Crystal Flow 2016 September - December

Vol. XXIV No. 3

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

WHAT’S INSIDE 3 Editor’s Note - In retrospect 4 From the GM’s Desk - We carry on 5 CSC revalidates DCWD Level 2 accreditation 6 Additional water supply for Dumoy WSS

Offsite customer support services within your reach 7 Back-to-back launching of DCWD Citizen’s Charter and CNA 8 DCWD officials return to service 9 Thank you, SerJun! 10 Personnel 12 DCWD Fast Facts 2016 14 DCWD training center outstanding RTC of 2015 15 kNow H2O One Drop, One Life: Conserve Water. Live Better.

18 Employees unite for 43rd anniv 19 Paskong DCWD! 20 GAD Talks - Looking through a Gender Lens 21 Feature - Dear 2016 22 Water Conservation Tips 23 Fun and Games 24 Did you know that…

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eduardo A. Bangayan Chairperson Atty. Abdul M. Dataya Vice-Chairperson

Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, MPA Secretary

Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera Member

Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. Member

TOP MANAGEMENT

Mildred G. Aviles, DM-HRM, CPA Acting 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

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS

Arnold D. Navales, CPA Special Project/s, Office of the General Manager

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

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

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.

Hilton P. Husain, MBA, CPA OIC, Accounting

Engr. Ruth Agnes G. Chavez, MPA OIC, Commercial Services 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

CORE STRATEGY Cover concept: Jonas A. Capute Jr. Model: Xenia Ysabelle Y. Lupo

ABOUT THE COVER

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

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY

Service with Dignity and Honor

The cover portrays the importance and immediacy of knowing how to conserve water and to protect the environment at one’s early age.

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.

VOL. XXIV NO. 3

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

Editorial Board editor-in-chief ATTY. BERNARDO D. DELIMA JR. managing editor JOVANA CRESTA T.

DUHAYLUNGSOD associate editor MADONNA C. LLAGUNO news editor JAMAE CONCEPCION G. DELA CRUZ features editor KATRINA BELEN M. ROBLE copy editor JOHN WINSTON ANTHONY C. AJERO II circulation chief JERELL J. LEONIDA artist JONAS A. CAPUTE JR.

Editor’s Note

In retrospect

K

udos DCWD for the 94% customer satisfaction rating we received in the recently conducted rider survey. What better way to cap the year than getting a very satisfactory assessment from the very people we serve?

This is just the icing that topped all our accomplishments in 2016 as we also received back-to-back commendations for our human resource management system and Regional Training Center.

Alongside reaping these recognitions, we remain steadfast in our commitment to continue improving all facets of our operation particularly in streamlining and upgrading of our services, improving water availability in our service coverage, raising awareness on water and environment issues among various sectors, prioritizing the well-being and development of employees, and fostering unity and cooperation in the DCWD family.

The last quarter also saw us bid adieu to one of our esteemed directors, however, it was a homecoming to four of our DCWD officials.

These are but highlights of the year that passed and this issue has tried to capture DCWD’s collective efforts. However, words can only do so much.

Thus, as you read every page, may you share with us the smiles on our faces and the pride in our hearts as we highlight these recognitions and accomplishments because these prove that DCWD is on the right track in providing quality water service to the Davaoeños. S

ATTY. BERNARDO D. DELIMA JR. publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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From the GM’s Desk

We carry on O

rganizational challenges. This can very well sum up the last quarter of 2016 for Davao City Water District.

There were challenges in our operations particularly in improving water access and availability, water quality, and water loss management.

We saw movements in the organization, however, we stayed focused on our goals and was even more productive.

Water production increased by 6% with the operation of Dumoy production well no. 38. Water level of the twin Panorama reservoirs reached their highest peak causing more areas being supplied by Dumoy Line 2 to enjoy 24-hours of water supply.

We continue to implement various facilities to improve supply in our existing water systems. Improvement of our transmission mains and construction of reservoirs are underway to prepare the water systems for the bulk water supply in 2019.

Our implementation of Citizen’s Charter to ensure efficient delivery of frontline services was confirmed by our customers with a 94.2% overall satisfactory rating.

Our partnership with NAMADACWAD with the signing of Collective Negotiation Agreement for 2016-2019 reflects the collaborative efforts for the welfare of all employees.

Our strategic Performance Management System recognized by the Civil Service Commission is an indication that employee performances are important to attain the vision, mission, and goals of DCWD. The commendation allows us to take final action on appointments. Our Regional Training Center was awarded as Outstanding. These recognitions affirm an efficient human resource management system.

MILDRED G. AVILES Acting General Manager

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From all of these, we can see the importance of clear and functional systems and policies that guide our operations. A unified direction enables us to withstand challenges and to be resilient. We look at organizational challenges with the mindset that there is always a solution as long as we work together.

Thus, as we look back on the year that was and what we have accomplished together, I would like to thank everyone for your resilience and competent performance. Let us look forward to the New Year with the goal to continuously strive for excellence and to be a more responsive water utility. S

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

water news

CSC revalidates DCWD Level 2 accreditation Acting GM Mildred G. Aviles (3rd from R) with DCWD HRD officers receives the certificate of recognition from CSC Region XI headed by Dir. Annabelle B. Rosell (2nd from R).

The Human Resource Department headed by OIC Ruth G. Jabines (9th from L) is recognized by the management for maintaining DCWD’s Level 2 accreditation.

T

he Civil Service Commission (CSC) conferred Davao City Water District with Maturity Level 2 in Performance Management System under the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource Management (PRIME-HRM). The certificate of recognition was awarded on September 30 during the Philippine Civil Service anniversary culmination, revalidating DCWD’s Level 2 accreditation first granted in 2014.

The certification means that the water utility is satisfactorily implementing human resource management systems and programs prescribed by the CSC. Thus, DCWD is continually granted the authority to take final action on appointments.

Resource Department OIC Dr. Ruth G. Jabines and Human Resource Management Division OIC Nancy M. Solanoy.

During the October employees convocation of the water utility, the award was presented to the employees affirming the importance of their individual performance to attain the vision, mission, and goals of DCWD through the strategic performance management system in place.

PRIME-HRM is a mechanism to assess an agency’s human resource management competencies, systems, and practices toward human resource excellence. It covers all government agencies including government-owned or controlled corporations. (Jamae

Receiving the award on behalf of DCWD was G. Dela Cruz) S acting GM Mildred G. Aviles together with the Human

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D

Additional water supply for Dumoy WSS

avao City Water District’s Dumoy Water Supply System (WSS) Production Well No. 38 located at Bacanaya Compound in Brgy. Catalunan Pequeùo was commissioned to operate on October 19. The project started on October 5, 2015 and was completed on August 9, 2016.

The PhP28.5million facility that has a production capacity of 1,200 gallons per minute would increase water supply in areas served by Line 2 of Dumoy WSS. With this additional water source, far and elevated portions of

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SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

the north areas in Davao City served by said water supply system will experience longer hours of water availability and increased pressure.

Present during the commissioning were the OIC of

the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Operations Engr. Exequiel B. Homez, Operation and Maintenance Division manager Engr. Amaure Demarmoser D. Dalisay Jr., and Project Monitoring Office construction manager Engr.

George Christopher D. Atencio Jr. (Katrina Belen M. Roble) S

Meanwhile, the CNA for 2016 to 2019 forged between DCWD management and labor union, the Nagkahiusang Mamumu-o sa Davao City Water District (NAMADACWAD), articulates the collaborative efforts to improve the working conditions of employees in terms of welfare, benefits, professional growth, and development. Signatories were GM Edwin V. Regalado, NAMADACWAD president Rodrigo L. Aranjuez, and

The revised Citizen’s Charter comes with the respective management and labor panels. upgrading of DCWD’s customer services which include Witnessing the back-to-back launching were the improvements in the duration of transactions and streamlining of procedures in the application of services Board of Directors vice-chairperson and Personnel such as the New Service Connection, Change of Account Committee chairperson Atty. Abdul M. Dataya and Name, and Senior Citizen Discount Privilege. Also added guests Civil Service Commission Region XI director are the payment channels in DCWD Felcris Toril office and Annabelle B. Rosell and Davao City Field Office director Felcris Centrale and SM Lanang Premier collection centers Minda Garcia-Ostique who all congratulated the and online water bills payment facility via Landbank of the Philippines’ iAccess and weAccess. It also features the management and employees for the two successful email callcenter@davao-water.gov.ph and chat via DCWD undertakings. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) S website as additional offsite customer support channels.

Back-to-back launching of DCWD Citizen’s Charter and CNA The water utilit the 116th Philippi y takes part in anniversary celeb ne Civil Service ra improvements in tion through services in the re its customer vised DCWD Citizen’s Charter.

GM Edwin V. Regalado and NAMADACWAD president Rodrigo L. Aranjuez (5th & 6th from R) head the signing of DCWD’s Collective Negotiation Agreement together with the management and labor panels.

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water news

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he 2016 Citizen’s Charter and Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) for 2016 to 2019 of Davao City Water District were launched in a back-toback ceremony during the employees convocation on September 9 in time for the celebration of the 116th Philippine Civil Service anniversary themed Sigaw ng Lingkod Bayani: Malasakit Para sa Taumbayan, Kapwa Kawani, at Kalikasan.

water news

DCWD officials return to service

(From L) Utility Maintenance Division manager Engr. Rosindo J. Almonte, AGM-A Alfonso E. Laid, Special Project/s under the Office of the General Manager DM Arnold D. Navales, and Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Department manager Engr. Rey C. Chavez.

A

GM-A Alfonso E. Laid, department managers Engr.

Rey C. Chavez and Arnold D. Navales, and division manager Engr. Rosindo J. Almonte were welcomed by the DCWD family during the employees convocation last October 4 following their reinstatement into service effective September 26, 2016.

of the departments under the of the Office of the Ombudsman of administration group, Engr. Chavez Mindanao dated October 26, 2007 for the Pipelines and Appurtenances and November 28, 2007. (Jovana T. Maintenance Department (PAMD), Duhaylungsod) S DM Navales for Special Project/s under the Office of the General Manager, and Engr. Almonte for the Utility Maintenance Division under PAMD.

Their reinstatement was decided by the Supreme Court after finding the elements of bad faith and corruption as absent in the case filed against them along with other officials who have already retired and separated from service. Said case emanated from infrastructure development projects that DCWD undertook in 1997 in the Cabantian Water Supply System.

On behalf of the group, AGM-A Laid shared how grateful they are for having been given an opportunity to return into office. He said that the welcome they received felt like a homecoming to a family whose support has not wavered.

This being said, he expressed their commitment to fast-track their mainstreaming into the operation for them to be able to efficiently

This decision of the Supreme contribute to the water utility.

Court nullifies the ruling of the

In their reinstatement, Court of Appeals dated December AGM-A Laid serves as the head 6, 2010 which affirmed the decision 8

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

AGM-A Laid talks on behalf of the reinstated officials during the convocation.

Standing out is Dir. Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. who was appointed to be part of the Board of Directors on June 13, 2014 and served until December 31, 2016. His contributions have been greatly felt by the DCWD family, the customers, and the community.

Noteworthy is his brainchild project as the chairperson of the Board Committee on Community Development and Environmental Concerns, the water supply distribution system rehabilitation in Marilog, which will provide clean and sustainable water supply to the residents in Brgy.

Katipunan and the sitios of Ladian and Marahan. The realization of this

undertaking has paved the way for the conceptualization of water supply distribution projects in three more upland barangays, specifically, Tawantawan, Gumalang, and Wines.

he bestowed in the integration of the Watershed Management Program in Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan and his active participation in rallying support for the Adopt-a-Site Project.

He has also proposed various corporate social responsibility projects which improved DCWD’s relations with its partners in watershed rehabilitation and advanced the quality of life of its partner communities. Among these are the provision of rubber tapping tools to its IP partners in Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan Watershed and the plumbing scholarship given to senior high school teachers that helped them secure TESDA National Certification capacitating them further to effectively educate their students.

As head of the Board Committee on Property, he has also initiated the racking system project, construction of the Catalunan Grande warehouse, and roofing installation in the DCWD Matina warehouse. It was also his initiative to extend help to fellow Mindanao water districts by donating service vehicles to help in their operation.

His support to the newly created Community Relations Division intensified the CSR programs of the water utility extending the reach of DCWD’s community assistance especially the Patubig sa Barangay and Eskwela projects addressing the water needs of barangays not yet served by DCWD. Aside from his passion for the people and the community, he also has the heart for the environment evident in the huge amount of help

As the chairperson of the Board Committee on Community Relations or Public Affairs, his credibility in press relations and public affairs and in the PR industry greatly boosted the corporate image of DCWD and helped forge stronger relations among the press and the media. It was for this reason that the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD received positive reception from the City Council, other key stakeholders, and the people of Davao City.

In his two years with the DCWD family, Dir. Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. has exemplified the real essence of public service that is worthy to be emulated as he used his expertise to make DCWD embody what it means for a water utility to have utmost care for the people and the environment. S

Thank you, SerJun!

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water news

A

person of service is an asset to an organization, but a person of compassion is a treasure to it. In the many years of Davao City Water District’s operation, it has had people who distinctively embody the essence of public service and that is the inherent and genuine passion to serve not just the customers but also the extended community.

personnel

C o n g r a t NEWLY PROMOTED PERMANENT PERSONNEL

FAIRY FAITH R. AGUSTIN Attorney IV Legal Department

LANY LEIGH B. SUELTO Corporate Budget Analyst B Accounting Department

APRIL C. PATAL Customer Service Assistant B Commercial Services Department

KIRBY M. BALANAG Transport Officer A General Services Department

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BERNARDO D. DELIMA JR. Department Manager A Community Relations & External Affairs Department

SHYAN P. GANAPIN Customer Service Assistant A Commercial Services Department

POLICARPIO B. FERRER JR. Sr. Water Maintenance Man B Commercial Services Department

RAMIL D. BENTOY Auto Repair Foreman General Services Department

RODRIGO C. LANSON JR. Painter A General Services Department

MARCHESSA CORAZON S. LLAVE

Industrial Relations Management Officer C Human Resource Department

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

MARIA LUZ L. PAPILLERO Customer Service Assistant A Commercial Services Department

NELO P. EVANOSO Water Maintenance Man A Commercial Services Department

GILBEYS S. BETINOL Building Electrician Foreman General Services Department

ROWENA D. CAPILI Private Secretary B Office of the General Manager

ELAINE JOY T. SADINO Customer Service Assistant A Commercial Services Department

FELIPE G. ARANAYDO Water Maintenance Man B Commercial Services Department

BELINDA C. NARANJO Supervising Engineer A Engineering & Construction Department

ANICETO D. PINGOY Auto Repair Foreman General Services Department

FLORO L. HAGOYAHAY Senior Building Electrician B General Services Department

GERRY P. FRONES

ARNEL P. ROJAS Water Resources Facilities Operator B Production Department

Senior Data Encoder-Controller Information & Communications Technology Department

JANINE JOY E. ELLIVERA Electronics Communication Systems Operator B General Services Department

personnel

u l a t i o n s !

NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT PERSONNEL

WILFREDO C. VILLALUZ JR. Customer Service Assistant A Commercial Services Department

OLIVER T. MORALA Customer Service Assistant D Commercial Services Department

IAN K. MONATO Customer Service Assistant B Commercial Services Department

GERALD C. GAYDA Senior Instrument Technician General Services Department

PAMELA L. BONGCAWIL Customer Service Assistant D Commercial Services Department

JOBI AMOUR B. PORAZO Electronics Communication Systems Operator B General Services Department

MAUREEN F. MALAZARTE Customer Service Assistant D Commercial Services Department

ANNA MAE P. LIBANG Clerk-Processor C General Services Department

RAPHAEL P. SANTIAGO Water Resources Facilities Operator B Production Department

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

BELINDA C. NARANJO Engineering & Construction Department Master of Engineering Program major in Civil Engineering University of Southeastern Philippines

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE WITH DIGNITY AND HONOR

RETIRED PERMANENT EMPLOYEES

ROSANNA VICENTA T. CABANAG Officer-in-Charge Pipelines & Appurtenances Maintenance Department 30 years in service

TERESITA T. GADIA Senior Accounting Processor A Accounting Department 30 years in service

FRANKLIN L. DOLENDO Officer-in-Charge Field & Operations Unit Internal Audit Department 30 years in service

DANILO A. SAQUILAYAN Senior Water Resources Facilities Operator A Production Department 28 years in service

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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water news

DCWD training center outstanding RTC of 2015 The RTC staff led by training director Dr. Ruth G. Jabines (2nd from L) is commended by the management headed by acting GM Mildred G. Aviles (far L) for the new recognition from LWUA.

Water Resource ors Facilities Operat Course

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he Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) hailed Davao City Water District Regional Training Center (RTC) as Outstanding RTC of 2015. The award was conferred on December 8 during LWUA’s yearend planning conference in Quezon City. This recognition adds to the many years that DCWD-RTC was named outstanding among six other RTCs all over the country.

Seminar on the Revised Citizen’s Charter of 2016

Established in 1979, the DCWD-RTC has been conducting learning and development programs for employees of DCWD and other member water districts of LWUA. It also handles DCWD’s on-the-job training for students.

Strategic Performance Management System Seminar

ement for Financial Manager Districts Wat

For September to December 2016, various in-house trainings and orientation programs were conducted. Among these was the 11-batch Seminar on the Revised Citizen’s Charter of 2016 participated in by a total of 514 employees from the different departments rendering frontline services or those with direct customer interaction. Trainings for the continuing skills development of employees were also given including the Leak Detection and Management Seminar and Water Resource Facilities Operators Course with a total of 54 participants. Also conducted was the facilities tour of DCWD’s major water supply systems and infrastructures for the 17 newly hired Job Order and 14 newly appointed permanent personnel.

It was also able to conduct three LWUA-RTC trainings in October and November, namely, Financial Management for Water Districts, Strategic Performance Management System Seminar, and Gender Sensitivity Training for Leaders with around 120 participants coming from different water districts nationwide.

Gender Sensitivity Trainin

g for Leaders

Leak Detection and Management Seminar

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Also in December 2015, the RTC was a recipient of a plaque of appreciation for the 35 years of partnership with LWUA in enabling water district personnel to render sustainable and relevant public service. (Jamae G. Dela Cruz) S

water news

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s the lead agency of the Davao City Water Consciousness Month celebration in November per Proclamation No. 12 issued on September 27, 2001, Davao City Water District conducted inhouse activities, organized events and competitions among the youth, and implemented various Corporate Social Responsibility projects.

The theme for this year’s celebration highlights the importance of informing the general public about water, watershed, and environment issues to encourage proactive involvement in DCWD’s advocacies for water conservation, watershed rehabilitation, and environment protection and thwart the threats of water supply problems.

The theme is anchored on DCWD’s #conservewaterdavao campaign which advocates for water conservation and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) No. 6 or “clean water and sanitation” and SDG No. 12 or “responsible consumption and production” particularly its target to “achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources”.

In-house activities for employees

To instill the celebration’s advocacy among DCWD employees, these activities were conducted:

Nov. 18 Tree Planting — in Sitio Kidale, Brgy.

Tambobong, Baguio District with 150 Malobago seedlings planted by 31 employees in support to DCWD’s watershed rehabilitation efforts

Nov. 24 Dugo Mo, Buhay Ko Bloodletting Activity

— at DCWD Bajada office with 35 employees successfully donating a total of 15,750 cc to the Philippine Red Cross

Jan Rocky R. Catulinan of the Human Resource Department joins in the annual bloodletting activity.

DCWD employees help protect the environment.

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water news

SCHOOL-BASED EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS

Acknowledging the major role that the youth plays in social transformation, DCWD conducted these events and competitions among elementary, high school, and college students:

Sta. Clara Elementary School students happily hold out their early Christmas gifts from DCWD.

Oct. 14, 19, and 21 16th DCWD Goes to School Project - for the 1,100 elementary pupils of Teodoro Palma Gil Elementary School, Sta. Clara ES, and Vicente Hizon Sr. ES wherein topics on water cycle, the DCWD water distribution system, ten water conservation tips, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene were discussed. The students were evaluated to assess how much they have learned from the lecture-presentation. Water conservation stickers were also posted on the schools’ lavatories, comfort rooms, and hand washing stations.

Nov. 25 22nd On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest - the junior high school participants painted their interpretations of the contest theme “I am a water hero: Saving water today, saving lives tomorrow” using water-based medium. Emerging with the best three entries were Rubejean N. Canoy of Ma-a National High School, Kint Adrian D. Tesorio of Davao Wisdom Academy, Inc., and Cedrick Kloue H. Berico of Sta. Ana NHS main campus.

Nov. 9 and 11

2nd Science and Math Quiz - for junior high school and elementary students with questions on water trivia, laws and jurisprudence of water districts in the Philippines, and computation.

Winners were John Rey B. Pagal from C. Reta Elementary School and Lorems Yrol B. Pedoglorio from the Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus.

Both are Davao City’s representatives to the Southern and Central Mindanao Water Information Council Science and Math Quiz regional eliminations in January 2017. Second placer for the elementary category was Dominador M. Latagan IV of Bright Angels of Tomorrow Academy and third placer was Rain Alexi Q. Santos of Precious International School of Davao.

Placing second for the junior high school category was Rica Marie U. Quitain of Davao City National High School and in third was Simon S. Chiew of Ateneo de Davao University.

Mikaela S. Navidad of Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku delivers her winning speech in the 16th Extemporaneous Speaking Contest.

Contestants of the 2nd Science and Math Quiz elementary category hold out their answers during the elimination rounds.

Nov. 18 16th Extemporaneous Speaking Contest - participated in by college students who discussed water, watershed, and environment issues. Mikaela S. Navidad of Mindanao Kokusai Daigaku bagged the first place with her winning answer on how the country can attain the sixth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

Second placer was Wenno Miguel U. Aclo of University of Southeastern Philippines and in third was Sean Ezekiel C. Año of Ateneo de Davao University.

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All winners of the school competitions were given cash prizes, plaques, and certificates while participants of all these school-based activities including the teachers and school heads were given information materials and freebies that bear messages and facts on water conservation and environment protection.

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

Judges listen while one of the top nine finalists for the 22nd On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest explains the meaning behind her artwork.

water news

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) PROJECTS To strengthen its partnership with various sectors, DCWD conducted these CSR projects: Free medical and dental in the uplands

Capacity building workshop for women

Environment Science Fair

Skills training on solar light technology

Oct. 31 to Nov. 2

Panacan, and Tibungco

Cacao seedlings distribution

Tubig sa Katawhan – free water in public cemeteries in Wireless, Ma-a, Ulas, Toril, Mintal, Calinan,

Nov. 8 and 15 Free Medical and Dental in Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan Watershed – health and hygiene services including proper hand washing techniques benefitting 100 residents in sitios Kidale and Subsub in Brgy. Tambobong in partnership with the City Health Office Nov. 18 and 19 Empowering Women: A Capacity Building Workshop for Women and Environment in the Barangay – organizational review and strategic planning participated in by 20 women leaders who are among DCWD’s partners in gender and development and environment projects in rural and urban barangays

Nov. 22 and 23 Skills Training on Solar Light Technology – training course on assembling, installing, and maintaining safe and cost-effective alternative lighting for 15 Obu-Manuvu Tribe Ancestral Domain Multi-Purpose Cooperative members and barangay personnel in Brgy. Tambobong in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

Nov. 25 and 26 Cacao Seedlings Distribution for Partner Organizations (PO) Livelihood Project — 1,000 Cacao seedlings given to 19 PO members in non-tillage upland areas in Brgy. Tambobong as part of DCWD’s sustained livelihood assistance to its partners in environment and watershed protection program

Nov. 26 Environment Science Fair — exposure to modern and sophisticated learning tools for 343 DCWD elementary scholars and teachers to increase appreciation of topics such as coastal conservation, recycling, solar system, and climate change S SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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water news

Employees unite for

43 anniv rd

For the win, Batman and Superman of the Yellow Pipers topple the villain Joker during the Ka-LokaLike Ko, Hero Ko skit.

The Green Wrenchers concentrate all their efforts during the parlor games.

Employees massage.

relax

in

the

free

The Red Fitters are in perfect coordination in the ball relay.

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nchored on the theme 43 Years in Action: ‘Pag Sama-Sama, Kayang-Kaya!’, Davao City Water District employees celebrated the water utility’s 43rd founding anniversary on November 3 with a series of activities promoting the essence of teamwork and highlighting the values of concerted effort, dedication towards work, shared knowledge, and work integrity.

The whole day event started with the Eucharistic celebration officiated by Fr. Andres Malawis, SSS. This was followed by the recognition of loyalty-in-service awardees during the employees monthly convocation.

Highlight was the Ka-Loka-Like Ko, Hero Ko superhero impersonation contest where employees showcased their artistic skills in customizing superhero outfits.

Three teams were each assigned a color and superhero group and were composed of the following: Red Fitters – Avengers with the Engineering and Construction, General Services, and Human Resource departments, Office of the Board, and Project Monitoring Office; Yellow Pipers – Justice League with the Accounting, Corporate Planning, Community Relations and External Affairs, Finance and Property, Internal Audit, and Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance departments; and, Green Wrenchers – X-Men with the Commercial Services, Information and Communications Technology, Legal, and Production departments, Office of the General Manager, and Pollution Control and Safety Office.

Judged based on accuracy, craftsmanship, presentation, and audience impact, the Yellow Pipers was hailed as overall winner, while the Green Wrenchers and Red Pipers followed in second and third places, respectively.

The spirit of camaraderie and unity carried the day with the conduct of raffle draws, parlor games, and wellness events.

This year’s celebration was spearheaded by the United Supervisors of DCWD. (Katrina Belen M. Roble) S Among the portrayed superheroes are the iconic (from L) Captain America, Wolverine, and Superman.

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SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

Said celebration carried the country and ranch motif and employees donned their fiercest ranchero and ranchera attires. Acting GM Mildred G. Aviles said in her message that as cowboys are resilient regardless of weather, the DCWD family is strong and courageous in any circumstance.

Highlights of the program were the different competitions among the team colors Red Fitters, Green Wrenchers, and Yellow Pipers. These were the Paskong Sayawit sa Hacienda DeeCeeWeeDee group song and dance contest and the Ranchero at Ranchera ng DCWD search for best-dressed team representatives where the Green Wrenchers finished with a back-to-back win. Cristian S. Canencia and Aiza D. Armacion of the Commercial Services Department bagged the DCWD’s Ranchero and Ranchera titles. Coming second in the group contest was the Red Fitters followed in third place by the Yellow Pipers.

Intermission and surprise numbers were also

The entire celebration commenced with a Holy Eucharist that was presided by Fr. Andres Malawis, SSS to presented by in-house talents and invited guests to entertain bless the occasion and the continuing success of the water the crowd while raffle prizes, bags of rice, and grocery items were given to the employees true to the Christmas spirit of utility. gift-giving.

The mass was then followed by a program which was opened by Dir. Serafin C. Ledesma Jr. who in his remarks Spearheading the water utility’s Christmas welcomed all the employees and guests to the Christmas celebration was the United Supervisors of DCWD. (John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II) S celebration.

Paskong DCWD!

Fr. Andres Malawis, SSS officiates the holy mass.

Ranchero at Ranchera ng DCWD (from L) second placer Corazon A. Tubilan and Julius T. Lambac of the Yellow Pipers, winners Cristian S. Canencia and Aiza D. Armacion of the Green Wrenchers, and third placer Nonie R. Co and Engr. Ronald A. Muñoz of the Red Fitters.

Messages are given by (from L) Acting GM Mildred G. Aviles, AGM-A Alfonso E. Laid, Dir. Charmalou D. Aldevera, and Dir. Serafin C. Ledesma Jr.

1st Place: Green Wrenchers

2nd Place: Red Fitters 3rd Place: Yellow Pipers

Vice Ganda Kalokalike Daniel Aliermo entertains the crowd with the participation of Jasper O. Abijay of the Accounting Department.

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water news

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n celebration of the Yuletide season, the employees of Davao City Water District observed a simple gathering on December 16 in Bajada office. Themed KKK on Christmas Day! (Kasadya, Kahusay, Kaharuhay!), the event highlighted joyfulness, excellence, and abundance of the water utility.

GAD talks

Looking through a Gender Lens

by Hope D. Olivo

“One day, a fox invited a crane to dinner. The crane accepted the invitation and reached the fox’s place at sunset. The fox had prepared soup for the crane, but the fox served the soup in flat dishes. The crane could not enjoy it at all with its long beak so it went home hungry. The shrewd fox felt extremely amused.

After few days, the crane also invited the fox to dinner. The fox reached the crane’s place in time. The crane served the soup in a jug with a long and narrow neck. The crane enjoyed the soup with great relish using its long beak. The fox’s mouth could not reach the soup through the jug’s narrow neck and like the crane, the fox went home hungry.

The fox realized that he had been repaid for his behaviour with the crane.”

T

his fable conveys a message on appropriation. In the context of developmental works of the government, this means that the government should look at development with an understanding of how it is being allocated, who has access to and control of it, and how it affects every sector.

Movers of development must recognize and understand differences of their intended recipients. In the case of gender and development, much like how the fox and the crane differ, so do men and women.

Primarily, the difference lies in their biological makeup which contributes to the nuances to the roles that they play in society and the behaviors they adapt.

For example, women have uterus, thus can get pregnant, while men don’t, thus incapable of gestating. This basic difference has contributed to why women are seen as delicate and is less capable than men who are often regarded as stronger. And, it is from these associations where gender stereotypes emanate.

The results of Gender Analysis in rural areas conducted by DCWD in 2016 revealed much of these stereotypes. Women in the rural areas are usually responsible for housework and child-rearing while men generally take the duty of being a provider. Women are expected to behave and be silent while men should be aggressive and brave as they are considered leaders in the family.

This may not be the scenario in some urban settings since both men and women are financially capable. However, even with this capacity and despite the role that they play as providers, women, not men, are still expected to go on leave whenever their children get sick, spend additional hours each day for housework and child-rearing, among others.

Considering these differences, providing men and women similar programs on welfare may probably

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benefit both but may not entirely meet their needs. Take this simple example. A company has a carpool program for its employees that could be availed of on a first-comefirst-served basis. As expected, all employees, both male and female, would rush every after work to secure a seat.

Discounting proximity factors, those who are agile and stronger like the male employees have better chances of riding the carpool while those that are much slower and not as strong like the female employees would not be accommodated. Unfortunately, female employees especially those that are also mothers need the carpool program more considering that they would need to fetch their children from school and have to be home early since they still need to attend to their domestic roles.

In this case, the program has good intentions of providing transportation but it failed to consider who need it most. Had it been that the company provided a separate carpool program for its male and female employees taking into consideration their varying needs, the program would be much more responsive.

The situation gives a concrete example why looking at development through a GENDER LENS is very important. This process enables the development agent to analyze the divergent needs and situations of men and women so that it could come up with a more responsive program. Development is supposed to fill the gap and by defining the differences of the recipients, it will be able to do just that.

Just like how a flat dish is more advantageous for the fox and a narrow jug for the crane, certain programs may be more beneficial for men but not entirely helpful and may be sometimes detrimental for women. This means that there is more in development than mere provision. Those who simply follow orders will ensure provision, but those who embrace good governance will analyze differences and customize provisions according to the varying needs to ensure that development programs are not only effective but also inclusive. S

by John Winston Anthony C. Ajero II

You’re almost over. I guess it’s fitting now that we look back into how you’ve gone and what the world has gone your time. Perhaps, reminiscing might allow for some through in realizations to break through.

I’m actually having mixed feelings about the fact that you’re ending soon.

I feel low-spirited for the world because of you. Most peopl e I know, posts I’ve come across online, and headlines claimed that you are the worst year to have ever happe ned with the many misfortunes that were pressed togetherI’ve read duration. in your If you’re wondering, let me tell you some of the reasons

why.

Remember the outraging conflicts in Syria, Germany, Yemen, Iraq, and their neighboring countries? They led deaths and produced so many displaced men, wome to massive n, and about the rapid spread of serious illnesses like the Zika children that incited moral dilemmas in so many countries. How and the human immunodeficiency viruses that affect hundr Also, your period saw the passing of some of the most eds? inspiring personalities including prize-winning authoed music icons David Bowie and Christina Grimmie, and r Harper Lee, actor Alan Rickman. That does not even end there. You have taken the life of a very valuable politician in my country, also the Iron Lady – Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

And, my city, you did not spare. It was heralded as of the safest in the world, but just when we were about excited and giddy for the Christmas season with theone get all start of the –ber months, Davao was terrorized by a bomb to which killed over a dozen and harmed more than 50. explosion You were also filled with so many uncertainties – of which we will be carrying with us in the next five years phenomenal win of President Rodrigo R. Duterte most or so. The whose country. And, of course, the victory of Donald J. Trump war on drugs and unorthodox political dealings has divided the sexist, racist, and bigot and will most definitely affectas the next US president who has gained notoriety as a misogynist, internal relations as well as small countries like the Philip pines.

What a tough year you have been, 2016!

BUT – it would be too unfair if I leave you behind with just grudges in my heart because, frankly speaking, you not all that bad. were really Despite the unpleasant experiences, you spared us some good ones. You let the world know that a new HIV vaccin be produced and that we are one step closer to findin g amyo trophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment. And, amidse may pronounced effects of climate change, you revealed that t the bestowed a long-delayed recognition to Leonardo DiCap the hole in the ozone is beginning to heal. To top it off, you have rio who finally earned an Oscar.

Our country also saw your share of positivity. For one, the winning of Pres. Duterte has boosted the mora countrymen improving their confidence in the gover le of my nmen t. basic tenet of democracy and that is active personal engagEven with the divide, more and more people now practice the emen t and involvement, all for the purpose of transformation regardless what their definition may ive political be. And, although his internal relations did not goposit start, it was effective in reverting the marred relati off with a good ons with China, a feat that impressed many international leade Indeed, change has come. rs.

Aside from the President, other personalities from the Philippines placed the country in the limelight – Pia Wurtz reign as Miss Universe after the highly publicized antic bach’s s Hidilyn Diaz in the international Olympics, the nomination in her 2015 coronation, the silver medal of Filipina weightlifter Vice Admiral and director of the Defense Health Agenc of U.S. Navy admiral and surgeon Raquel Bono for promotion to y, Jaclyn Jose’s Best Actress award at the Cannes Film and so many more.

Festival, You also brought positive surprises, the most astonishing of them all were the approval of the free tuition fee for universities and colleges starting 2017 and the all Indie state film line-up during the Metro Manila Film Festival that paved quality films to finally star in the Philippine cinema. for 2016, indeed, you were a roller coaster. All these adver sities and wonders came to us in a mix of succession, knowing in what order they would come, startling us with us not from all directions.

Nevertheless, thank you. You made the world realiz that if all the bad things are worth getting upset about, the things, even in its simplest form, deserve to be celebreated, good too.

After all, the bad things are lessons I’m sure we’d all thank you for...later.

Truly yours, Still-trying-to-make-sense-of-everything-but-is-managin

g 20-ish someone

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feature

Dear 2016

water conservation tips 22

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

1. Give me food, and I will live. Give me water, and I will die.

What am I? 2. What kind of tree can you carry in your hand?

3. Which word in the dictionary is spelled incorrectly?

4. If you have me, you want to share me. If you share me, you haven’t got me. What am I?

Spot the Difference!

Opis Dey

5.

6.

7.

8.

fun and games

BRAIN TEASER! What can you catch but not throw?

What is at the end of a rainbow?

What is always coming but never arrives?

What occurs once in every minute, twice in every moment, yet never in a thousand years?

WHAT’S THE WORD?

Sources: http://obviousfun.com and http://www.timvandevall.com

“Grand Prize”

ANSWERS: Brain Teasers: 1. Fire; 2. Palm; 3. Incorrectly; 4. Secret; 5. Cold; 6. No, not pot of gold. It is the letter ‘W’; 7. Tomorrow; 8. The letter ‘M’; What’s the Word?: 1. Sand box; 2. Man overboard; 3. I understand; 4. Reading between the lines; 5. Long underwear; 6. Crossroads; 7. Downtown; 8. Tricycle; 9. Split level; 10. Three degrees below zero; 11. Neon lights (knee on lights); 12. Circles under the eyes; 13. High chair; 14. Paradise (Pair of dice); 15. Touchdown; 16. Six feet under the ground; 17. Mind over matter; 18. He’s beside himself; 19. Backward glance; 20. Life after death

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016

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you burn more calories when sleeping than watching TV? When watching TV, you burn approximately 85 calories/ hour, while in sleeping you burn approximately 95 calories/hour. Sleep well!

Did you know that...

5050

a pigeon can’t walk without bobbing its head? Head bobbing lets pigeons momentarily fixate their eyes on objects giving photoreceptors in their eyes about 20 milliseconds to build a steady scene of the sidewalk world.

i

if you add up all the numbers from 1 to 100 consecutively (1 + 2 + 3...) it totals 5,050? Wow!

the dot on top of the letter ‘i’ is called a tittle? That little tittle! you share your birthday with 9 million others around the world? Whew, that’s a lot of celebrants in a day!

the brain weighs lesser than 2 percent of the body weight? Surprisingly, it consumes 30 percent of oxygen we breathe and around 20 percent of blood supplied in our body!

giraffes have tongues as long as 21 inches? With that, a giraffe can clean its own ears. Unbelievable!

sound travels 4.3 times faster through water than in air? That’s fast!

during any given minute, there are more than a thousand thunderstorms around the Earth causing some 6,000 flashes of lightning? Every minute!

4

a hug releases the hormone called Oxytocin, making you feel relaxed, healing the physical and mental wounds, and soothing your body and mind? Hurry up and give a warm hug to your dear ones to stay happy and healthy!

the number four – is the only number that has the same number of alphabets/ letters? Cool, right?

Sources: http://www.did-you-knows.com http://www.livescience.com/3803-science-lightning.html http://www.kidsworldfun.com