Crystal Flow 2017 May - August

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Editor’s Note: Agent of change for nation building

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From the GM’s Desk: Unceasing quest for success

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Water News: Water service improves in Cabantian and Lubogan water systems

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Water News: Sustainable Water Supply for Davao City

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Water News: Saludo DCWD supports e-AlkanSSSya

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Eduardo A. Bangayan

Personnel: Capacity building for water district employees and officials

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Personnel updates

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Corporate Social Responsibility

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Water News: Brgy. Bago Aplaya makes artificial reefs with DCWD

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Water News: Two colleges host DCWD’s Kalikabildo

WHAT’S INSIDE? Water News: Employees rehab Malagos Watershed Park PWC supports Adopt-a-Site project

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CSR Corner: Quality education through water and sanitation

Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, MPA Secretary

Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera Member

Helen D. Paguican, CESO V, PhD Member

TOP MANAGEMENT Engr. Edwin V. Regalado, MPA General Manager

Alfonso E. Laid, CSEE, CPA Assistant General Manager for Administration

Engr. Exequiel B. Homez

OIC-Office of the Assistant General Manager for Operations

Mildred G. Aviles, DM-HRM, CPA OIC, Office of the Assistant General Manager for Finance

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS Arnold D. Navales, CPA Paquito C. Ebero

GAD Talks: Unearthing the Gender-Water Connection in Brgy. Gatungan

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Legally Speaking: Filipino First!

Water News: Fifteen schools join #YouthActTayo Campaign DCWD supports Sayawitan 2017

Vice-Chairperson

Special Project/s, Office of the General Manager

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Chairperson

Atty. Abdul M. Dataya

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Commercial Services

Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr.

Community Relations & External Affairs/ Official Spokesperson

Ariel L. Noble, MBA Corporate Planning

Bernadette A. Dacanay, DBA, MA-Hum Finance & Property

Fun and Games Opis Dey

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Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD

Roberto S. De los Reyes, LLB General Services

Atty. Richard D. Tumanda Legal

Engr. Rey C. Chavez, MAURP

Pipelines & Appurtenances Maintenance

Engr. Noel C. Montaña Production

Hilton P. Husain, MBA, CPA OIC, Accounting

ABOUT THE COVER Cover concept: Jonas A. Capute Jr. The cover shows DCWD’s concerted efforts in rehabilitating and protecting the major water sources in Davao City.

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.

Engr. Oscar C. Dela Cruz, MSERM OIC, Engineering & Construction

Ruth G. Jabines, DM-HRM, MBA OIC, Human Resource

Engr. Reynaldo M. Petalcorin OIC, Information & Communications Technology

Engr. Arnold P. Sarabia, MPA OIC, Internal Audit

EDITORIAL BOARD ATTY. BERNARDO D. DELIMA JR.

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

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

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

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY Service with Dignity and Honor 2

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Editor-in-Chief

JOVANA CRESTA T. DUHAYLUNGSOD Managing Editor

JAMAE CONCEPCION G. DELA CRUZ News Editor

KATRINA BELEN M. ROBLE Features Editor

JOHN WINSTON ANTHONY C. AJERO II Copy Editor

JERELL J. LEONIDA Circulation Chief

JONAS A. CAPUTE JR. Artist

Editor’s Note

Agent of change for nation building

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ater districts, as the major water provider in the country, play a very crucial role in growth and development. Thus, DCWD strives to ensure water resource sustainability in Davao City that is fast evolving into a bastion of economic growth in Asia.

But more than just a water service provider, we are also committed to become an agent of change to aid Davao City and the rest of the country in nation building.

This issue highlights our undertakings together with our stakeholders as we realize our goal to effect holistic, equal, and positive change in the city.

This we do by providing very satisfactory service, protecting and rehabilitating the water sources, and improving the way of life of communities aided by the global sustainable development goals.

We have just finished the second quarter of the year and there are still a few months left in 2017. With these accomplishments thus far, we are very positive that this year is going to be a blast, surpassing our expectation of getting better.

Indeed, DCWD always ensures that it will always be for the people and the environment.

ATTY. BERNARDO D. DELIMA JR.

Manager, Community Relations and External Affairs Department publicinfo@davao-water.gov.ph

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From the GM’s Desk

Unceasing quest for success

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his year opened with a lot of challenges, but it is with much confidence and pride that I can say that we were able to overcome them one by one.

The first eight months of our operation was also an opportunity for us to work hard to improve our operation and services, protect the water sources of Davao City, and promote positive, equal, and sustainable development to various sectors.

For some people or organizations, these positive outcomes may tempt them to sit back and take respite for a while, but not the DCWD family.

More than ever, we acknowledge that there is still so much to be done. We have more areas to cover, service connections that need to have 24-hours water supply and improved water quality, continuing quest to be an efficient government entity, among others.

To borrow the words of a famous statesman, “Success is not final.” This means that whenever we achieve something we have all worked hard for, we do not stop striving for excellence. We cannot sit back and bask on the accomplishments we already achieved.

Thus, I enjoin the DCWD family to move forward, continue to hustle, push further, and earn more achievements.

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO General Manager ogm@davao-water.gov.ph

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Water News

Water service improves in Cabantian and Lubogan water systems

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by Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz

abantian and Lubogan water supply systems (WSS) customers thanked DCWD for improving water service in their respective areas after the completion of various improvement works and interventions addressing water demand and supply issues.

24-hours water service in Cabantian WSS

DCWD has finally lifted the 12-hour rotational water supply schedule in Cabantian WSS that was implemented in April 2016 to equally distribute water supply after the water yield of the three production wells reduced to around 47%. Also conducted were alternating water deliveries to the severely affected areas.

According to GM Edwin V. Regalado, “The rotational water schedule and the water deliveries were only temporary solutions while more sustainable interventions were being completed.”

These interventions included augmenting the water supply through the temporary operation of Indangan Production Well No. 4 and hauling of water from DCWD’s Panorama Reservoir to Cabantian WSS’ reservoir, and lessening the service connections under Cabantian WSS by temporarily transferring 850 service connections to Panacan WSS. True enough, when these interventions were implemented, they were effective in bridging the gap between water supply and demand.

DCWD field men expedites pipelaying works in Purok 6 in Brgy. Communal to transfer some connections in Cabantian WSS to Panacan WSS.

Another intervention that is yet to be completed at yearend is the pipelaying works to transfer 913 service connections to Dumoy WSS. Also on-going is the regular mainline maintenance in order to address water quality concerns.

Further improvements are yet to be realized once the construction of the facilities of two production wells with their own water treatment plant is completed in 2018 and the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD in 2019.

Additional water supply for Lubogan WSS DCWD also received reports of water service improvements from some customers served by Lubogan WSS after the operation of a new water source in Purok 6, Brgy. Baliok. The construction of facilities was completed on July 5, 2017, earlier than the September 2017 target.

This new water source named Dumoy Production Well No. 39 supplies around 5,400 cubic meters of water per day to ______ service connections while improving water supply of _____ service connections previously experiencing low water pressure especially during peak hours of water use.

More challenges to overcome Even with these improvements, DCWD is still poised to work double-time. GM Regalado noted that these accomplishments and the reception of the people further inspire the water utility to deliver quality service to all its customers.

(mid and bottom pic) The new water source adds water supply and improves pressure in areas served by Lubogan WSS.

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Water News 6

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Water News

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Water News

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o commemorate the Philippine National Flag Days 2017, Davao City Water District launched Saludo on June 5 during its employees convocation.

Saludo is DCWD’s office-wide campaign to pay respect to the Philippine National Flag and express patriotism as the country celebrated the 119th Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

by John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II

The management headed by GM Edwin V. Regalado (7th from L) leads the saludo ceremony.

Employees recite the Panunumpa sa Watawat.

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A DCWD employee installs a flaglet on a service vehicle.

Culminating the campaign was a special flag retreat held on June 16 which was also attended by the employees.

by John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II

avao City Water District signed a memorandum of agreement with the Social Security System on May 9 in support of the latter’s e-AlkanSSSya program.

Under the agreement, DCWD will facilitate the membership of DCWD Job Order Employees (JOE) to SSS and payment of monthly contributions through automatic salary deduction.

This will give them social protection such as disability, death, and retirement benefits.

To avail of the e-AlkanSSSya program, JOEs need to volunteer.

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Philippine flaglets are seen in DCWD’s offices and collection centers.

Starting the campaign was a flag raising ceremony followed by an orientation on the Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines by Human Resource Department officerin-charge Ruth G. Jabines.

Employees also installed Philippine flaglets within the offices and collection centers and on service vehicles to symbolize strengthened commitment to public service.

Signing on behalf of DCWD were acting GM Mildred G. Aviles and Human Resource Department officer-in-charge Ruth G. Jabines while Davao City branch head Rizalito Alberto C. De Leon and Southern Mindanao division head Atty. Emmanuel R. Palma represented SSS. According to acting GM Aviles, the DCWD management fully supports initiatives such as the e-AlkanSSSya and other SSS programs as these complement its efforts to improve the welfare and benefits of its employees.

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Acting GM Mildred G. Aviles and SSS Southern Mindanao division head Atty.

Emmanuel R. Palma join hands after signing the agreement.

(L to R, seated) Acting GM Aviles, SSS Southern Mindanao division head Atty.

Emmanuel R. Palma, SSS Davao City branch head Rizalito Alberto C. De Leon, and Human Resource Department officer-in-charge Ruth G. Jabines ink the agreement witnessed by DCWD and SSS employees.

Personnel

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avao City Water District’s Regional Training Center has conducted 19 trainings for midyear 2017 participated in by 1,159 employees and officials from water districts around the country. Three were Local Water Utilities Administration - Regional Training Center trainings, two special projects, and 14 inhouse trainings.

For LWUA-RTC trainings, seminars on Water Meter Management, GenderResponsive Planning and Budgeting, and Advance Policymakers were given to 169 external partners.

as the ISO Assessment of the DCWD Calibration Laboratory, plan validations, and performance evaluations.

The DCWD RTC continues the legacy of creating and leading useful trainings and programs to internal and external partners as it moves forward to the last chapter of 2017 with more programs installed for everyone.

For the special projects, these included the separate teambuilding activities for all departments to promote sound working environment and the product presentation of the Power and Control Specialist, Inc. given to selected DCWD employees.

The in-house trainings included orientation and facilities tour of the newly hired Job Order Employees; orientation on Government Service Insurance System, new ticketing scheme, and revised DCWD Citizens’ Charter, among others; workshop on corporate communications; writeshop on Water Safety Plan Standard Operating Procedures; training on defensive driving; extensive orientation on public service; and a series of assessment for the betterment of DCWD service such

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Personnel 10

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Personnel

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Water News

by Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz

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ive puroks submitted one artificial reef entry for the first round of judging on July 28 for Davao City Water District’s Artificial Reefs Making Contest in Brgy. Bago Aplaya. Participants were Purok 13-Seaside, Purok 14-Saavedra, Purok 17-Bliss, Purok 19-Balai, and Purok 21-D’Garden.

Each reef represented the participating purok’s concept of an effective man-made structure that will enhance fish habitat.

These reefs were then installed in Brgy. Bago Aplaya’s Marine Protected Area in August.

construction of artificial reefs and identification of strategic installation site. Site survey and GPS mapping and orientation on artificial reefs making were earlier conducted in May.

Participants from Purok 19-Balai gets help in hauling their entry.

Judging the artificial reefs based on functionality and concept and originality were Raul C. Millana, head of the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); Aimee C. Evora, Marine Protected Area (MPA) coordinator of the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAO); and Dominic Jone C. Cabactulan of the Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

DCWD has been working closely with these agencies in their capacity as members of Davao City Coastal Resource Management-Technical Working Group which has the collective expertise and jurisdiction over MPAs in the city to ensure proper

A community Zumba was also organized as part of DCWD’s year round 2Big Campaign of collecting discarded plastic bottles to be recycled into chairs for upland schools. Around 200 residents participated and traded their plastic bottles for freebies bearing water conservation and environment protection messages.

On behalf of DCWD management, official spokesperson Atty. Bernardo D. Delima Jr. thanked Brgy. Capt.

Cristito B. Lazaro who also graced the activity for hosting DCWD’s community-based endeavors as well as the partner agencies. DCWD also thanked the Office of the City Mayor for its support and for the free lugaw.

The five purok participants received consolation prizes and DCWD customized IEC materials. For the second round of judging, the judges will be doing an underwater survey in October to determine the points for environmental compatibility and durability and stability. The winners will be named and awarded during the culmination of DCWD’s 2Big Campaign.

Purok 21-D’Garden, Purok 19-Balai, Purok 14-Saavedra, Purok 17-Bliss, and Purok 13-Seaside submit their entries for the first round of judging .

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Water News

by John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II

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ollege students pledged to help protect the environment and conserve water after participating in Davao City Water District Kalikabildo environment forum held in Christian Colleges of Southeast Asia on June 28 and in Jose Maria College on July 14.

The students pinned their promises on the Blue Hands Commitment Wall, which is DCWD’s information drive that challenges all sectors to pledge for the environment.

Kalikabildo is a portmanteau of the Tagalog word kalikasan which means nature and the Cebuano word kabildo which means discourse.

For many years now, DCWD has been conducting said forum in time for the Philippine Environment Month celebration, which for this year was themed “Connecting people to nature”.

The forum served as an avenue to discuss Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Groundwater Management toward Davao City’s Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD, and water conservation. All the lectures were aimed to encourage the students to give utmost importance to water resources.

Lectures were given by Planning Section Officerin-Charge Engr. Christine S. Guarde, Water Quality Management officer Engr. Ricardo P. Corcino, Public Information / Relations Division OIC Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod, and Public Information Unit OIC Jamae Concepcion G. Dela Cruz.

The students then participated in an exercise where they answered questions pertaining to the lectures. Also, an exhibit was installed to showcase Kalikabildo’s history and topics and water conservation tips.

All students were given DCWD customized Information, Education, and Communication materials bearing environment protection messages.

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Water News

Employees rehabs Malagos Waterhshed Park

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hirty five selected Davao City Water District employees planted ornamentals at the Malagos Watershed Park on June 23 as part of the Philippine Environment Month celebration.

by John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II

Around 2,300 ornamental seedlings and cuttings of Acaleipa, Australian Peanut, Magic Rose, Mandalosa, Mayana, San Francisco, and St. Peter and other assorted ornamentals were planted to rehabilitate the park.

Before the planting proper, City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) Parks and Playground Division manager Engr. Benita V. Matuguinas led the discussion among the participants on

the importance of parks in urban and rural communities while DCWD Watershed Management chief Engr. Lorna M. Maxino gave an orientation on DCWD’s rehabilitation projects in the Malagos Watershed.

Landscape artists from CENRO were also present to assist in the arrangement and classification of plants.

The activity is among the various projects of the water utility to help rehabilitate Davao City’s watersheds.

Another set of employees will join a planting activity on November 17 as part of DCWD’s celebration of Davao City’s Water Consciousness Month in November.

PWC supports Adopt-a-Site Project

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avao City Water District enlisted the support of Philippine Women’s College (PWC) as the 57th adopter of DCWD’s Adopt-aSite project in the Malagos Watershed.

The memorandum of agreement formalizing this partnership was signed on July 31. Present during the signing ceremony were GM Edwin V. Regalado and the

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OIC of PWC’s Office of the Community Extension Dr. Eufrosina P. Mines.

Under the agreement, PWC will rehabilitate one hectare of land in Malagos Watershed through planting and maintenance activities supervised by DCWD. This role is geared toward DCWD’s strategy of reforestation of open lands or brush lands with suitable forest and fruit tree species.

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To date, a total of 80.5 hectares in Malagos Watershed has been adopted by various government and private entities.

Aside from its Adopt-a-Site projects, DCWD also conducts regular community-based water quality monitoring to engage the local government units and Indigenous Peoples organizations in ensuring the safety of water resources.

Resource mapping workshops and orientations on the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene are also incorporated in the water quality monitoring programs, the most recent of which were conducted in May and June 2017 in Brgy. Manuel Guianga, Brgy. Tambobong, and Brgy.

Tungkalan.

Water News

Fifteen schools join #YouthActTayo campaign

by Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod

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welve public and three private schools in the three congressional districts in Davao City signified their support to Davao City Water District’s Youth Act Tayo campaign which is a competition that aims to acknowledge the best schoolbased environment initiatives implemented in the city. These schools attended the Adviser’s Orientation at Lispher Inn on July 24.

Resource Management, Pollution Control, and Education and Advocacy.

Participating schools will be judged according to Environment benefits, Sustainability, Replicability, and Innovation.

The top three finalists will be awarded each with PhP15,000 and a plaque while the fourth to

tenth placers will each be given PhP5,000. Consolation prizes at PhP1,000 will be given to non-winning entries.

Among the component of the campaign is the use of the social media platform, Facebook, to publicize the initiatives of the participating schools. The entry with the most number of reach and

interactions will also be awarded with PhP3,000.

Judging of entries will be done on November 6 to 10.

A final defense for the top ten entries shall also be conducted on November 28 while the awarding of winners will be done in November 30.

The first #YouthActTayo campaign was launched during the Eco Camp on April 21 to 23 at the Malagos Park.

In said campaign, the contestants will be submitting various activities that promote environmental protection and rehabilitation conducted in and outside their schools.

These activities may be of these various initiatives: Forest-based, Organic Agriculture, Energy and Water Conservation, Marine

DCWD supports Sayawitan 2017

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avao City Water District was among the many agencies that supported the Sayawitan 2017 held on July 17 at the SM City Davao Annex. Said event was among the activities prepared for the celebration of the 39th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week 2017.

Themed “Karapatan at Pribilehiyo ng Maykapansanan: Isakatuparan at Ipaglaban”, the

by John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II

event gave children who are differently abled the opportunity to showcase their talents in singing and dancing.

Aside from the talent show, there were also free checkups for the participants and consultations with medical specialists.

Winners for the various competitions were: Bolton Elementary School for the Ethnic/Folk Dance competition,

Jullian Krist D. Sundo of Sta. Ana ES for the Solo Singing Competition for the Visually Impaired, Alliya Ruiz of F. Bangoy ES for the Solo Singing Competition for Children with Intellectual Disability, and Bolton ES for the Modern Dance Competition. RCWWD Community Service Director Elsie Libron served as one of the judges.

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CSR Corner

Quality education through water and sanitation

by John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II

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s part of its continuing effort to help achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, DCWD utilizes strategies that engage community participation and stewardship in rehabilitating and protecting the major water sources in the city.

Among these strategies is the education portal of its Corporate Social Responsibility Program that also advocates for SDG No. 4: Quality Education.

Aside from inspiring beneficiaries of the program to continue their schooling and providing them opportunities to obtain college degrees, it also strengthens the partnership that DCWD has with its partner communities in the watershed areas as well as with its partner schools in other parts of the city and with the Department of Education.

Bagobo-Tagabawa scholars finish college Two members of the Bagobo-Tagabawa ethnic group and beneficiaries of Davao City Water District’s College Scholarship for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) graduated from the University of Southeastern Philippines - Mintal Campus on June 22.

Chona B. Desierto and Emma I. Tungkalan finished with bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration major in Agricultural Business Management.

Both scholars thanked DCWD for the support it has given, particularly, the free tuition and miscellaneous fees and uniform, textbook, transportation, meal, and housing allowances throughout their college years.

DCWD College Scholarship for IPs started in 2004 and has produced 12 graduates to date. The program is intended for all members of the IP communities and Muslims who reside in the District of Toril, Tugbok, Baguio, Calinan, and Marilog. At present, DCWD supports 15 continuing IP scholars and will be welcoming five new scholars for the school year 2017 to 2018.

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CSR Corner

School supplies donated to 1,100 elem pupils In preparation for the school year 2017 to 2018, school supplies were donated to around 1,100 elementary schoolchildren.

Distributed were school bags, notebooks, papers, pencils, and ballpens to grades one to six pupils on May 24 in Brgy.

Manuel Guianga, May 25 in Daliaon Plantation, June 1 in Brgy. Tungkalan, June 2 in Malagos Watershed, and June 3 in Brgy. Tambobong.

Aside from its watershed partners, DCWD also gave away notebooks, pencils, and crayons to Brgy. Tibungco pupils through the Carmelite Sisters of the Sacred Heart on May 30 and school bags to pupils in Lampianao Elementary School in Calinan District on June 10.

Support to DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela 2017 Water tanks and gallons of paint were donated to some public schools in Davao City in support to the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela 2017 conducted from May 15 to 20.

One water tank was provided each to Baracayo and Tungkalan elementary schools and Bernardo Carpio and Tungkalan national high schools and at least five gallons of paint each to V.L. Aliongto, Bankas Heights, J. Bastida, Ladian, and Pichon elementary schools and E. J. Estipona, F. Bangoy, F. Bustamante, Crossing Bayabas, Marahan, Marilog, and Davao City national high schools.

The support to DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela 2017 is in line with the Adopt-a-School Act of 1998 which allows various agencies to help, upgrade, and modernize public schools in the country.

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GAD Talks 20

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IN SUMMARY

The PLA methodologies, Pairwise Ranking tool, and Problem Wall and Solution Tree tool showed various water insecurity issues falling under water availability, quality, accessibility, and utilization.

The issues were then ranked and their corresponding effect to the roles performed by women, men, old-timers, and children.

These water insecurities aggravated the issue of gender inequality among men and women.

The results of the GA clearly showed the picture of an interchanging reality between water and gender. Gender roles are shaped by water and vice-versa.

Further, the results also called for a gender responsive and sensitive program planning, implementation, and evaluation in the context of water.

For the group with mixed participants of women and men, the top concern was the lack of access to sources of drinking water.

One of the respondents expressed:

GAD Talks

WATER INSECURITY ISSUES

DCWD believes that a gender-sensitive program planning and implementation provides more room for people to grow and develop then ultimately propel development for everyone.

“Kalisod sa tubig nga mainom, layo kaayo pas-anon,lisod kaayo”. (We experience difficulty in accessing potable water. We have to haul water from a very distant place. It is indeed very difficult.)

For women, the lack of access to sources of drinking water created additional burden in their performance of domestic roles. The problem ultimately led to susceptibility of family members to water-borne diseases and inharmonious family relations.

For men, the issue of inaccessible water sources resulted to physical exhaustion leading to difficulties in performing productive activities for the family.

Children’s performance in school was also affected by the same issue.

For the other groups, top water issue was the insufficient quantity of water.

Data revealed that the problem affected women more. The lack of available water for domestic use created extra burden on women’s performance of domestic roles.

Women had shorter time for sleep as they had to wait for the schedule of water service. Their participation on various community and political activities were also lessened as they had to re-think ways to address problems on water.

The lack of water supply worsened the situation of women during monthly period.

The time for personal care and rest were lessened and limited.

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Legally Speaking

Filipino First!

by Jerell L. Leonida

S

ometime in September 1995, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) decided to sell 30% to 51% of the issued and outstanding shares of Manila Hotel Corporation (MHC) through public bidding pursuant to the privatization program of the government.

The winning bidder would provide management expertise, international marketing, reservation system, financial support, and eventually would become a strategic partner to strengthen the profitability and performance of the Manila Hotel.

There were only two bidders.

One was Manila Prince Hotel Corporation (Manila Prince), a Filipino corporation, which offered to buy 51% of the MHC or 15,300,000 shares at PhP41.58 per share. The other was Renong Berhad, a Malaysian firm, which offered PhP44.00 per share for the same number of shares.

Considering that Renong Berhad’s offer is PhP2.42 higher than of Manila Prince’s, it was already evident who the winning bidder was. However, before any other transactions could take place, GSIS had to award the contract first to the declared winning bidder that had to comply with the pertinent provisions of the bidding rules prepared by GSIS.

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Pending the declaration of Renong Berhad as the winning bidder and the execution of necessary contracts, Manila Prince wrote a letter to GSIS matching Renong Berhad’s bid price of PhP44.00 per share and subsequently sending a managers check amounting to P33,000,000.00 as Bid Security.

However, GSIS disregarded Manila Prince’s matching bid giving the latter a cause of action and filed before the Supreme Court a petition for prohibition and mandamus, thus prohibiting GSIS to consummate the contract with Renong Berhard.

In this case, Manila Prince Hotel (petitioner) vs. GSIS et. al (G.R. No. 122156), Manila Prince invoked the Filipino First Policy provision as enshrined in Section 10, second paragraph., Article XII, of the 1987 Constitution, “in the grant of rights, privileges, and concessions covering national economy and patrimony, the State shall give preference to qualified Filipinos.”

Manila Prince proved its ground to be preferred over the foreign bidder by that Manila Hotel, being a historical monument that reflect the vibrancy of Philippine heritage and culture of Filipinos, is covered under national patrimony and its operation as a business hotel that contributes to the tourism industry is covered under national economy.

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In defence, GSIS maintained that Manila Hotel did not fall under national economy and patrimony as it does not belong to “lands and natural resources of the nation”.

The prayer of Manila Prince was answered, as the court agreed that patrimony pertains to heritage. As explained in the case, “The patrimony of the nation that should be conserved and developed refers not only to our rich natural resources but also to the cultural heritage of our race. It also refers to our intelligence in arts, sciences and letters.” Thus, the decision favoured Manila Prince ordering GSIS to cease and desist from selling 51% of the shares of the Manila Hotel to Renong Berhad, accept the matching bid of the petitioner Manila Prince Hotel, and thereafter execute the necessary agreements and documents to effect the sale.

The ruling of the court was in adherence to the doctrine of constitutional supremacy. It is a basic principle in constitutional law that all laws and contracts must conform with the fundamental law of the land.

In the case between GSIS and Manila Hotel, the court did not intend to discourage foreign bidders and investors. Rather, it issued a clear reminder to all business entities that intend to venture into business in a foreign land to be mindful of the laws of the land that govern government contracts. For the Philippines, it is the Filipino First Policy.

The court considered the possibility of bigger profits and employment, however, what was more important was to respect and protect the sanctity of the Constitution as an elderly watchman of the nation. That is to uphold the constitution and choose dignity over profit.

In fact, the court left questions before rendering the final judgment. “How much of national pride will vanish if the nations cultural heritage is entrusted to a foreign entity?

On the other hand, how much dignity will be preserved and realized if the national patrimony is safekept in the hands of a qualified, zealous and well-meaning Filipino?”

Words and lines taken from Manila Prince Hotel (petitioner) vs. GSIS et. al (G.R. No. 122156)

Fun and Games

FIND THE HIDDEN MESSAGE

by encircling all the names of the trees in the grid.

APPLE ELM PECAN APRICOT FIR PLUM ASH GINKGO PINE ASPEN GOLDENRAIN POPLAR ARBORVITAE HAZELNUT REDBUD BALD CYPRESS HEMLOCK RUBBER TREE BEECH HICKORY SEQUOIA BIRCH LARCH SPRUCE BOXWOOD LINDEN SYCAMORE BUCKEYE LONDON PLANE TULIPTREE BUTTERNUT MAPLE WALNUT CATALPA NECTARINE WITCHHAZEL CEDAR OAK WILLOW CHERRY PALM YELLOWWOOD CHESTNUT PEACH COTTONWOOD PEAR

GUESS THE WORD!

Use the image clues to guess the phrases!

decrypting the cryptogram

A cryptogram is a text written in code used by experts in leaving messages that only a limited few can decode. Are you one of those chosen few? Try decoding the cryptogram below: CLUE: V = A

SAM QOBRAGVSLGOS SJPU AGO QVSGMES OAM DVO OCTTMLGEN TLJK V OQPGS QMLOJEVPGSB. OAM LMQPGMU, “QVLS JT KM VNLMMO DGSA BJC. HCS SAM JSAML QVLS JT KM DJCPU PGXM V OMRJEU QGEGJE.”

Answers: The hidden message is A SOCIETY GROWS GREAT WHEN OLD MEN PLANT TREES WHOSE SHADE THEY KNOW THEY SHALL NEVER SIT IN; Guess the word: (from the top, left to right) seven seas, split level, you’re out of touch, life begins at 40, lucky break, he’s beside himself, just around the corner, apple pie, six feet underground, backward glance, jack-in-a-box, broken promise, three degrees below zero, neon lights, making up for lost time, up before eight, forgive and forget, tricycle, reading between the lines, crossroads, see-through blouse, just between you and me, one in a million, & broken promise; Decrypting the cryptogram: The psychiatrist told his patient she was suffering from a split personality. She replied, “Part of me agrees with you. But the other part of me would like a second opinion.”

Opis Dey

Sources: http://www.word-game-world.com http://www.puzzles.ca http:// http://tablequiz.net

MAY - AUGUST 2017

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