marilog District for the upland area.

The Davao City Water District – Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DCWD – EMPC) steered the Tree Planting / Adopt-aSite Committee of the celebration. Aside from sending 44 employeemembers to participate in the tree planting activity along the shores of Brgy. Bucana, said cooperative also donated 750 seedlings for the activity. Showing support to the cause of the cooperatives, DCWD lent two service vehicles to ferry participants from other organizations and donated 1,000 pieces of bottled water.

activities in the planted areas.

She also added that among the objectives of the “Lunhaw Dabaw Program” is to help the local government in re-greening Davao City.

Before the actual tree planting, CENRO environmental management specialist Gideon A. Gadido taught participants how to properly plant Malibago seedlings to ensure survivability.

Antonio C. Escobar of the Cooperative Development Authority and the vice-chair of DCCDC also noted that the planted seedlings are very important to Davao City especially that it has already experienced several flooding incidents. In behalf of the DCCDC, he thanked everyone who extended support for the success of the event. Aside from the different city cooperatives, various agencies, organizations and schools were also present to help in the re-greening efforts. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

Other groups and agencies that donated seedlings were the City Environment and Natural Resources Office with 8,000 seedlings, the City Agriculturist Office with 1,000 seedlings and the Philippine Coconut Authority with 250 seedlings. The City Mayor’s office provided food and service vehicles. Other cooperatives also offered transportation assistance.

DCWD OIC- assistant general manager for administration and chair of DCWD – EMPC and DCCDC Tree Planting Committee Mildred G. Aviles opened the program conducted in Sitio Malamboon by stressing that the cooperative’s commitment to protect the environment does not end after the planting activities. She said that planting trees alone is not enough. It is also important to nurture the seedlings planted. That is why it was agreed that every month, there will be cooperatives assigned to do parenting and maintenance

DCWD – Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative helps re-green Davao City. Memberparticipants join the “Lunhaw Dabaw Program” of the City Cooperative Development Office and the Davao City Cooperative Development Council in celebration of the annual Cooperative Month in October.

Upland partners train on basic financial management

F

ifteen officers and members of the Obu-Manuvu Ancestral Domain Multi-Purpose Cooperative (OMAD-MPC) underwent a one-day training on basic bookkeeping and accounting last September 13, 2012 at the tribal hall of Brgy. Tambobong in Baguio District. Said training was sponsored by the Davao City Water District in coordination with the

City Cooperative and Development Office (CCDO) for DCWD’s partner people’s organization in Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watershed. It was also in line with DCWD’s efforts to help its upland partners in the rehabilitation and protection of Malagos, Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan and Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watersheds.

Resource speakers were CCDO Baguio District OIC Ubaldo Nuez and staff Ricardo Gierran. They both discussed the importance of proper management and recording of income and finances. The participants were also taught how to plan, direct, monitor, organize and control the financial resources of OMAD-MPC and how to formulate a standardized format for their financial report that they could use for their operations.

Aside from tree planting, maintenance and parenting activities, the water utility also implements projects that alleviate the living conditions of the immediate settlers in the watershed areas. Their participation in DCWD’s environmental campaign is very important because they directly monitor the activities in their respective communities. Instead of engaging in livelihood practices that could be detrimental to the environment, they can help in safeguarding the watersheds of Davao City.

Davao City WD’s upland partners get financial management training. Ubaldo Nuez (L), OIC of the City Cooperative and Development Office in Baguio District, facilitates the one-day training on basic bookkeeping and accounting to the officers and members of the ObuManuvu Ancestral Domain Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

Aside from trainings and seminars, DCWD also conducts various community relation projects such as educational assistance in the form of scholarships, donations and medical-dental activities. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) S

September - December 2012

15

personnel

Congratu

Newly Hired Regular Employees

JOSEPH HENRY B. SEÑASE Sr. Instrument Technician GSD

ROY G. DIMAANDAL Driver GSD

JOMIE A. GASANG Industrial Relations Mgt. Asst. B HRD

HOPE D. OLIVO Industrial Relations Dev’t.

Officer C HRD

PAULINO S. LUMOGDANG Water Maintenance Man A ECD

APRIL S. CRIZALDO Clerk Processor C CD

Employees who have successfully completed their post graduated studies

DAMASO C. BERONGON, JR. Master in Public Administration University of Mindanao September 2012

MYLENE B. ANDAN Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas November 2012

FROILAN P. ESTRELLADO Master in Engineering Program major in Mechanical Engineering University of Southeastern Phils.

September 2012

BERNADETTE C. GONZALES Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas November 2012

RICARDO P. CORCINO Master in Integrated Water Mgt. University of Queensland, Australia September 2012

ROSANNA VICENTA T. CABANAG Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas November 2012

SHANE C. ALAGAO Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas November 2012

ROMULO V. WON Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas November 2012

ARNOLD P. SARABIA Master in Public Administration University of the Visayas November 2012

Salamat...

ROLANDO G. ROYO

Water Maintenance Foreman Operation and Maintenance Department November 28, 1952 – August 28, 2012

Your DCW D Family 16

September - December 2012

personnel

ulations

Newly Promoted Regular Employees

JADE C. VELOSO Corporate Planning Analyst A CPD

JERRY G. BAJAO Procurement Analyst A GSD

JUN O. OCAY Utility Worker A OMD

FROILAN P. ESTRELLADO Gen. Services Chief B GSD

ELEUTERIO F. BOYLES Utility Worker A OMD

HELBERT B. EHIRA Utility Worker A OMD

ALNIÑO A. BARRIOQUINTO Water Resources Facilities Operator B PD

ESTEBAN M. ABUCEJO, JR. Utility Worker A OMD

JUDY M. GUADEZ Utility Worker A OMD

PEDRO E. ALCALA Auto Repair Foreman GSD

AUBERTO P. EBERO Precision Instrument Repair and Maintenance Services Chief GSD

DENNIS B. BESAGAS Sr. Instrument Technician GSD

MELQUIADES C. LAGURIN Sr. Water Resources Facilities Operator A PD

BERNADETTE A. DACANAY Department Manager C CD

MAY LISSA G. DEOCAMPO Sr. Industrial Relations Mgt. Officer B HRD

ARGILYN L. GANTALA Cashier C FPD

JERRY A. MARIÑO Water Maintenance Man B CD

BELINDA C. NARANJO Sr. Engineer A ECD

CHERRY GAY J. HIDALGO Supervising Engineer A ECD

CHRISTINE S. GUARDE Supervising Engineer A ECD

JEANALYN B. DE LEON Cashier C FPD

Paalam!

EDWIN N. ESTANDARTE

Plant Mechanic B Production Department December 11, 1962 – December 26, 2012

loves you...

September - December 2012

17

legally speaking

T EXT LANG (Ï’ll just text you)

by Atty. Bernardo D. Delima, Jr.

T

his is very Filipino style, only in the Philippines! The Philippines has been described as the undisputed text capital of the world.

Statistics data indicate that in 2003, a Filipino subscriber sent an average of 195 messages a month. By 2009, a Filipino subscriber sent an average 600 text messages a month, or more than 300 percent more than that of 2003.

Along with the popularity of this medium, here comes this legal issue: whether text messages are admissible as evidence in a court of law. Our Supreme Court answered the question in the affirmative in the case of “Zaldy Nuez vs. Elvira Cruz-Apao”, G.R. No. A.M. No. CA-05-18-P, April 12, 2005.

This is an administrative case for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct against Elvira Cruz-Apao (Respondent), Executive Assistant II of the Acting Division Clerk of Court of the Fifteenth (15th) Division, Court of Appeals (CA). The complaint arose out of respondent’s solicitation of One Million Pesos (P1,000,000.00) from Zaldy Nuez (Complainant) in exchange for a speedy and favorable decision of the latter’s pending case in the CA, more particularly, CA-G.R. SP No. 73460 entitled “PAGCOR vs. Zaldy Nuez.”

Zaldy filed an illegal dismissal case against PAGCOR before the Civil Service Commission which was later elevated to the CA. Desiring an expeditious decision of his case, Zaldy sought the assistance of Elvira sometime in July 2004 after learning of the latter’s employment with the CA from her sister, Magdalena David. During their first telephone conversation and thereafter through a series of messages they exchanged via SMS, Zaldy informed respondent of the particulars of his pending case. However, a week after their first telephone conversation, Elvira allegedly told complainant that a favorable and speedy decision of his case was attainable but the person who was to draft the decision was in return asking for P1,000,000.00.

Among the remarkable text messages of Elvira to Zaldy particularly when he expressed that he did have that amount of money: “Eh, ganoon talaga ang lakaran dito eh, kung wala kang pera, pasensiya na.” And when Zaldy bargained for a lower amount, Elvira replied, “Wala tayo sa palengke iho!”

Instead of agreeing to Elvira’s machinations, Zaldy sought the help of the Imbestigador of the GMA Network and the Presidential AntiOrganized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) in the entrapment of Elvira. Zaldy and Patricia Siringan of the Imbestigador, who posed as the former’s sister-in-law, met with Elvira twice. During their second meeting on September 28, 2004 at the 2nd Floor of Jollibee, Times Plaza Building,

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September - December 2012

corner Taft and United Nations Avenue, Manila, Zaldy and Patricia were accompanied by 5 PAOCTF agents who apprehended Elvira after she touched the unsealed envelope containing 10 bundles of marked money.

The said apprehension prompted then CA Presiding Justice Cancio C. Garcia to issue Office Order No. 297-04-CG creating an ad-hoc Investigating Committee. Zaldy, together with Imbestigador reporter Patricia who is a disinterested witness in this case, testified in support of former’s complaint of Elvira’s extortion. Zaldy also presented several text messages from Elvira, which helped establish that the latter solicited P1 million in exchange for early decision in favor of Zaldy.

The exchange of text messages between Zaldy and Elvira was duly presented before the committee. Zaldy testified on the text messages.

On top of the testimony, Elvira and her counsel attested to the veracity of the text messages between her and Zaldy.

The Supreme Court ruled that the text messages were admissible as evidence against Elvira citing Section 1(k), Rule 2 of the Rules on Electronic Evidence (REE) which provides: “Ephemeral electronic communication” refers to telephone conversations, text messages... and other electronic forms of communication the evidence of which is not recorded or retained.”

Under Section 2, Rule 11 of the REE, “Ephemeral electronic communications shall be proven by the testimony of a person who was a party to the same or who has personal knowledge thereof . . . .” In this case, complainant Zaldy who was the recipient of said messages and therefore had personal knowledge thereof testified on their contents and import. Furthermore, Elvira admitted that the text messages originated from her mobile phone and she, together with her counsel, had signed and attested to the veracity of the text messages. It was held that the text messages were duly authenticated in accordance with the REE and were, thus, admissible in evidence against Elvira. The Supreme Court concluded saying, “We have no doubt as to the probative value of the text messages as evidence in determining the guilt or lack thereof of respondent in this case.”

Elvira was found guilty of grave misconduct and violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Code of Conduct for Court Personnel and was accordingly DISMISS from government service. Her retirement and all benefits except accrued leave credits were FORFEITED. May this case sends us a clear message: BEWARE OF TEXT MESSAGES! S

water news

Employees celebrate Christmas by giving to Pablo victims

A

Operation Pablo. DCWD employees celebrate Christmas meaningfully by repacking goods for typhoon Pablo’s victims.

few weeks after the simple 39th year anniversary celebration of Davao City Water District, the water teams composed of clustered departments, excitedly began preparing for a big merry C h r i s t m a s party themed “A Beautiful Christmas” slated December 18, 2012. And so The Blue Lagoon, Red Sea and Yellow River each strategized and divided labor for the Belen making and ‘A Beautiful Show’ sing-and-dance contest numbers that were supposed to be goose pumps causing and hair raising unforgettable renditions.

On the other side, the committee in-charge began thinking of the holy thanksgiving mass, raffle prizes, gift certificates for all, stage decorations, food and drinks, lights and glitters and every detail that would explicitly spell beauty and happiness for the big night. Everyone was excited.

Then Pablo raged and devastated many parts of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley on December 4. Scenes of massive destruction and muddy deaths horrified every Davaoeño and millions in all parts of the globe. The days and weeks ahead brought heartbreaking stories, videos and pictures of unbelievable catastrophe – dirty, hungry and thirsty people on the streets desperately waiting for subsistence, flattened houses and coconut and other trees, stiff and heavily mud coated bodies, and many more. Confronted by all these, the employees’ craving for a materially beautiful Christmas celebration suddenly snapped out.

They lost appetite for the glitters and rousing lively numbers, for the holiday goodies and all the merriments.

Their hearts ached to reach out to the victims. Even if

the office gave truckloads of bottled potable water and was thinking of giving more help in different kinds, still, the employees wouldn’t relent.

They too wanted to share more, thus, they asked to forego with the party and instead, the funds be used to purchase goods for their affected neighbouring Davoeño brothers and sisters.

Earlier on December 7, DCWD donated 12,500 bottles of water through the City Government of Davao and again, on December 13, some personnel delivered 3,827 bottles of water, grocery items and used clothing to the Provincial Government of Mati for distribution to the victims.

Came December 18 and everyone gathered for the breezy morning thanksgiving mass at the motorpool. The unadorned stage earlier erected for the night party was used as the altar, the same which was again going to be used for the sorting of relief goods for the Pablo victims in the afternoon. Everybody was pleased with compassion and love.

Loud and lively Christmas carols filled the air and overwhelmed every worker present in the motorpool as he or she unloaded hundreds of boxes, sorted goods, repacked and sacked the “gifts” of rice, sardines, noodles and cookies. Together, they were happily noisy while helping in the operations, yet, one could feel their sadness that the packs were never enough. None was ever enough for victims of such a magnitude of calamity, not even the reliefs all combined from all over the world. Nonetheless, the fulfilment of having to again appropriately give up another joyous employees Christmas party, just like Ondoy’s time in 2010, for the sake of sharing was worth more than a beautiful act. For all the great men and women of DCWD, what happened on December 18, 2012 was a truly beautiful and meaningful Christmas celebration. (Maria Editha C. Monje) S September - December 2012

19

feature

I. The men and women Of our utility Are as pristine as the water of Davao City Lives we live We dedicate to offer The quality of service That we could render Refrain: Hand in hand We work together Hand in hand We will all prosper Chorus: In teamwork, we unite Integrity, there is might Excellence, we succeed Stewardship, we will all lead II. Potable and affordable Is our water And we can make this Available forever For the DCWD family A bright future lies All we need is TIES, All we need is TIES Refrain Chorus Building NICER TIES with you (In teamwork, we unite) Building NICER TIES with you (Integrity there is might) Building NICER TIES with you (Excellence, we succeed) Building NICER TIES with you (Stewardship, we will all lead)

I. What I want is water

Water for our children

If they’re our future

We must sure give them Water

(Water for our children)

Water from nature’s veins Fed by forest and rains, Nurtured by humankind You and I (You and I) Refrain: Worry not my friend Our friends from Davao City Water District Are here to lend a hand Building NICER TIES with you Chorus: Hand in hand (Together take a stand) Hand in hand (Protect the watersheds) Hand in hand (Let’s make a difference) Hand in hand (Bring the forest back) Hand in hand II. Clean water for you For me and our children Clean water too For the future generation Together (Together, save our water) And for nature’s sake Together let us embrace today The task to save our water (Our water) Refrain: Worry not my friend Our friends from Davao City Water District Have come to lend a hand Building NICER TIES with you

Building NICER TIES with you (4x)

20

September - December 2012

Chorus

I. We lift our banner high As we look up to the sky We vow to face every challenge With a smile II. God brought us here With a reason strong and clear To lead as a good example And to serve the people Chorus: Teamwork with dignity Integrity is our quality Excellence is our ability Stewards of God towards unity Verse I & II Chorus Verse II Chorus (2x) Verse II And to serve the people (3x)

fun and games 1. The Empty Triangle

2. Dr. Nasty’s Giant Cube

Question: Which figure should be placed in the empty triangle? This puzzle works your executive functions in your frontal lobes by using your pattern recognition, hypothesis testing, and logic. Let us know how you do!

Question: The diabolical Dr. Nasty has turned his Growth Ray on a perfect cube that used to measure one foot on a side. The new larger cube has twice the surface area of the original. Find the volume of the larger cube. ____________________________

3. Tell Me!

4. What is it?

When young, I am sweet in the sun.

When middle-aged, I make you gay.

When old, I am valued more than ever. ________________

5. Unscramble me

6. What phrase does this represent?

I’m getting married, can you unscramble the words for this special day?

7. Guess it!

There was a green house. Inside the green house there was a white house.

Inside the white house there was a red house.

Inside the red house there were lots of babies. What is it?

otrahteebcel _________________ tenneemgga _________________ craoiteelbn _________________ iigrlene

_________________

ooemhnoyn _________________ ______________ ______________

yeneormc

_________________

______________ ______________

nsdahub

_________________

8. LET’S GO ROUND AND ROUND! 1

2

3

4 5

6

7

8

9 10

11

12

________________

________________ Circle Crossword

13

Across 1. An instrument used to draw circles.

2. The shape of a circle.

4. The ratio of the circumference and diameter of any circle.

6. The number of square units occupied by the space inside the circle.

8. A part of a circle named by its endpoints.

10. A location in space that has no thickness.

11. The distance from the center of a circle to any point on the circle.

12. The distance around a circle.

Down 1. A line joining two points on the circle.

3. The distance across a circle through its center.

4. A circle divides a ____ into three parts.

5. Plural for half a diameter.

7. A circle has 360 of these units.

9. A shape with all points the same distance from its center.

13. All points in a circle are the same distance from this point.

Across “Ïf we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

1. An instrument used to draw circles.

2. The shape of a circle.

-Mother Teresa

Source: www.google.com

4. The ratio of the circumference and diameter of any circle.

6. The number of square units occupied by the space inside the circle.

8. A part of a circle named by its endpoints.

10. A location in space that has no thickness.

11. The distance from the center of a circle to any point on the circle.

12. The distance around a circle.

Down 1. A line joining two points on the circle.

3. The distance across a circle through its center.

4. A circle divides a __________ into three parts.

5. Plural for half a diameter.

7. A circle has 360 of these units.

ANSWERS: 1. 3; SOLUTION: The top number minus the bottom left-hand number is multiplied by the bottom right-hand number to give the number inside the triangle; 2. Solution: The new volume is two times the square root of two, in cubic feet. That is: approximately 2.83 cubic feet; 3. Wine; 4. brilliant, curiosity, hilarious and furniture; 5. bachelorette, engagement, celebration, lingerie, and honeymoon; 6. Around the World in 80 Days; 7. Watermelon; 8. Across: 1. compass; 2. round; 4. pi; 6.area; 8.arc; 10.point; 11.radius; 12.circumference; Down: 1. chord; 3.diameter; 4. plane; 5. radii; 7. degrees; 9. circle; 13. center

9. A shape with all points the same distance from its center.

13. All points in a circle are the same distance from this point.

September - December 2012

Copyright ©2010 Mrs. Glosser’s Math Goodies, Inc.

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mathgoodies.com

feature

Temper Control Author Unknown

O

nce upon a time there was a little boy who was talented, creative, handsome, and extremely bright. A natural leader. The kind of person everyone would normally have wanted on their team or project. But he was also self-centered and had a very bad temper. When he got angry, he usually said, and often did, some very hurtful things.

In fact, he seemed to have little regard for those around him. Even friends. So, naturally, he had few.

“But,” he told himself, “that just shows how stupid most people are!”

As he grew, his parents became concerned about this personality flaw, and pondered long and hard about what they should do. Finally, the father had an idea. And he struck a bargain with his son.

He gave him a bag of nails, and a BIG hammer.

“Whenever you lose your temper,” he told the boy, “I want you to really let it out. Just take a nail and drive it into the oak boards of that old fence out back.

Hit that nail as hard as you can!”

Of course, those weathered oak boards in that old fence were almost as tough as iron, and the hammer was mighty heavy, so it wasn’t nearly as easy as it first sounded. Nevertheless, by the end of the first day, the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence (That was one angry young man!). Gradually, over a period of weeks, the number dwindled down. Holding his temper proved to be easier than driving nails into the fence! Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all. He felt

mighty proud as he told his parents about that accomplishment.

“As a sign of your success,” his father responded, “you get to PULL OUT one nail. In fact, you can do that each day that you don’t lose your temper even once.”

Well, many weeks passed. Finally one day the young boy was able to report proudly that all the nails were gone.

At that point, the father asked his son to walk out back with him and take one more good look at the fence. “You have done well, my son,” he said. “But I want you to notice the holes that are left.

No matter what happens from now on, this fence will never be the same. Saying or doing hurtful things in anger produces the same kind of result. There will always be a scar. It won’t matter how many times you say you’re sorry, or how many years pass, the scar will still be there. And a verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. People are much more valuable than an old fence. They make us smile. They help us succeed. Some will even become friends who share our joys, and support us through bad times. And, if they trust us, they will also open their hearts to us. That means we need to treat everyone with love and respect. We need to prevent as many of those scars as we can.”

A most valuable lesson, don’t you think?

And a reminder most of us need from time to time.

Everyone gets angry occasionally. The real test is what we DO with it.

If we are wise, we will spend our time building bridges rather than barriers in our relationships.

22

September - December 2012

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

Frank Sinatra’s signature song “My Way” was Elvis Presley’s best-selling posthumous hit?

an earthquake under the ocean can cause a tsunami, which travels outward in all directions up to 600 miles (970 km) per hour, the speed of a jet? When the tsunami reaches the shoreline, it suddenly rolls up to heights of over 100 feet (30 meters) causing massive destruction.

because a giant panda’s eye is a vertical slit, like many nocturnal animals it can see by day and by night?

in Iran, there is no legal category for marital rape because a woman is her husband’s property? If there are signs of abuse, male members of her family may threaten her husband, but it is not the duty of the police.

all bears are good swimmers, but the polar bear is the most efficient swimmer? It can swim up to 4-6 mph (6-10 km/hr) for 100 miles (161 km). One polar bear swam 200 miles without stopping. Polar bears can also swim very well under water.

the first case of HIV/Aids was reported in Thailand in 1984?

Thailand currently has the highest prevalence of HIV in Asia.

the first woman to rule a country as an elected leader in the modern era was Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka, who was elected as prime minister of the island nation in 1960 and later re-elected in 1970?

in November 2009, NASA declared that it had discovered water on the moon that could allow for the development of a space station on the moon? The water is billions of years old, which could give scientists clues into the history of the solar system.

Greece’s currency, the drachma, was 2,650 years old and it was Europe’s oldest currency? The drachma was replaced with the Euro in 2002.

men typically experience depression differently from women and use different means to cope? For example, while women may feel hopeless, men may feel irritable. Women may crave a listening ear, while men may become socially withdrawn, violent, or abusive.

passionate kissing burns 6.4 calories a minute? A Hershey’s kiss contains 26 calories, which takes five minutes of walking–or about four minutes of kissing–to burn off.

bullying happens not just in the United States but also all over the world? International researchers have demonstrated that bullying in schools is universal.

September - December 2012

Sources: www.specificfeeds.com and www.facts.randomhistory.com

23

FIRST PLACE Nones D. Anino Accounting and Budget Dept.

T I ES AT WO RK

THE MISSION “We commit to supply potable and affordable water 24 hours a day, deliver reliable service, operate efficiently...”

– DCWD

a Photojournalism Contest THIRD PLACE Steve D. Casabuena Accounting and Budget Dept.

SECOND PLACE Anji Laura A. Grecia Community Relations and External Affairs Dept.

CO-STEWARDS All are called to be co-stewards in maintaining our water facilities.

4th Placer “STEWARDS OF WATER PIPELINES” Jade C. Veloso, Corporate Planning Dept.

“JOURNEY WITH THE COMMUNITY” Our journey might be long and uncertain but through stewardship, Every hardship will be rewarded with partnership...

5th Placer Brighten up our minds and act TOGETHER: Be Water Conscious!

PIRD-CIU Staff, Community Relations and External Affairs Dept.

7th Placer “TUNING UP THE PRIME” Gerald P. Palmero, Engineering and Construction Dept.

8th Placer “SUWALO” Suwalo for the Obu-Manuvu children means protection in their everyday living, a new pair means a brand new beginning.

Elven S. Apor, Community Relations and External Affairs Dept.

6th Placer “THE EDUCATOR” The value of stewardship handed down to the next generation through proper education.

Edgar Octavios G. Labagala General Services Dept.

9th Placer “Stewardship of the environment is everyone’s responsibility” Rjin Adele R. Dacanay, Engineering and Construction Dept.

10th Placer “TOWERING DUTY” Mariebeth D. Braza, Engineering and Construction Dept.