Editor’s Note
We Care to Share W ith equally high spirit in leaving 2018 the year that was, we embrace 2019 with the maxim, “We make a living by what we get, we make life by what we give.”
Hence, this issue welcomes 2019 with a story of how DCWD cares and shares. The first quarter highlights the value of sharing to other local water districts through benchmarking in terms of innovations and best practices in the area of non-revenue water management, warehousing, ISO certification experience, and other management systems. As we extend assistance to our fellow water service providers, our community service continues to be at par with our other strategic goals by maintaining and strengthening partnerships through the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) program, sectoral support to the youth through the Tulong Aral scholarship and other related scholastic undertakings, and the continuous efforts for gender mainstreaming in the workplace. Also significantly featured is the coming of the new member of the Board of Directors as well as the renewal of oath of office of some members of the Board. The growth in the organization is also highlighted in terms of personnel movement and the overall accomplishments of DCWD for 2018. Alongside, we also honor the loyal and outstanding employees for their contributions. Throughout these various developments, we also banner our strategies on keeping water safety as top priority especially with the upcoming surface water source.
These are the stories of how we care and share at the start of the year. We do not rest on our laurels. In good stead we share what we have because in sharing, we double our reach, we multiply our effect, and we make a resounding impact to the life of others.
Ruth G. Jabines
Officer-in-Charge, Community Relations and External Affairs Department publicinfo@davao-water.gov.ph
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From the GM’s Desk
Sharing DCWD… the Godfather Way W
e open this year with a strong focus to achieve the company’s strategic goals and objectives anchored on our continuous desire to be the best water district we can be. We cannot solely rely on the accomplishments we have had in the past years. We understand that the best way to surmount the challenges brought about by the ever-changing environment in the water industry is to continuously innovate and to find more ways to better serve our communities. The safe and adequate water we supply to the people of Davao is a product of a continuous process of valuecreation. This has led us to imbibe a culture that places a premium on initiatives and development efforts that add value to our product. As we move along this path, we are able to comply with internationally-recognized standards, manifesting our undying commitment to set the bar high in the conduct of our daily services to our customers. As a Local Water District (LWD) that serves the highest number of customers in the country, we have been regarded as a model of operational excellence amongst other LWDs and a trail blazer in breaking operational limits in the field of water service, making us the “Godfather” of LWDs. The efforts to continuously add value in the provision of water services has led other LWDs in the country to benchmark DCWD’s innovations in various areas of operations such as management systems, initiatives on the management of non-revenue water, and warehousing practices, among others.
Engr. Edwin V. Regalado General Manager
ogm@davao-water.gov.ph davaowater@yahoo.com
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We put value in sharing these initiatives to our colleague water districts considering that LWDs have shared goals and aspirations. As a cornerstone in the country’s pursuit for progress, the commonly held vision of LWDs has always been to boost the country’s economy, increase the welfare of people, and build sustainable communities. Sharing of resources and best practices scale-up our efforts to effect a larger positive impact, not just in the communities we serve but also to our country as a whole. JANUARY-APRIL 2019
Jamae G. Dela Cruz
Water News
Directors take oath before City Mayor
(From L) Mayor Duterte swears into office Dir. Dataya, Dir. Jacinto, and Dir. Largo. With them are Chairperson Bangayan (2nd from R) and Dir. Paguican (R).
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avao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte administered the oath of reappointed directors Atty. Abdul M. Dataya and Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and newly appointed director Atty. Rogelio G. Largo on January 14, 2019 at the Davao City Hall. Among those present at the oath taking ceremony were Chairperson Eduardo A. Bangayan and Dir. Helen D. Paguican. The reappointment of directors Dataya and Jacinto effective January 1, 2019 until December 31, 2024 marks their third consecutive term. Dir. Dataya represents the Professional Organizations and will continue his chairpersonship in the Personnel, Labor and Management Relations board committee. He is also assigned to chair the Internal Control committee. Meanwhile, Dir. Jacinto continues to represent the Women’s Sector. She chairs the Bid and Awards, Finance, and Special Projects board committees.
in DCWD operations and services, among of which is the development of the first major bulk water supply project in the country, the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD. Newly appointed director Atty. Largo represents the Civic-Oriented Service Clubs. He replaced Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera who was appointed as assistant secretary under the Office of the President. Dir. Largo’s term is from January 6, 2019 until December 30, 2020. He chairs the Legal and Engineering and Technology board committees. All three directors thanked Mayor Duterte for her trust and confidence. Together with Chairperson Bangayan and Dir. Helen D. Paguican, they committed to continue steering DCWD towards becoming the best and gender-responsive water and water service provider.
Both directors together with Chairperson Bangayan and Dir. Paguican paved way for various innovations JANUARY-APRIL 2019
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Water News
NSC service is ISO 9001:2015 certified D
Jamae G. Dela Cruz
avao City Water District was awarded with ISO 9001:2015 Certification for the Provision of New Water Service Connection (NSC) in its Matina office. Registered under TUV100 05 4089, the certificate was received on February 11, 2019 from the Certification Body of TUV SUD Asia Pacific TUV SUD Group and is effective December 10, 2018 until December 9, 2021.
This certification means that DCWD was able to establish a Quality Management System that is at par with the international standard. It also affirms the water utility’s commitment to meet dynamic customer needs, all for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. The certification process went full swing in June 2018 with the formation of the ISO Core Team headed by Quality Management Representative (QMR) Roberto S. De los Reyes and Deputy QMR Dennis A. Maningo.
GM Regalado (center) with the top management and ISO Core Team show the ISO 9001:2015 Certification for the Provision of New Water Service Connection.
Acceptance of New Service Connection Application Form
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Orientation of new service connection applicants JANUARY-APRIL 2019
Water News
Water meter calibration lab keeps ISO 17025:2005 accreditation Jamae G. Dela Cruz
In photo are the members of the ISO 17025:2005 core team from the Water Meter Management Division (WMMD) headed by Laboratory Executive Director Roberto S. de los Reyes (extreme L) and Quality Manager and WMMD Manager Dennis A. Maningo (2nd from L).
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avao City Water District’s Calibration Laboratory keeps its ISO 17025:2005 accreditation after passing the first surveillance audit conducted on November 8 to 9, 2018 by the Department of Trade and Industry - Philippine Accreditation Bureau (DTI-PAB). This means that the laboratory continued being conformant with the management and technical requirements of PNS ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and the conditions for laboratory accreditation in the field of calibration. According to DTI, this “validates the veracity of data registered in the water meter during consumption,” thus continuously assuring customers of the accuracy and reliability of water consumption reading. The accreditation was granted on October 26, 2017, making DCWD the first water district in the country to have an accredited water meter calibration laboratory. The accreditation is valid until October 25, 2022 subject to surveillance visits.
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Technical Manager Froilan P. Estrellado checks the meter testing bench.
By 2020, DCWD eyes to transition its laboratory operations to the ISO 17025:2017 standard. CRYSTAL FLOW
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Water News
Model Employee of the Year 2018
Supervisory Level
Jamae G. Dela Cruz
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very year, Davao City Water District recognizes employees with excellent work performance through the Model Employee of the Year (MEY). For 2018, 10 employees qualified to the search for MEY in three categories who all embody service excellence. With the nomination of their department heads and after passing the pre-qualification screening by the Human Resource Department, the nominees were screened by the Selection Committee chaired by AGM-A Alfonso E. Laid. They were evaluated based on the criteria of Performance Efficiency, which covers dependability, initiative, job knowledge, quality of work, quantity of work, team work and attendance; Personality, and Achievement. Series of interviews with their managers/ supervisors, subordinates, and peers were also conducted as part of the selection process. The selection process established that the nominees delivered performances that have positively impacted the organization and influenced other employees thus, all nominees garnered at least 95% average, the standard rating to vie for the highest award DCWD gives to its employees. The runners-up and winners were awarded during the Grand Awards Night at the SMX Convention Center on April 12, 2019.
Atty. Jennife Dumalag-Borong Manager, Legal Services Division Legal Department
Atty. Jen is instrumental in ensuring that all contracts and legal matters are in order for various projects. Her noteworthy accomplishments include “Legal Café”, facilitation on the guidelines for processing and approval of variation orders, development of third party indemnity program, orientation for appreciation of legal documents in CSD transaction/processes and RA 9184 end user’s orientation, and rendering legal opinions on DCWD projects. She leads by example, setting the bar high for working with passion. Atty. Jen is the first and only Gender and Development resource pool of the Philippine Commission on Women in all water districts nationwide.
MEY 2018 RUNNERS-UP Non-Supervisory Level (Office Category) Heide G. Acero
Senior Laboratory Technician Production Department
Cherie May E. Morales
Procurement Analyst B General Services Department
Edjan S. Parreño
Senior Researcher-Analyst A Community Relations and External Affairs Department 8
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Aleda B. Mamhot
Sherwin Giovanni C. Uy
Data Encoder–Controller Commercial Services Department
Senior Water Maintenance Man B Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Department
Aleda is notable for her contributions in the system of document control, which led to the successful surveillance audit of the ISO 17025:2005 of the Calibration Laboratory and ISO 9001:2015 certification for the Provision of New Water Service Connection. Both endeavors are aimed towards enhancements of DCWD’s service delivery. An MEY nominee for two consecutive years, she is also considered one of the key resource persons who shares her knowledge and expertise to her colleagues.
Non-Supervisory Level (Field Category) John J. Trinidad
Customer Service Assistant A Commercial Services Department
Water News
Non-Supervisory Level (Field Category)
Non-Supervisory Level (Office Category)
Sherwin stands out for his technical expertise in plumbing techniques and proper installation of water meters as well as for setting a good example in following standard procedures in discharging his duties on site. His supervisor and peer alike affirm how he promotes good working relationship and camaraderie.
Elmer P. Dimalanta
OIC-Supervisor / Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Department
Supervisory Level Edjean Frances Manzano-Carcueva OIC-Supervisor / Water Maintenance Foreman Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Department
Engr. Dennis A. Maningo
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to many, Davao City Water District has its own Unknown Arnold S., not the terminator but the Sports Hero. Engr. Arnold P. Sarabia brings pride to DCWD as he was recognized as one of the Sports Heroes representing baseball and softball in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa held in Davao City. The recognition came from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education (DepEd) and was conferred by no less than DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones in the event’s Fellowship Night. SM City Davao also staged a Sports Hero Gallery from April 27 to May 1, 2019 simultaneous to the Palarong Pambansa games. The gallery featured Engr. Sarabia alongside big names in Philippine Sports like Sen. Manny Pacquiao for professional boxing, Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco for amateur boxing, and Elma Muros for athletics. Engr. Sarabia comes from a family of ballplayers – his parents both played baseball and softball and his four siblings were varsity players. At 9 years old, he was already mastering baseball and softball under the wings of his brothers, his father the late Judge and City Councilor Edipolo V. Sarabia Sr., and an American named John Carpenter. In 1976, he was one of the Philippine National Team members that represented the country in the Far East Little League Baseball Championships held in Agana, Guam U.S.A and placed fourth. With his skills and hard work combined, Engr. Sarabia was a multi-awarded varsity during his high school and college days participating in almost all stagings of the Palarong Pambansa, SMRAA, National Open Tournaments, National UAAP including the 1978 Palarong Bagong Lipunan, 1980 Palarong Pilipino, and the Philippine National Games (PNG).
He was a consistent Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the Davao Open Softball and Baseball Tournaments and was hailed as the Most Outstanding Sportsman of Davao City by the Davao Sports Unlimited, Davao City Sports Council and the So Kim Cheng Foundation in 1977, 1982 and 1986.
Water News
DCWD’s Arnold S!
He was also named as the MVP in the 1980 National Open Baseball Championships besting other players from all over the country. In the 1985 National UAAP, he made a national record as a baseball pitcher with Most Strikeouts in a game – 18! Even after his college years, Engr. Sarabia went on to make feats in tournaments such as in the 1994 Philippine Open Softball Championships wherein he bagged the Homerun King award with 5 homeruns in 7 games, Slugging Champion for registering the highest slugging average of 1.0, and MVP award, and in the 2003 Philippine Open Softball Championships where he garnered the Homerun King and Most Runs Batted-In. Now at 56, Engr. Sarabia looks back at his prime years with pride not much for the accolades but more importantly for choosing to stay and finish school and eventually earning his Civil Engineering degree through his passion for the sports. Instead of choosing sports over school, he juggled both and battled his way through high school and college as an athletic scholar who spent nothing for his tuition. There were various offers to study in Manila that he declined. Neither did he accept invitations for international competitions that required months-long trainings as he was very focus on one goal and that is to finish school. He graduated from the University of Mindanao in 1984 and went on to pass the board exam immediately the year after. At present, Engr. Sarabia heads DCWD’s Internal Audit Department. As one of the officers of the country’s largest water district and still enjoying invitational games as a baseball and softball icon, Engr. Sarabia truly embodies the theme of the 2019 Palarong Pambansa Shaping the Future through Sports. Rewritten from the original article with permission from Engr. Arnold P. Sarabia.
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Water News
Communities benefit from WaSH projects T rue to its commitment to support the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal No. 6 that is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, Davao City Water District completed water service expansion and sanitation facilities projects in the Third Congressional District in the city.
Water service expansion to six barangays
Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin and Shaira Angelica S. Magno
Residents in Biao Escuela, Talandang, Matina Biao, and New Valencia welcomed DCWD as a water service provider after the completion of the pipeline expansion project on March 1, 2019. Said project is a component of the would-be Talandang Water Supply System (WSS) which is part of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD. With the construction of the bulk water supply facilities still in progress, DCWD already operated the completed pipelaying project to start serving 720 service connections. On a separate development, DCWD also expanded water service to Brgy. Balengaeng and more areas in Brgy. Los Amigos with the completion of the pipeline expansion project for Riverside WSS on March 22, 2019. This added around 300 additional service connections. For the convenience of the would-be served customers in all these barangays, DCWD conducted onsite New Service Connection orientation to accommodate interested applicants. This orientation is the initial requirement in acquiring water service connection. Project contractor’s crew carry out pipelaying works along Brgy. Balengaeng as part of the expansion project in Riverside Water Supply System.
Customer Service Assistant A Shyan P. Ganapin explains DCWD’s services and processes to the would-be customers in Brgy. Balengaeng during the onfield New Service Connection orientation.
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Water News OIC Ruth G. Jabines and agency representatives (4th from R) cut the ribbon signifying the official turnover of facilities to Brgy. Marilog in Sitio Ladian.
Sanitation facilities donation Camille Margarette U. Solon
DCWD provided state-of-the-art public sanitation facilities to Indigenous Peoples communities in Sitio Subsub, Sitio Ladian, and Sitio Marahan. These were turned over to the Barangay Council of Tambobong on March 15, 2019 for Sitio Subsub and to the Barangay Council of Marilog on March 29, 2019 for the latter two. These facilities consist of female and male toilets with waste water treatment and septic tanks and will benefit around 150 families. The recipient communities are also provided with capacity building interventions such as plumbing and financial management for the sustainable management and maintenance of the facilities. Anchored on the water utility’s Corporate Social Responsibility, these facilities were donated as part of the Alay Palikuran – Improvement of Public Sanitation and Hygiene Project. The donation was based on the gender analyses conducted by DCWD which identified that water quality and gender-based issues were due to lack of proper sanitation facilities.
Agency representatives test the faucets, of the sanitation facilities.
Sitio Subsub is among the partner communities of DCWD in the Integrated Watershed Management Program in Mt. TipologTamugan Watershed where the future major water source for the water utility’s bulk water supply project is located. Sitios Ladian and Marahan are the recipients of DCWD’s Rural Water Supply System Project which rehabilitated the community’s existing water supply system to improve water access. The rehabilitated water system had been turned-over in 2017 and is being managed by the association. JANUARY-APRIL 2019
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Water News
DCWD’s best practices benchmarked
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s part of its support to fellow water districts and other agencies, Davao City Water District has been catering to requests for benchmarking of its organizational systems and practices.
Prosperidad WD on March 7 Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin
Prosperidad WD visited DCWD for their request for technical assistance in the preparation of program of works for its reservoir and pump station construction project. They were presented with sample blueprints of Davao City WD’s existing water facilities for reference.
Tagum WD on February 22 Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin
Discussed with Tagum WD were DCWD’s warehousing practices particularly the automated records, systems, and control mechanisms. This includes the Computerized Inventory Program of the Davao City WD warehouse that contains all stock items and transaction records. Also discussed was the Barcoding System which increases the efficiency and accuracy of the warehouse inventory as all needed information about an item is read and recorded in the system and only the quantity has to be manually encoded. They were also toured in DCWD’s warehouse where storage and withdrawal of stocks in a fourlevel storage rack is aided with a forklift. (From R) Engr. Muñoz together with Engineer A Ansbert M. Balte explains DCWD’s water facilities to Prosperidad WD Courier Nancy C. De Castro, Customer Service Officer B Visminda G. Remillete, and Administrative Officer B Helen M. Pescadero.
Digos WD on March 15 Jamae G. Dela Cruz
Tagum WD employees tour DCWD’s warehouse.
Digos City WD requested for a learning session on DCWD’s Data Privacy Act compliance and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification.
Tandag City WD on February 26 Shaira Angelica S. Magno
Tandag City WD learned about WaterGEMS, an application used for hydraulic modeling of water distribution systems that helps DCWD improve its operation through accurate modeling, strategized improvement plans, and organized assessment of potential challenges and their corresponding resolutions. This activity was conducted in line with Tandag City WD’s upcoming expansion projects in their city.
GM Edwin V. Regalado (3rd from R) welcomes Board of Directors Chairperson Rodulfo Uy (2nd from R), GM Eulogio Milla (3rd from L), and Senior Engineer B Ricky Boy G. Eupeña (rightmost).
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Planning and Design Division Manager Ronald A. Muñoz explains the functions of WaterGEMS in Davao City WD’s operations.
Top photo shows DCWD Data Protection Officers Engr. Arnold P. Sarabia (3rd from L) and Engr. Reynaldo M. Petalcorin (R) and DPA Compliance Committee Chairperson Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod (2nd from R) with Digos WD’s Corporate Planning Analyst A Emmylou P. Durano (L) and Customer Accounts Division Manager Maryluth D. Martel (2nd from L) while former document controller Engr. Analyn D. Cuaton facilitates a learning session about DCWD’s ISO 9001:2015 certification (bottom). JANUARY-APRIL 2019
Water News
Metro Kidapawan WD on March 19 Shaira Angelica S. Magno
DCWD accommodated Metro Kidapawan WD for a bench marking activity of its Non-Revenue Water management (NRW) strategies as the latter gears up for the next phase of its Automation of Pressure and Flow Stations. Visitors observe a District Metered Area inlet chamber and control panel board.
Metropolitan Cebu WD on March 19 Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin
Human Resource Department Manager Bernardo D. Delima Jr. (R) shares DCWD’s HR programs.
Commercial Services Department Manager Roberto S. De los Reyes (mid) shows the frontline operations.
Metro Cebu Water District learned about DCWD’s programs and systems deployed in finance, procurement and inventory, human resources, and customer services. Learning sessions and orientations on DCWD’s frontline operation including its 24/7 offsite customer support service were also conducted.
Category C and D water districts on March 29 Katrina Belen M. Roble
Thirteen water districts from Category C and D benchmarked DCWD’s best practices and actual applications in assessing and managing NRW. These 13 water districts were Aparri, Banga, Binalonan, Buenavista, Bugasong, Hinatuan, Ibajay, Island Garden City of Samal, Malay, Maramag, Metro Siargao, Peñablanca, and Roxas. The activity was requested by the CEST, Inc. and Tractebel, Inc., consultants of the National Economic and Development Authority and Local Water Utilities Administration, as part of their preparations for the upcoming feasibility study for the reduction and control of NRW.
Establishment and Management Unit Supervisor Chave P. Chanco explains the scope of the different leak detection equipment. One of the delegates tries the electronic ground microphone that detects and amplifies the noise created by leaks in pressurized underground pipes.
Dole Philippines Inc. on March 13 Camille Margarette U. Solon
Water Quality Division Manager Hydie R. Maspñas (extreme L) orients on the water treatment facilities and processes. JANUARY-APRIL 2019
Dole Philippines Inc. representatives take a look at DCWD’s nanofiltration system in Cabantian Reservoir 1.
DCWD’s water treatment facilities were benchmarked by Dole Philippines Inc. as the latter is currently working on improving their surface water treatment plant. They were given a brief orientation on Davao City WD’s current water supply systems and water treatment processes and were toured in the water treatment facilities in Cabantian, Malagos, and Talomo. CRYSTAL FLOW 29
Water News
DCWD engages youth in environment advocacies
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ecognizing the importance of intergenerational responsibility, Davao City Water District has been engaging the youth sector in protecting water resources and conserving the environment through various means.
Tulong Aral scholarship Katrina Belen M. Roble
Tulong Aral ng DCWD is a performancebased scholarship implemented by DCWD since school year 2012-2013 to support elementary and junior and senior high school students in DCWD’s Malagos, Mt. Talomo-Lipadas, and Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan watersheds and Gender and Development program project sites. For school year 2019-2020, DCWD signed a memorandum of agreement renewing the partnership with Department of Education XI – Davao City Division on March 27, 2019.
AGM-A Alfonso E. Laid (3rd from L), DepEd Senior Education Program Specialist Jonas P. Piore (leftmost), and heads of recipient schools ink the memorandum of agreement for the performance-based scholarship.
period. For the junior and senior high school level, students of 13 partner schools who will obtain 85% or higher grade in Math, Science, and English For the elementary level, there are will receive Php500 for every grading 16 partner schools whose top five performing male and top five performing period. The scholars will also receive school supplies and learning and female students in grades five and development interventions. six will receive Php600 every grading
Goes to School Project
Shaira Angelica S. Magno & Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin
Around 440 grade two pupils of Philippine Women’s College of Davao on January 31 and Ateneo de Davao University on February 13 learned about water conservation through DCWD’s Goes to School Project.
Ateneo de Davao University pupils raise the IEC materials they received from DCWD.
The students were taught different ways to conserve water, where water is sourced from, how Davao City WD distributes water to customers, the average water use of one person, and how much water is wasted when leaks are not repaired.
As a way of synthesis, the pupils were asked to post their commitment to conserve water to the Blue Hands Commitment Trees. They were also given customized and instructional materials bearing water conservation and environment protection messages.
Youth Environmental Forum Shaira Angelica S. Magno
DCWD partnered with the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC) to conduct the Youth Environmental Forum on March 2 at DCWD Multipurpose Hall participated in by 90 youth representatives from different parts of the city. Topics discussed by subject matter experts were environmental situations in local, national, and international contexts, solutions to various environmental issues as well as DCWD’s operations and mandate and the Integrated Watershed Management Program. To cap the event, the participants were asked to map out existing environmental problems in their communities or schools and their proposed action plans. 30
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Participants brainstorm during a workshop.
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Water News
The participants pose for posterity during the closing program.
Youth ECOngress Katrina Belen M. Roble
Around 200 youths from 20 elementary and 12 high schools joined DCWD’s annual Youth ECOngress on April 10 to 12 at DCWD Malagos Park. Themed “#YouthACT”, the camp aimed to educate and empower the youth to act and advocate for environmental sustainability. Lectures from different subject matter experts included Ridge-to-Reef situationers, youth legislator’s role in environmental protection, Davao City’s susceptibility
to disasters, youth’s role in nation building, DCWD’s Water Safety Plan, and gender and youth leadership in environmental protection. In response, the participants posted their pledge in advocating for environmental sustainability to the commitment tree. Also part of the three-day activity were the Suroy sa Kinaiyahan or tour of DCWD’s Malagos watershed area and facilities to explain DCWD’s water distribution process from the watershed to the households and other activities promoting resourcefulness, leadership, and teamwork.
Excursions and Donation
Jamae G. Dela Cruz, Shaira Angelica S. Magno, & Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin
GM Edwin V. Regalado (L) with Financial Management Department Manager Bernadette A. Dacanay (2nd from R) and Property and Warehousing Division Manager Anita S. Suriba (R) signs the Deed of Donation with Principal Jose Allan M. Sunganob (2nd from L).
Senior Computer Services Programmer Anne Michelle S. Buagas shows DCWD’s server and network infrastructure.
DCWD and the Philippine College of Technology signed a Memorandum of Agreement on February 22 for the latter’s conduct of research study at Malagos Watershed Reservation managed by DCWD. The field research enables the students to gain knowledge and increase their awareness on correct environmental practices. Then on March 8, 60 Information Technology students from St. John Paul II College of Davao visited DCWD to learn about DCWD’s Geographical Information System and its functions, IT software and hardware used in various transactions both with internal and external public, and server and network system. DCWD also signed a deed of donation for one unit motorcycle to Maria Cristina P. Belcar Agricultural High School on March 12. The beneficiary school is located in Brgy. Tawan-Tawan, one of the impact areas of DCWD’s Bulk Water Supply Project.
Math and Science Water Quiz Bowl Alexan Lynette L. Cabeguin
DCWD hosted the Southern and Central Mindanao Water Information Council, Inc. (SOCEMWIC) Regional Math and Science Water Quiz Bowl on January 17. Its representative, Revien L. Rodriguez of Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus, was hailed champion for the Grades 7 to 10 category while its representative for the Grades 1 to 6 category, Francis Alfonzo R. Sitchon of Sta. Ana Central Elementary School, finished as second runner up. The winners received cash prizes, plaque for the champions and medals and certificates for the placers. All other participants and coaches were awarded with certificates and IEC materials. Rodriguez competed against the winners of other regional eliminations in the 40th Philippine Association of Water Districts National Convention on February 11. JANUARY-APRIL 2019
Battle of wits among the quizzers representing SOCEMWIC member water districts
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Water News The top management and women partners launch the “Drink Water from the Tap” campaign.
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Sa Tubig Walang Iwanan Camille Margarette U. Solon
n celebration of World Water Day 2019, Davao City Water District commits to leave no one behind in attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 6 that is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. By 2030, SDG 6 targets to: • achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all • achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations • improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally • substantially increase water-use efficiency across
Employees and customers pose at the World Water Day photo wall that highlights the World Water Day theme “Hawak Kamay, Tubig Kaagapay” and DCWD’s Store Water for Emergency Use, Drink Water from the Tap, and El Niño preparedness campaigns.
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• • •
•
all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes expand international cooperation and capacitybuilding support to developing countries in waterand sanitation-related activities and programmes, including water harvesting, desalination, water efficiency, wastewater treatment, recycling and reuse technologies support and strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
Customers receive freebies during the Customers Appreciation Day.
The Women and Environment in the Barangay (WEB) display their home grown produce. The WEB is DCWD’s partners in initiating environment-friendly programs in the barangay level. JANUARY-APRIL 2019
Water News
Keeping the Water Safe Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod
Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD is among the major ventures for water source development that will Theproduce 300 million liters of water per day using the Tamugan River. Once the project becomes operational, DCWD will be able to improve water availability and pressure of around 1.5 million existing customers, expand water service from 112 to 120 of the 182 barangays in the city, improve water quality in some parts of District II, and provide sustainable water supply in the next 30 years. Suffice to say, the Tamugan River will be playing a major role in aiding Davao City’s development. Why Tamugan River? Aside from Tamugan, DCWD also evaluated Lipadas, Talomo, Davao, Tagulaya, Sibulan, and Panigan rivers to identify which among them would be the most viable surface water source. The study showed that Tamugan is most favourable in terms of location, watershed management, and river slope around the intake. It was also found to yield enough quantity and of acceptable quality. Protecting the Source Prior to the development of Tamugan River as the major surface water source, DCWD has already implemented interventions to maintain its fine quality and quantity through the Mt. TipologTamugan Watershed Integrated Watershed Management Program covering 316 hectares of land and 15.6 kilometers of riverbank. Working closely with the Obu-Manuvu Tribe who holds the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title in the project site, DCWD conducts reforestation and maintenance activities including forest foot patrol and water quality monitoring. The community partners were trained and given appropriate monitoring equipment and were formed into DCWD’s Forest Guardians and Water Guardians. With their help, DCWD is able to plant and maintain more trees and immediately address activities that are detrimental to the environment. DCWD also established linkages with various stakeholders to further advance its interests in watershed protection and rehabilitation, the most prominent of which is its membership with the
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Watershed Management Council and with the Davao River Water Quality Management Area Governing Board.
contamination at the source, treatment, storage, distribution, and customers’ supply.
And to strengthen its advocacy of intergenerational responsibility and to encourage multi-sectoral participation in protecting the water sources, DCWD launched the Adopt-a-Site Project in Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan Watershed in 2018. DCWD’s partner in the development of the bulk water supply project, Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., adopted 50 hectares while Phoenix Philippines Foundation, Inc. adopted five. As adopters, they subsidize the cost of planting, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
At the forefront of these testing activities is DCWD’s water laboratory that uses state of the art technology and has consistently garnered Excellent Performance Ratings in DOH’s Microbiological Testing Laboratory Proficiency Testing Scheme. The
Ensuring Safe Water for the Customers Part of the agreement in the bulk water partnership is for Apo Agua to make sure that the water they supply to DCWD passes the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW). In turn, DCWD also has a Water Safety Plan compliant to the Department of Health’s (DOH) Guidelines for the Review and Approval of the Water Safety Plans of Drinking – Water Service Provider. This plan provides layers of safety measures to maintain high water quality standards by preventing any natural and man-made hazards and
laboratory’s microbiological water test results are submitted every month to the Local Water Utilities Administration, the City Health Office, and the City Committee on Health, and the physical-chemical water test results are submitted every year to the same institutions. Forward Looking In its more than 45 years in service to the Davaoeños, DCWD has already established its credibility in water service provision, both in water supply and water quality. That is why it has always proactively responded to the water needs in the city. With the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of DCWD and the development of other water sources, DCWD will be able to secure this commitment.
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GAD Moves
Towards GAD Mainstreaming D Aiza L. Grate
avao City Water District envisions to be the best and gender-responsive water and wastewater provider for the people and the environment.
Guided by this vision, DCWD introduces, integrates, and mainstreams Gender and Development (GAD) in all its Programs, Activities, and Projects by first defining gender mainstreaming and understanding its purpose. What is gender mainstreaming and why does it matter? As defined by the United Nations Economic and Social, the concept of gender mainstreaming is the “process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programs, in any area and at all levels.” It is also considered as a “strategy for making the concerns and experiences of women as well as of men an integral part of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs in all political spheres, so that women and men benefit equally, and inequality is not perpetuated (ECOSOC, 1997).”
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Mainstreaming does not replace the need to implement policies, programs, and positive legislation specific for women; nor does it do away with the need for gender units or focal points
DCWD’S GAD Mainstreaming Guided by these principles and following the mandate of Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women that promotes women empowerment, pursues equal opportunities for women and men, and ensures equal access to resources and to development results and outcome, DCWD is geared towards mainstreaming gender in its operations. Since 1996, DCWD has implemented Corporate-Social Responsibility (CSR) programs that promote gender equality and continually evolve through the years.
Gender mainstreaming goes beyond increasing women’s involvement. It aims to transform unequal social and institutional structures into equal and just structures for both men and women and further bring the experience, knowledge, and interests to bear on the development agenda. To put it in an agency’s perspective, the basic principle of gender mainstreaming strategy is to embed gender equality within its systems of operation. To ensure that implementing the gender mainstreaming strategy encompass all facets of operation, these other principles must also be looked into: • •
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Establishment of sufficient accountability mechanisms for progress monitoring Recognition of gender differences and disparities during the initial identification of issues and concerns in all areas of activity In gender equality perspective, making assumptions that issues or problems are neutral are discouraged Conduct of gender analysis is a must Translation of concept into practice by having clear political will and allocating adequate resources for mainstreaming which includes financial and human resources Requiring efforts that broaden equitable participation of women at all levels of decision-making CRYSTAL FLOW
The illustration shows the direction of DCWD towards gender mainstreaming from the integration of gender perspective in the development and implementation of mechanisms and decisions to the judicious utilization of resources while taking into equal consideration the different needs of women and men sectors. The end goal of gender mainstreaming is gender equality in all forms. It matters in ways that once it is effectuated in DCWD, the “GADly way of life” is embodied in the name of true public service. References: Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). (1997). As cited in International Labour Organization (ILO). https://www.ilo.org /public/ english/bureau/gender/newsite2002/about/defin.htm
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Feature
Atty. Largo joins
DCWD Board of Directors Jamae G. Dela Cruz
A
tty. Rogelio G. Largo is appointed as the newest member of Davao City Water District’s Board of Directors by Mayor Sara Z. Duterte effective January 6, 2019. Together with reappointed directors Atty. Abdul M. Dataya and Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, Dir. Largo took his oath of office before Mayor Duterte on January 14, 2019 at the Davao City Hall. The new director finished his bachelor’s degree in Statistics from the University of Southeastern Philippines as cum laude. He then took up Bachelor of Laws in Ateneo de Davao University. He graduated in 2000 and in the same year, took and passed the Bar Exam as fourth placer. Dir. Largo is no stranger to public service having worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs as consular assistant, Cooperative Development Authority as cooperative development specialist, and Southern Philippines Medical Center as legal officer. He is also the incumbent president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) – Davao City whose centerpiece program dubbed Legal Aid Warriors (LAW) Project aims to help indigents through pro bono legal services.
the shared determination and collective desire of the great men and women of DCWD to make DCWD a premier water district known for its quality and affordable service to the people.
In his first message to DCWD employees during the 2018 Christmas party, Dir. Largo said, “Among the good things that happened in 2018 is my nomination as member of the Board of DCWD. I thank Mayor Sara for the trust that she has reposed in me. My appointment is a moment of personal honor and I will not take lightly the responsibility that comes with it. I will not waste any opportunity to be of service.” He added that he is one with
Dir. Largo chairs the Legal and Engineering and Technology board committees. He will serve until December 30, 2020 as representative of the CivicOriented Service Clubs in DCWD’s five-member BOD. He replaced Atty. Charmalou D. Aldevera who was appointed as assistant secretary under the Office of the President.
Dir. Largo gives his Christmas message to DCWD employees.
Chairperson Bangayan (3rd from R), Dir. Jacinto (L), Dir. Dataya, (2nd from L), Dir. Paguican (2nd from R), and Dir. Largo (R) pose with Davao City Mayor Duterte after the oath taking. JANUARY-APRIL 2019
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