DCWD Crystal Flow 2014 January - April

Vol. XXII No. 1

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

JANUARY-APRIL 2014

JAN-APR 2014

C O N T E N T S 10

EDITOR’S NOTE

3

RING IN THE NEW YEAR!

FROM THE GM’S DESK

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CARRY ON THE COMMITMENT

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WATER NEWS

5 6 7 8 9

Vol. XXII No. 1

GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND CUSTOMERS CELEBRATE WORLD WATER DAY WITH DCWD DCWD BARES 2013 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND 2014 PROJECTS

PERSONNEL DCWD BRIEFS EMPLOYEES 14 NEWLY APPOINTED OF PLANS AND PERMANENT PROGRAMS PERSONNEL DAVAO CITY WD HOSTS 35TH PAWD CONVENTION

NEWLY PROMOTED EMPLOYEE IN LOVING MEMORY

CARETAKER TEAMS UP TO 24

WATER NEWS

HIGHLIGHTS OF DCWD GRAND AWARDS NIGHT BARED IN-SERVICE LOYALTY AWARDEES

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DAVAO CITY WATER DISTRICT

JANUARY-APRIL 2014

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16

17

YOUTHS JOIN 14TH ECO CAMP WOMEN GATHER FOR CITYWIDE ENVIRONMENT CONSULTATION

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297-3293 OR 297-DCWD NEW 24-HOUR HOTLINE

REASONS OF THE HEART

FEATURE

FIRST PHASE OF DCWD’S PIPE BRIDGE CROSSING PROJECT STARTS IN JUNE

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A ROADMAP TO LOVE

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FUN AND GAMES

FIREFIGHTER TEAM CHAMPS IN COMBAT CHALLENGE

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DID YOU KNOW THAT...

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.

GOALS - Achieve an improved quality of water in Cabantian and Panacan service areas in accordance with PNSDW. - Attain a 98% Employee Satisfaction Rating.

- Exceed by 50% the projected water demand covered by our available resources.

- Increase availability of water to all customers from 90% to 100%.

- Fully implement Phase 1 of the Septage Management Program.

Cover concept by Madonna C. Llaguno Cover design by Jonas A. Capute

ABOUT THE COVER Shown in the cover are DCWD’s World Water Day photo contest entries. Collectively, the photos capture the crucial link between water and energy to sustain life and economic progress.

The winning entry shows a local agency’s recent efforts to regulate wastewater that drains into Davao River. It depicts the global clamor to institute coordinated policies between water and energy, and encourage sustainable use and conservation of both resources.

Highlighted in the photos are nature’s gifts to mankind that everyone is responsible to protect and preserve for the present and future generations.

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

TOP MANAGEMENT

MT. TALOMO-LIPADAS HAS SIX NEW ADOPTERS

LEGALLY SPEAKING

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO, MPA Acting General Manager MILDRED G. AVILES, CPA, MM OIC - Assistant General Manager for Administration ENGR. EXEQUIEL B. HOMEZ OIC - Assistant General Manager for Operations

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS BERNADETTE A. DACANAY, MBA, MA-Hum Finance & Property JEANNETTE CARLOTA M. DELINO, MM Information & Communications Technology PAQUITO C. EBERO Commercial Services IMELDA T. MAGSUCI, MPA Community Relations & External Affairs / Official Spokesperson ENGR. NOEL C. MONTAÑA Production ARIEL L. NOBLE, MBA Corporate Planning ROBERTO S. DELOS REYES, LIB General Services ATTY. RICHARD D. TUMANDA Legal ENGR. ROSANNA VICENTA T. CABANAG, MPA OIC, Pipelines & Appurtenances Maintenance / Head, Non-Revenue Water Management Office ENGR. OSCAR C. DELA CRUZ, MS-ERM OIC, Engineering & Construction HILTON P. HUSAIN, CPA, MBA OIC, Accounting RUTH G. JABINES, MBA, DM-HRM OIC, Human Resource ENGR. ARNOLD P. SARABIA, MPA OIC, Internal Audit

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

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY Service with Dignity and Honor.

Vol. XXII No. 1

JANUARY-APRIL 2014

EDITORIAL BOARD T h e o ffi c i al p u bl i cati on of Davao Ci ty Water Di stri ct 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.

JAN-APR 2014

editor-in-chief MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE, MPA associate editor MADONNA C. LLAGUNO news editor JOVANA CRESTA T. DUHAYLUNGSOD copy editor ENGR. REYNALDO M. PETALCORIN features editor RUTH G. JABINES, MBA, DM-HRM circulation chief JERELL J. LEONIDA artist JONAS A. CAPUTE, JR. adviser IMELDA T. MAGSUCI, MPA

editor’s note []

RING IN THE

NEW YEAR!

W

e’ve had exciting first months of 2014.

In February, DCWD hosted the 35th Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) national convention attended by more than 1,000 delegates from member water districts, trade exhibitors and major players in the water industry. Themed “Water Districts: Addressing Challenges in Water Supply and Sanitation”, the convention served a timely convergence of decision makers in the water industry to map out action plans to fulfill the crucial role of ensuring the availability and access to safe water amidst the global problem of water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. As one of the biggest water utilities in the country, DCWD is proud not only to have successfully hosted the convention but in our proactive participation to ensure water security for the Filipinos of today and tomorrow.

Then in March, we celebrated the annual World Water Day through a photo contest among government agencies in the city. Convinced that no matter how limited, public offices have resources at their disposal to help address water problems and so, we focused this year’s celebration on inter-government agencies participation. We were happy to note the good turnout of participants with entries showing something meaningful about water and energy, the theme for this year’s World Water Day celebration.

Came April, we gave significant recognition to the loyal and outstanding men and women of the workforce whose quality service and dedicated efforts have propelled the relentless pursuit of the water utility to effectively carry out its mandates and functions.

In between these major activities, the first quarter of the year also saw addition of more watershed adopters and stronger inter-government collaboration and multisectoral participation in various undertakings.

Most importantly, we shared with our valued stakeholders the major projects for 2014 alongside the highlights of accomplishments for the year that just ended.

No doubt, another exciting year is upon us and we have merely started to hurdle the challenges this year brings along. But service with honor and dignity is our lifeblood and by this, we will overcome all that may be.

Enjoy this issue! 

MARIA EDITHA C. MONJE publicinfo_dcwd@yahoo.com JAN-APR 2014

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from the gm’s desk []

CARRY ON

THE COMMITMENT F

irst, let me convey wishes for an abundant and healthy new year to the employees, customers and stakeholders of the Davao City Water District.

“A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.”

We usher in another year with major plans and projects aimed toward continuous expansion and improvement of our service coverage and water availability. There are various undertakings in the pipeline that we have strategically prioritized to keep abreast with the demands brought about by the city’s fast-paced development. At the same time, we brace ourselves for the challenges lurking ahead cognizant that these challenges may become taxing at some point. But we will never be overwhelmed.

As it has always been in our forty years of existence, the platform of this year’s operation is customer satisfaction. In the words of a famous author, Michael LeBoeuf, “A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.” Our forty years of operations anchored on the aspiration for excellent customer service stands as a living proof to this quote. And we venture into this year with the same aspiration coupled with the recognition that what we do as a water utility is more than business. We are engaged in a steadfast commitment to sustain the lives of the people we serve.

By far, we have a strong start for 2014. I urge everyone to continue working vigorously so our commitment may be translated into specific actions that we would later on savor as yet another of our humble accomplishments. 

ENGR. EDWIN V. REGALADO Acting General Manager 4

JAN-APR 2014

water news []

f o s e e y o l p m e s f e i r b D DCW

s m a r g o r p d n a plans Department managers (from L) Atty.

Richard D. Tumanda, Ruth G. Jabines, Engr. Rosanna Vicenta T. Cabanag and Paquito C. Ebero answer queries during the open forum in one of the employees fora; Marife Q. Magno of the Finance and Property Department casts her vote for the “Ultimate Galing Tsuper” Employees Choice; Company nurse Roxanne C. Sayago takes the weight of Dionesio R. Garcia Jr. of the Commercial Services Department and Karen D. Patayon of Human Resource Development Division assists Renante G. Abanil of the Engineering and Construction Department during one of the activities.

E

mployees of the Davao City Water District attended the water utility’s annual employees fora scheduled in 10 batches from February 28 until March 13. The half-day fora have been designed to create a venue for employees to convene and discuss what has transpired in DCWD’s operation in 2013 and what they are challenged to accomplish in 2014 in water service expansion, water resource sustainability, customer satisfaction and environmental protection.

Open forum in every batch accommodated queries, suggestions and discussions between management and the workers.

The fora have been proven to be a very effective means in informing the employees of the holistic outcome of their individual efforts and to enjoin them to support DCWD’s targets in accomplishing its upcoming plans and programs which all redound to public service.

Among the highlights was the presentation of DCWD’s achievements in its 40 years of existence.

It traced DCWD’s development from a simple water provider to becoming among the largest water districts in the country today. It likewise discussed how the water utility prepares for the challenges in its operations.

Also presented were the new guiding principles of the water utility which are its new vision “Best water

and wastewater service provider with utmost care for the people and the environment.”, new 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.”, new core strategy “Efficient and effective management of all resources for water security in Davao City”, and, new set of goals (a) achieve an improved quality of water in Cabantian and Panacan service areas in accordance with the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW), (b) attain a 98% Employee Satisfaction Rating, (c) exceed by 50% the projected water demand covered by our available resources, (d) increase availability of water to all customers from 90% to 100% and (e) fully implement Phase 1 of the Septage Management Program.

Before the employees’ forum, a management forum was also held among the officers of DCWD last February 26 which also tackled the same concerns.

Aside from the discussions, weight and blood pressure monitoring of the employees was conducted in line with the Human Resource Department’s Health and Wellness program. The employees also casted their votes for the “Ultimate Galing Tsuper” contest’s employees choice portion. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod)  JAN-APR 2014

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water news []

Davao City WD hosts 35th PAWD convention

D

avao City Water District hosted the 35th Philippine Association of Water Districts national convention on February 5 and 6 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. The 1,067 delegates were composed of key officials and officers of water districts nationwide and from the rest of the water industry. The convention theme “Water Districts: Addressing Challenges in Water Supply and Sanitation” allowed the participants to discuss various innovations in the implementation of water supply and sanitation in the country.

The first day of the convention started with the opening of the photo exhibit of various GAD programs of different water districts and various products and services in the water industry. Davao City WD director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto cut the ribbon of the GAD exhibit and was assisted by PAWD GAD Chair and Camarines Norte WD GM Ma. Antonia B. F. Boma. For the products and services exhibit, Association of Barangay Captains in Davao City president Hon. January N. Duterte did the ribbon cutting. Also present in the opening were PAWD Chair Gilbert D. Camaligan, PAWD president and Dasmariñas WD GM Alfredo S. Silva and DCWD Chair Eduardo A. Bangayan.

This was followed by the opening ceremonies wherein PAWD Chair Camaligan recollected how the water utilities braved various challenges and encouraged everyone to continue upholding public service excellence. In his inspirational message, Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) trustee Eduardo Santos highlighted LWUA’s commitment to support all water districts in the country. In the afternoon, keynote speaker Senator Ralph G. Recto emphasized the importance of the water sector in the country’s development and Sen. Ralph G. Recto talks about was quoted in saying “Ang magtutubig ay the importance of the water sector. mas masipag kaysa mambabatas.” During the general assembly, Davao City mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte welcomed the guests to the city and highlighted the city’s stance on smoking and vehicle speeding, reminding everyone of the city’s reputation on safety.

The new set of PAWD officers were elected with Valencia WD director Romeo R. Garcia as the new chairman and Dipolog City WD GM Pablito S. Paluca as the new president. Also elected were the regional governors and island and regional presidents.

The fellowship night was filled with dance and song numbers with participation from General Santos WD, Digos City WD and Davao City WD. The last day of the convention opened with technical sessions on issues relevant to the water industry which included water supply and sanitation project financing, septage and sewerage, watershed management and protection, partnership, non-revenue water and technology and innovation. In the afternoon, Change Management Consultant chief trainer Anthony Pangilinan gave useful insights on how to be a better leader.

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JAN-APR 2014

The opening of the GAD exhibit is led by (2nd from L) DCWD Chair Eduardo A. Bangayan, PAWD Chair Gilbert D. Camaligan, DCWD Director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto and PAWD president Alfredo S. Silva.

Capping the event was the closing ceremony wherein the inservice loyalty awardees were recognized and Davao City second district councilor Hon. Mylene Garcia-Albano inducted the newly elected officers. Also awarded were the winners of the 2013 best publication awards. For the magazine category, first placer was San Jose del Monte WD’s Tubig San Joseño followed by Davao City WD’s Crystal Flow in second slot and Cagayan de Oro WD’s Flowell in third place. Baliwag WD’s Aguas Potables was the winner for the newsletter category while San Jose del Monte WD’s Tubig San Joseño was in second and Metro Tuguegarao WD’s Precious Drops in third.

Before the convention proper, a whole day conference on human resource issues was held at the SMX Convention Center on February 4. In the afternoon of the same day, Katrina Rose Fernando representing the Northern Mindanao Natural Resources Management Council Inc. (NORMIN) – CARAGA Region won the 3rd PAWD National Science and Math Quiz Bee elementary category with Keith Jones Cañedo of NORMIN – Region X as first runner-up. For the high school category, winner was Kris Valerie Navidad another NORMIN – Region X representative with Gene Patrick Rible of Southern and Central Mindanao Water Information Council contestant as first runner-up. The quiz show was held at the Grand Regal Hotel. Held simultaneously was the national tap and drill contest for water district employees at the DCWD Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Bajada office where Cabanatuan City Duterte welcomes the delegates.

WD was declared as winner with San Pablo City WD and Davao City WD in second and third places respectively.

For the basketball tournament among BOD members, general managers and department and division managers, the Mindanao Association of Water Districts (MAWD) emerged as champion with Central Luzon Association of Water Districts (CLAWD) as first runnerup and Southern Tagalog Association of Water Districts (STAWD) as second runner-up. Kidapawan WD bagged the winning titles for both men and women’s doubles in the badminton tournament. Davao City WD dominated the golf tournament with overall gross champion Fred Albarillo, class A division champion Dir. Eliseo R. Braganza Jr. and ladies division champion Rowena Capili. Rey Añonuevo of Chemical Research and Rene Ronquillo of Aboitiz Equity Ventures champed classes B and C, respectively.

For many years, the PAWD convention has been a very strategic venue for the meaningful exchange of ideas and technologies among water utilities and the water industry in the country. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) 

water water news news [] []

CARETAKER teams up to 24

A

total of 24 caretaker teams covering more than 180,000 service connections in the city’s south and north areas have been deployed by Davao City Water District.

One caretaker team is composed of a three-man group of a team leader, plumber and driver tasked to monitor water related concerns such as quality of pipelines and water meter installations in the network, non-functioning water meters and illegal connections. They also monitor DCWD-owned facilities inside private properties and areas with low or excessive pressure and attend to customers’ requests for transfer, elevation or arrangement of water meters as well as to other matters pertaining to DCWD’s services.

In the south areas, 12 caretaker teams are assigned in San Lorenzo Puan, Bangkal and Gulfview, Dumalag, GSIS environs, Juna and SIR, Ma-a, Catalunan Pequeño, Catalunan Grande, Dacoville environs, Daliao Toril, Bago Oshiro and Tacunan, and Calinan and Malagos. Another 12 teams cover these north areas: Boulevard, Poblacion, Marfori areas, Tigatto, Bajada, Agdao, Mamay, Buhangin, Lanang, Sasa, Cabantian and Indangan, and Lasang and Tibungco.

From January to April this year, the 24 caretaker teams have repaired 537 mainline and 3,848 service line leaks either reported by customers or monitored through the team’s foot patrol activities. In addition, the teams elevated 820, arranged 1,745, transferred 74 and painted 40 water meters in the same period.

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado lauds the accomplishments of the caretaker system particularly the significant improvements in terms of leak reports, installation of

water meters, inter-agency coordination and customer relations.

He also noted the importance of the caretaker system in the water utility’s efforts to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW). NRW is water lost due to leaks, theft and / or authorized usage but which no payment is made such as water used for firefighting, flushing of mainline pipes and communal faucets.

Relatedly, Engr. Rosanna Vicenta T. Cabanag, officerin-charge of the Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Department handling the operations of the caretaker teams, shared that the caretaker system developed a stronger sense of responsibility and commitment among the staff assigned in specific service areas and strengthened oversight of DCWD’s facilities.

The caretaker system is among the best practices DCWD learned when it forged partnership with Vitens-Evides International of the Netherlands, a globally acclaimed water company for their expertise in water technology, purification and pipe network installation.

Replicating this best practice, DCWD deployed the first caretaker team on March 14, 2011, followed by six teams in August of the same year. All teams were assigned in the south areas. In 2012, another three teams were created for the north areas. By the first quarter of 2014, the number of teams rose to 24 and their assigned areas have been delineated to cover strategic areas served by the water utility’s 10 water supply systems.

DCWD targets to create six more caretaker teams by 2015.

(Jamae R. Garcia) 

One caretaker team composed of (from L) Ruby L. Portulazo, April A. Concha and Edenilo C. Pajarito.

JAN-APR 2014

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water news []

Highlights of DCWD Grand Awards Night bared Loyal and outstanding employees awarded for 35, 30, 25, 20, 15 and 10 years in-service.

Attended by Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region XI director Annabelle B. Rosell and chief personnel specialist Evelyn B. Yparraguirre, Chairman Eduardo A. Bangayan, Vice-Chair Eliseo R. Braganza Jr., Dir. Abdul M. Dataya and Dir. Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, officers led by acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, employees, awardees and family members.

Commercial Services Department’s (CSD) supervising utilities / customer service officer Corazon A. Atienza and utility worker A Jose A. Tampos, both 65 years old, specially honoured in a tribute in line with the CSC and DCWD’s “Salamat Paalam. Mabuhay Ka” program.

2013 model employees beam with their department managers (from L) DM Noel C. Montaña and Junie T. Pepe of PD for the field category and Catherine C. Fiel and OICDM Rosanna Vicenta T. Cabanag of PAMD for the office category.

2013 model employees secretary B Catherine C. Fiel of the Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Department (PAMD), office category and plant electrician A Junie T. Pepe of the Production Department (PD), field category recognized with rewards.

“Ultimate Galing Tsuper” winners toolkeeper Rogelio A. Piñanos of the Finance and Property Department (FPD), office category and driver 1 Ruel D. Descallar of (PAMD), field category awarded. Mr. Pelaños, office category and senior water maintenance man B Alfredo V. Albarillo of PAMD, field category cited employees’ choices.

Retirees (from 2nd from L) Corazon A. Atienza and Jose A. Tampos of CSD pose for posterity with acting GM Regalado (extreme L), Customer Care DvM Ruth Agnes G. Chavez and Chairman Bangayan.

“Ultimate Galing Tsuper” winners Ruel D. Descallar (L) of PAMD (field category) and Rogelio A. Piñanos of FPD (office category) show off their plaques and exclusive DCWD jackets.

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JAN-APR 2014

“Timbang Kalembang” winners or biggest weight losers revealed and awarded: Team Pork Barrel of the General Services Department in first place, Team Pasmo of PAMD in second place and Team Toby of PD in third place. Driver-mechanic B Jonathan M. Baranggan of Team Pork Barrel named top loser followed by principal engineer C Noel L. Caro of Team Pasmo and then by clerk processor B Janine Joy E. Ellivera also of Team Pork Barrel. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) 

“Timbang Kalembang” weight loss challenge winners Team Pork Barrel stand proud with (from extreme L) OIC-DM Ruth G. Jabines, Dir. Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto, and OIC-AGMO Exequiel B. Homez (extreme R).

water news [ď “]

In-Service Loyalty Awardees

35

years in-service awardees flocked by acting GM Regalado (extreme L) and Chairman Bangayan (extreme R).

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years in-service awardees with (top row, from extreme R) Vice-Chair Braganza and ICT DM Jeannette Carlota M. Delino and OIC-AGMA Mildred G. Aviles (extreme L).

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years in-service awardees with Dir. Abdul M. Dataya (top row, extreme R) and OIC-DM Cabanag (top row extreme L).

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years in-service awardees with (top row extreme L) GSD DM Roberto S. delos Reyes, Dir. Jacinto and Accounting OIC-DM Hilton P. Husain (extreme R).

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years in-service awardees with Dir. Dataya (extreme R) and OIC-AGMO Homez (extreme L).

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years in-service awardees with Dir. Braganza (top row, extreme R) and HR OIC-DM Jabines (extreme L).

JAN-APR 2014

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water news []

to Bring lating Wastewater etition (from L) “Regu third. mp in co ty” the au of Be s s re’ trie en atu Top three winning r” in second and “N ve so ros “C , ce pla rst Energy to Life” in fi

Government offices and customers celebrate

WORLD WATER DAY WITH DCWD

D

avao City Water District encouraged local and national government agencies in Davao City in celebrating World Water Day. It also invited its customers to the celebration through a Customers Appreciation Day. The top three winners of the first ever DCWD World Water Day photo contest were declared and awarded last March 18 at SM City Annex. Of the nine submitted entries, the photo titled “Regulating Wastewater to Bring Energy to Life” of Sherwin A. Miguel from the City Economic Enterprise bagged Division managers (from extreme L) Dennis A. Maningo, Maria Editha C. Monje, Ruth Agnes G. the first place spot. Coming in second was Chavez (3rd from R) and Hydie R. Maspiñas (extreme R), judges and contestants pose after the “Crossover” of Gerardo D. Madrazo from the announcement and awarding of winners.

City Assessor’s Office and third was “Nature’s Beauty” of Tomas Jose S. Iñigo from the Sports Development Division.

The top three winners received plaques and cash prizes of Php 10,000, Php 7,000 and Php 4,000, respectively. All contestants received DCWD customized bags and umbrellas.

raphers photog lcantara o City A . a F v a e ji D o ies. d wag, J to entr warde Multi-a nato B. Luma dge the pho ) Re an ju (from L d L. Jumaw lan and Ro

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JAN-APR 2014

The winning photos were put on display in an exhibit at SM City Annex from March 19 to 23 together with the other six entries: “Flowing Energy” of Marlito D. Ayala from the Department of Labor and Employment XI, “Hope by the Mangroves” of Kevin Terence N. Olmedo from the Department of Public Works and Highways XI, “Tubig at Katutubo” of Estelito L. Ocampo from the National Commission on

water news [] Indigenous Peoples XI, “Reminiscence” of Rollin John C. de la Cruz from the Philippine Statistics Authority, “Endless Drift” of Jefferson V. Escobello from the Public Safety and Security Command Center and untitled photo of Alrey D. Villagonzalo from the Business Bureau.

Renowned and multi-awarded city photographers Renato “Rene” B. Lumawag, Roland L. Jumawan and Jojie F. Alcantara judged the entries. Winners were chosen according to how the subject matter was photographed in a unique and interesting way, how the elements in photography were used in the picture, how the photo was able to grab and hold the viewers’ attention and how well the photos interpreted any of the objectives of the 2014 World Water Day celebration.

The activity is DCWD’s simple way of thanking its customers for the support and cooperation they have been giving DCWD. It can be recalled that same activity was held last November 4, 2013 to commemorate the 40th founding anniversary of the water utility on November 3, 1973 through Presidential Decree 198.

Held simultaneously was the sticker brigade wherein stickers on water conservation and environmental protection were placed on the back portion of 200 public jeepneys passing along McArthur Highway and J.P. Laurel Avenue.

This activity is annually conducted on World Water Day and the jeepneys were chosen because these can easily and widely carry the messages to the general public. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) 

On behalf of the DCWD management, overall coordinator and Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje thanked all contestants and their respective agencies for the support that they have given. Also present in the event were managers Engr. Dennis A. Maningo of the Water Meter Maintenance Division, Engr. Ruth Agnes G. Chavez of the Customer Care Division and Hydie R. Maspiñas of the Quality Control Division.

Then on March 21, approximately 1,000 DCWD customers received customized umbrellas, foldable fans, eco bags, notebooks, bookmarks and calendars at DCWD’s Bajada, Matina and Toril offices and Victoria Plaza collection center.

The customers were also asked to read various trivia on DCWD’s operations in its 40 years of existence.

n nservatio water co icker. y gets a e st n p re e ca je l A ronmenta and envi

D Matina at the DCW Customers ebies. fre y jo en and Bajada

n to are also give ffice.

Free items ril O e DCWD To th at s er custom

n aza collectio at Victoria Pl ms.

Customers ite e fre e iv center rece

JAN-APR 2014

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12

JAN-APR 2014

NOTE: Figures as of February 2014

=JAN-APR 2014

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personnel []

CONGRATULATIONS!

TO THE NEWLY APPOINTED PERMANENT PERSONNEL

PONCIANO C. ESTILLORE, JR.

MA. ANTONIA R. MANABAN

RAUL S. SAGA

RUSSEL JOHN P. AMERKHAN

Driver Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Utility Worker B Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Driver Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Industrial Relations Management Asst. B Human Resource Dept.

NEWLY PROMOTED EMPLOYEE

MARIFE D. BARBARONA Utility Worker A Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

In Loving Memory

EDWIN C. BALURAN Senior Water Maintenance Man B Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

July 4, 1962 - January 11, 2014

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JAN-APR 2014

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”

-John 11:25-26

TERRY F. CABARRUBIAS Water Maintenance Man C Pipelines and Appurtenances Maintenance Dept.

Sept. 11, 1961 - April 12, 2014

water news []

First phase of DCWD’s

PIPE BRIDGE CROSSING

project starts in June

T

he first phase of the design and construction of Davao City Water District’s pipe bridge crossing project between the two Gov. Generoso bridges will commence in June. The pipe size and type incorporated in the project is a 1000mm diameter steel pipe that will serve as replacement of the damaged transmission lines.

Said project, divided into two phases, will have an actual cost of Php 104,738,055.60 and is expected to be finished within 300 calendar days or 10 months. The first two months will be devoted to the detailed design and engineering phase while the remaining eight months is for the construction phase. The first phase will include but not limited to the preparation of pipe bridge conceptual design, site investigation and survey, pipe bridge detailed structural design, detailed cost-estimates and technical specifications and work scheduling and monitoring. The construction phase, on the other hand, will include but not limited to mobilization / demobilization and actual construction of development plan.

It can be recalled that on December 16, 2012, the pipe bridge crossing supporting DCWD’s 600mm diameter and 750mm diameter transmission / distribution pipelines collapsed after it was hit by logs and debris carried by the strong current of the Davao River. Because of the collapse, both transmission / distribution lines were damaged and affected 45,850 service connections served by the Dumoy Water Supply System. Of this, 33,400 connections did not have water while 12,450 connections experienced low water pressure.

the water utility temporarily installed two 400mm diameter by-pass pipelines on Gov. Generoso Bridge 1 on December 21 and 28, 2012, respectively. This was done with the approval of the local government of Davao City and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

As expected, many connections especially in elevated and northern areas have been experiencing water supply problems especially during peak hours because the temporary replacement pipes cannot sufficiently deliver water same as the damaged transmission pipes.

Upon completion, the new structure with the new pipelines will restore the original capacity of the damaged pipes, resolve the present unstable water pressure condition of the affected areas and increase the capacity of the transmission / distribution lines for future water consumption needed in the central and northern parts of Davao City.

Contractors of the project are RD Policarpio & Co. Inc., Allado Construction Company, Inc. and TGV Builders Inc. The invitation to bid for the project was first published on August 6, 2013 but prospect bidders failed to comply the requirements. It was re-published on November 21, 2013. Bids were opened on January 21, 2014 and the notice of award was given last April 3, 2014. On the side, DCWD also coordinated with the city local government in order to resolve the issue with the informal settlers in the project site particularly under the two Gov. Generoso bridges. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) 

As a provisional solution while the DCWD management was planning and preparing for permanent replacement, JAN-APR 2014

15

water news []

Fred C. Garado and Janiel C. Suarez carry a team mate playing fire victim through the finish line.

Arvin O. M win durin arabiles throws a g the tie hose for b tension-g reaker game befo the ripped au re a dience.

position ady-set-go men on a re signal for the “Hit er at w he T g for the go while waitin e target” event. th

FIREFIGHTER CHAMPS IN TEAMCOMBAT CHALLENGE

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avao City Water District’s Firefighter team stood up to its name as water provider when it put out 20 firefighter teams and emerged as over-all champion in the 6th Inter-Fire Volunteer Combat Challenge Industrial and Barangay Category held last March 29, 2014 at the Apolinario Mabini Elementary School grounds in Bangkal, this city.

Winning against 17 barangay and three industrial emergency, rescue, medical and fire auxiliaries did not come easy for DCWD that was joining for the first time. They competed all out, forcing a one-on-one tie breaker of hose throwing game against fellow first timer UFC’s Nutri-Asia Emergency Response team. In the end, DCWD came out the victor and brought home the Php 5,000 grand prize.

First runner-up was Nutri-Asia that received Php 3,000 cash.

Second and third runners-up were Kapalong Emergency and Rescue Services team with Php 2,500 cash and Dumoy Auxiliary and Rescue Volunteers Organization with Php 2,000 prize. Each team also received a plaque.

The whole day activity started with a welcome address and recognition of participants followed by a competition among the muses and arm wrestling among the male 16

JAN-APR 2014

representatives. For the main event, the activities were fire extinguishment, rope climbing, fireman rescue, hit the target and bucket relay. Simultaneously, an inter-province fire olympics participated in by different BFP firefighters from Region XI was conducted.

The fire combat challenge was organized by the Davao City Fire District (DCFD) as part of BFP’s mandate to implement and coordinate activities for all sectors of society on fire safety, prevention and suppression to minimize occurrence of destructive fires. The contest was designed to gauge and enhance fire fighting capabilities of the participating volunteers.

For DCWD, the Pollution Control and Safety Office (PCSO) headed by Engr. John F. Baynosa is responsible for safety-related programs and activities with the creation of the fire fighter team as a component strategy. The PCSO which created DCWD’s Emergency Medical Response team is also actively joining different inter-office competitions. DCWD continues to create teams and send employees to activities meant to enhance the utility’s emergency and disaster preparedness capacity. (Jerell J. Leonida) 

water news []

Youths join 14TH ECO CAMP

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ome 375 youths from different high schools and colleges in Davao City and the beneficiaries of Davao City Water District’s “Tulong Aral ng DCWD” in barangays TawanTawan and Tamugan joined the 14th Eco Camp from April 4 to 6 at Malagos Park in Davao City. The camp themed “YOUTH HAVE THE POWER in Learning and Acting for Watersheds Sustainability (LAWS)” or YOUTH HAVE THE POWER IN LAWS was sponsored

by Davao City Water District and the Watershed Management Youth Council (WMYC), the youth sector of the Watershed and Environment Protection Coalition of Davao (WEPCD).

On behalf of DCWD spokesperson Imelda T. Magsuci, Edmarson M. Sola welcomed all participants. DCWD director Ma. Luisa L. Jacinto expressed how happy she was to see the growing influence of the activity each year and how DCWD has been able to support an advocacy that promote environmental protection among the youth. Inspiring the campers was WEPCD president Dominador A. Lopez who also inducted the 2014 WMYC officers.

Various speakers were invited to impart their expertise on leadership to the participants. City councilors Hon. April Marie C. Dayap and Hon. Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes gave tips on how to excel in being a youth leader and a public servant while Sr. Thea May Superio of Carmelite missionaries explained how to harmonize both leadership and spirituality.

Strengthening the participants’ knowledge about environmental issues were WMYC alumnus Claide Kinneth Saludar who gave the environmental situationer in Davao City, WMYC director Aaron Joel Orozco who talked about the voice and action of the youth in protecting Davao City watersheds and water, Interface Development Interventions Inc. policy advocacy specialist Migro Vina O. Cagampang who explained rainwater harvesting in Davao City and Joy Daman of Jose Segovia Foundation who gave inputs on organic farming.

Various activities and contest were also conducted as part of the campers’ three-day capability building exercises. Among these was the Picnature and Essay Writing contest. The first prize winners were Dave Marayag, Cherish Portallo and Diether Dave Ingco of Doña Carmen Denia National High School who won Php 2,000. In second place were Aimee Jenn Carismal, Jovelyn Incisco and Irish Claire Ledesma of F. Bangoy National High School who got Php 1,500. And, in third place were Kleasia Mendones, Joel Kenneth Ngojo and Camille Suarez of Davao City National High School who won Php 500.

Highest pointer in all activities was the Aquamarine group while the Quiz Bee contest winners were the Zircon and Pearl groups. Both groups were composed of students from different schools. Winners received cash prizes from WMYC. Co-sponsors who made the event possible included the City Government of Davao, Office of Hon. Marissa P. Salvador-Abella, office of Hon. Principe-Castrodes, Vitarich Inc., Illuminada Farms Inc., Naty’s Lechon House, Taipan Restaurant, Nanay Bebeng Restauarant, RDL Pharmaceutical Laboratory Inc. and Alternative Catering Services. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) 

Women gather for citywide

environment consultation

W

Women enjoy discussions.

Participants present their action plans.

omen representatives from 60 different barangays in the three congressional districts of Davao City attended the Davao Citywide Women and Environment in the Barangay (WEB) consultation last March 26 at Lispher Inn, an activity sponsored by Davao City Water District.

Topics discussed were the current status of the environment in Davao City particularly the water and watersheds, useful insights on climate change adaptation in agriculture, women’s right in the community and at home and various issues on women and economy.

Showing their support to the participants were city councilors Hon. Leah A. LibradoYap, Hon. Antoinette G. Principe-Castrodes, Hon. Rachel P. Zozobrado-Nagayo and Hon.

Marissa P. Salvador-Abella who imparted knowledge on women empowerment and the environment. Another resource speaker was Interface Development Interventions Inc. policy advocacy specialist Chinkie T. Peliño.

The event aimed to help the newly elected WEB leaders create linkages with the Barangay Council of women and to create an avenue for women to discuss the current status of the environment of their respective barangays.

At the end of the consultation, the participants came up with an action plan which discussed their recommendations on how to address environmental issues and concerns in their immediate communities.

(Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) 

JAN-APR 2014

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water news []

Acting GM Edwin V. Regalado (3rd from L) shakes hand with HCDC president Msgr. Julius C. Rodulfa after the Adopt-a-Site project MoA signing.

Mt. Talomo-Lipadas has six new adopters

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ix new adopters from different sectors inked their commitment to help Davao City Water District’s Adopta-Site Project in Mt. Talomo-Lipadas on separate occasions in the first quarter of the year.

From the academe, four members of the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) pledged to help DCWD in its environmental protection campaign. First to sign a memorandum of agreement with DCWD was Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) with president Msgr. Julius C. Rodulfa, vice president for academic affairs Dr. Hernane I. Carillo and community extension services representatives Lino Cesar A. Suner, Jr. and Leo John C. Deocariza last February 12 at HCDC campus. Following were San Pedro College (SPC), St. Peter’s College of Toril (SPCT) and University of Immaculate Conception (UIC) with presidents Sr. Annabella A. Roña, Sr. Samuelita P. Enriquez, PM and S. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, RVM, respectively, last April 22 at the DACS office. Also among the signatories was DACS executive director Jimmie-Loe P. dela Vega. Signing in behalf of DCWD were acting GM Edwin V. Regalado, spokesperson Imelda T. Magsuci and Environment and Watershed Protection Division (EWPD) manager Engr.

Anthony D. Miranda. HCDC, SPC and UIC each adopted five hectares of land while SPCT adopted one hectare.

Dela Vega, who in the words of acting GM Regalado “bridged and promoted DCWD’s Adopt-a-Site project”, noted

that the schools’ involvement will also encourage other members of DACS to partner with DCWD in preserving the city’s watersheds.

On March 3, another five hectares were adopted by Green Tee. Org after board member Gamirin Jerico M. Bajo signed the MoA with EWPD manager Miranda and watershed management chief Engr. Lorna T. Maxino at the Delongtes Restaurant. Also present for Green Tee were members Wendel M. Adlao and Brian S. Davila.

In a different development, the Accendo Commercial Corporation, a joint venture company of Ayala Land and Anflocor and owner of Abreeza Mall turned over its Php 18,000 donation for one hectare of land to Public Information / Relations Division manager Maria Editha C. Monje last March 29 during an Earth Hour activity at the Abreeza Mall. Accendo Commercial is yet to sign a MoA with DCWD to make their adoption official.

According to the Accendo Commercial, the donated money was raised through the proceeds of the Green Plates dinner for a cause and Art in the Dark competition.

Both activities were conducted in observance of Earth Hour in which Monje also served as judge in the painting contest along with two local artists. to page 19

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JAN-APR 2014

water news []

297-3293 or 297-DCWD

new 24-hour hotline

D

avao City Water District’s 24-hour hotline 221-9412 has been changed to 297-3293 or 297-DCWD. Effective afternoon of January 10, 2014, calling public are being advised by the voicemail to dial the new number when they call the old hotline.

With the new hotline, customers need to press “0” to talk to a DCWD call center agent for any matters concerning the water utility’s services such as billing and connection concerns, water interruption inquiry, leak reports, water availability updates, water quality status, among others. To listen to the latest scheduled and emergency water interruptions affecting certain areas in the city, customers need to press “1”.

Along with 297-3293, DCWD’s call center has three mobile hotlines 0927-798-8966 for GLOBE, 0908-441-0653 for SMART and 0925-511- 3293 / DCWD for SUN which the customers can also contact through call or text message.

When online, customers can access the DCWD website (www.davao-water.gov.ph) to get latest news regarding DCWD operations and information on scheduled or emergency water interruptions. They can also create their own accounts in the website so they can check their latest water bills online provided that they know their account numbers. Leak reports can likewise be done through the website.

DCWD has its own Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ davaowater) where customers can check updates on scheduled water interruptions and forward queries, suggestions and complaints regarding the water utility’s services.

The DCWD management hopes that with these multiple information access, its customers will find it easier and convenient to avail of DCWD services. (Jovana T. Duhaylungsod) 

Mt. Talomo-Lipadas... from page 18 Regalado expressed his thanks to the new adopters for their support and reiterated that saving Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed is tantamount to ensuring the water requirements of the present and future generations.

(L to R) EWPD manager Engr. Anthony D. Miranda, CREAD manager and official spokesperson Imelda T. Magsuci and acting GM Edwin V. Regalado show off copies of their MoA with presidents of the new watershed adopters: Sr. Samuelita P. Enriquez, PM of SPCT, S. Ma. Marissa R. Viri, RVM of UIC and Sr. Annabella A. Roña, OP of SPC. With them is DACS pres. Jimmie Loe P. dela Vega.

(From R) DCWD watershed management chief Engr. Lorna T. Maxino and manager Engr.

Anthony D. Miranda and Green Tee. Org board member Gamirin Jerico M. Bajo pose after signing the MoA.

DCWD is not only hopeful to get more adopters this year but also to continue reaching out to the various sectors of society in its awareness-raising and watershed protection campaigns. To date, there are now 90 adopters from various sectors sharing the cause of watershed protection.

In the Adopt-a-Site project, every adopter pledges to donate Php 6,000 every year for five years to subsidize the costs of fruit tree seedlings, organic fertilizer and labor for hauling, planting and maintenance activities in their adopted area. Said project which is one of the many environmental protection strategies incorporated by the water utility has been very instrumental in helping DCWD completely rehabilitate 816 of the 1,000 hectares inside Mt. Talomo-Lipadas watershed assigned by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (Jamae R. Garcia)  JAN-APR 2014

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legally speaking []

“The heart has its own REASONS THAT reason DOES NOT KNOW.”

Reasons of The Heart

by Atty. Fairy Faith R. Agustin

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his is the very heart among the cited reasons of the Supreme Court in a ruling favoring a 30 year-old elementary teacher who was dismissed from service on the ground of immoral conduct for marrying her student, 14 years her junior.

Evelyn Chua, a teacher of Tay Tung High School in Bacolod City since 1963, was the adviser of the sixth grade class wherein 16 yearold Bobby Qua was enrolled. It was the school’s policy to extend remedial instructions to its students. As such, Bobby was extended remedial sessions by Evelyn after regular classes in school. While in the course of doing so, they fell in love. Eventually, with the consent of and advice by Bobby’s mother, they got married in civil rites in Iloilo City on December 24, 1975, and had church wedding in Bacolod City on January 10, 1976.

Tay Tung High School filed a clearance to terminate the employment of Evelyn with the Department of Labor in Bacolod City on February 4, 1976. The ground was: unethical conduct unbecoming of a dignified school teacher and her continued employment was inimical to the best interest, and would downgrade the high moral values of the school. Evelyn was placed under suspension without pay on March 12, 1976.

On September 17, 1978, the Executive Labor Arbiter, without conducting any formal hearing granted the said clearance to terminate the employment of Evelyn and it was held that: “In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the undisputed written testimonies of several witnesses convincingly picture the circumstances under which such amorous relationship was manifested within the premises of the school, inside the classroom, and within the sight of some employees. While no direct evidences have been introduced to show that immoral acts were committed during these times, it is however enough for a sane and credible mind to imagine and conclude what transpired and took place during these times.”

Aggrieved, Evelyn appealed her case to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) on October 7, 1976. She defended that there was nothing wrong or immoral, nor was it abusive and unethical for a teacher like her to enter lawful marriage with her student. NLRC, in its decision dated December 27, 1976, heard her plea, reversed the earlier decision against her and even granted her reinstatement with backwages.

However, when Tay Tung School elevated the case to the Minister of Labor, the NLRC decision was reversed.

Another flip of decision happened when Evelyn appealed her case to the Office of the President of the Philippines. On December 6, 1978, said office rendered its decision reversing the appealed decision and ordering her reinstatement.

Evelyn’s calvary was not over yet. Tay Tung High School filed a Motion for Reconsideration which was granted by the Office of the President of the Philippines reversing its earlier own decision

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and therein concluded that : “...this Office deemed it wise to uphold the judgment and action of the school authorities in terminating the services of a teacher whose actuations and behavior, in the belief of the school authorities, had spawned ugly rumors that had cast serious doubts on her integrity, a situation which was considered by them as not healthy for a school campus, believing that a school teacher should at all times act with utmost circumspection and conduct herself beyond reproach and above suspicion.”

Evelyn, hurt and clamoring for justice, filed a petition for certiorari before the Supreme Court. This is a landmark case considering that it was just actually an illegal dismissal case which turned controversial due to the ground invoked by the employer school, that is, having a teacher-student relationship.

Impressed with the uniqueness of the attending facts of the case, the Supreme Court painstakingly perused its entire records. The Court focused then on this ultimate issue: the legality of the dismissal hinges on the matter whether or not there is substantial evidence to prove that the antecedent facts which culminated in the marriage between teacher Evelyn and student Bobby constitute immorality and / or grave misconduct.

The Supreme Court finally put a dot on the controversy and granted Evelyn’s petition and declared that her dismissal as unwarranted and illegal. The Court in its Decision dated August 30, 1990 has these beautiful and heart warming words to say: “With the finding that there is no substantial evidence of the imputed immoral acts, it follows that the alleged violation of the Code of Ethics governing school teachers would have no basis. Private respondent utterly failed to show that petitioner took advantage of her position to court her student. If the two eventually fell in love, despite the disparity in their ages and academic levels, this only lends substance to the truism that the heart has reasons of its own which reason does not know. But, definitely, yielding to this gentle and universal emotion is not to be so casually equated with immorality. The deviation of the circumstances of their marriage from the usual societal pattern cannot be considered as a defiance of contemporary social mores.”

In this case of Evelyn Chua-Qua vs. Hon. Jacobo C. Clave and Tay Tung High School, Inc., G.R. No. 49549, August 30, 1990, the highest court of the Philippine land acknowledged the power of love. 

(Note: The facts of this case were covered by the old Civil Code of the Philippines, which allowed persons not yet 18 years old to get married with the consent of their parents.

With the passing of the Family Code of the Philippines on July 6, 1987, a person below eighteen years of age cannot marry, even with the consent of his or her parents.)

feature []

T

here has been an on-going struggle for people nowadays. People have been constantly searching, day and night for a very scarce feeling – the feeling of security, assurance, happiness and joy – the feeling of love, the genuine kind of love. Is this really worth searching? Is it really existing? Is it really true? Can it touch us in a certain time and will last for a lifetime as what has been explicitly emphasized in Celine Dion’s hit song, “My heart will go on”? Or it is just fantasy?

If we try to find the meaning of this very scarce feeling, Mister Webster defined love as a “strong affection for another… or an affection and tenderness felt by lovers”. Meaning to say, love is grounded on mutuality, fairness, honesty and truth.

However, Mister Webster failed to give us the formula of achieving and sustaining such.

Recklessly, people directly engage in this so called “love”. Feelings of love rushing towards each other, blooming like flower, so fragrant and beautiful, with all radiating hues emanating from it, and after a month or so, withers, fades and dies unknowingly, unconsciously. A feeling felt once like it is forever, like Dion’s, now full of pain, hatred, animosity and passivity. Is this the cycle of love we are destined to take on?

An off-the-charts deviation, completely opposite and nonresilient as compared to that of Webster’s? Is there a panacea to this?

As people continue to search for this feeling called love, in order to have it, to own and live with it like it is living happily ever after, a more sacrificial definition comes into being.

Love as commitment. Love is commitment. For some, this definition is quite lasting. As we go through the test of time and relationship, as we fight against all odds and as we settle to make common ground despite the differences yet we still hold to our partner and commit to our relationship of having each other is a much better situation. Though this kind of love proves to be “lasting” in the sense that there is continued union, however if marred with infidelity and unfaithfulness, achieves no good – a practice in futility. Living in this kind of situation requires more haggle, resulting to a more agonizing and more dying position. This has been the status quo, in a way or the other, of our secularized world, our people and of our society.

Genuine, lasting,

and passionate love is indeed scarce and worst, gone.

Let us admit it, we could not have this kind of love. No matter how we strive, within ourselves, with all our strength and might, we could not produce genuine and lasting love.

We cheat, we ignore, we lie, we covet, we steal, we succumb ourselves to the dictates of this world and we are thus bound to fail. Just like the moon that could not produce its own light, so are we with love. And just like the moon that needs to borrow light from the sun to be able to shed its light on the earth and so are we with love. We are not capable of loving. We have to have a source from which we can have love and share it with others and we become engulfed by it. The source must have infinite love, one that could never be depleted.

Now, we have come to this point. Where should we be getting this source of love? If we could not find it in this world or within ourselves, we should resort to something else, one that is not among us, One higher than us – no less than our Creator – God. The bible says, “God is love”. Digging deeper to the meaning of this love that God has revealed a kind of love which bears no condition for His is unconditional love. He showed this unconditional love for us through His Son Jesus Christ who died for our sins so that we could be brought back to the arms of our Father and ultimately have His love within us.

By putting Christ in our hearts we have received the love of the Father. By having the love of the Father through His Son, we now have a source of love, infinite, genuine and unconditional.

In this kind of love that is within us, loving others will not be hard to do. We can love our enemies, we can be good husbands to our wives and good wives to our husbands, we can be good mothers and fathers to our children, we can be united all throughout. In this love, there is joy and happiness among relationships, one that lasts, one that sustains with passion. Having this kind of love will mean something not only for this generation, but for the many that are yet to come. God’s unconditional love practised by man regards no duration, no generation. It is for eternity.

As we continue to journey in life, may we be able to have the love of God with joy, peace, perseverance, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and temperance. May we be able to see a different light from this love and ultimately guide us to success and victory. 

A ROADMAP TO LOVE

by Edjan S. Parreño

JAN-APR 2014

21

fun and games [] P! SUM IT U

The goal is to place all the numbers from 1 to 9 inside one of the squares so that all the lines passing through the center square add up to the same number.

WORD SEARCH. How many dog breeds do you know. Find the words below.

You’ll quickly discover when you try to solve this that the number in the center square, which is part of every sum, must be 5, the number in the middle of the set. After that, it doesn’t matter which box you start in. Suppose you start with the largest number of the remaining numbers, 9. Then put the smallest remaining number, 1, in the opposite box to get a sum of 9 + 5 + 1 = 15.

Next choose the largest and smallest of the remaining numbers, 8 and 2. Adding them to 5 also gives 15. It doesn’t matter which boxes they go in as long as they are opposite each other. The last two pairs of numbers that complete the puzzle are 3 and 7, 6 and 4.

BASENJI BASSET HOUND BEAGLE BLOODHOUND SAINT BERNARD

SCRAMBLES WORDS. Unscramble the words below and discover the different sport events and terms.

LLBA ________________ NWMMISGI ___________ RYUBG ______________ EBALBSAL ___________ UNR ________________ NIW _________________ WHRTO ______________ AKBSLLTAEB _________ ELOS ________________

TBA __________________ INGGGOJ _____________ AKRTAE ______________ OPLIYCMS ____________ EACR ________________ CHTCA _______________ NEICPOOITMT _________

BULL TERRIER CHIHUAHUA DACHSUND DALMATIAN SCHIPPERKE

GREAT DANE NEWFOUNDLAND IRISH SETTER OTTERHOUND KEESHOND PEKINGESE MASTIFF POMERANIAN WEIMARANER WHIPPET

“There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.”

- George Sand

Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.

-Albert Einstein

1. 9,3,6,8,5,2,4,7,1; 2. BALL, SWIMMING, RUGBY, BASEBALL, RUN, WIN, THROW, BASKETBALL, LOSE, BAT, JOGGING, KARATE , OLYMPICS, RACE, CATCH, COMPETITION

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JAN-APR 2014

baby rats are called pups or kittens? A male rat is called a buck while the female rat is called a doe. It is said that rats with a longer tail are better climbers. They use their tail to maintain balance when climbing.

the Latin word draco, as in the constellation Draco, comes directly from Greek drakones?

The Dragon is sometimes known by the Nordic word, ormr (Old English wyrm means serpentdraca means dragon).

the female goat is called a “doe” or “nanny”? The male goat is called a “buck” or “billy”.

A castrated male goat is called a “wether.” A baby goat is called a “kid.” The act of giving birth is called “kidding”.

DID YOU KNOW THAT... compiled by Madonna C. Llaguno grinning or pulling the lip is not a “smile” for monkeys? It is a sign of aggression, along with yawning (it’s actually a way of casually showing how nice and big their teeth are).

experts say pigs can actually learn tricks faster than dogs?

When pigs grunt it’s a method of communication apparently far more sophisticated than it sounds. You can also give a pig a name and they will respond to it after only a couple of weeks.

the Newfoundland breed dog has a water resistant coat and webbed feet? This dog was bred to help haul nets for fishermen and rescuing people at risk of drowning.

tigers prefer to hunt large prey by ambush? If you look at a tiger, it is less likely to attack, as it has lost the element of surprise. In some locations in India, people traditionally wear a mask on the back of their head while walking through forests to prevent tigers from pouncing from behind.

a rabbit’s teeth never stop growing? They have 28 teeth including a tiny “peg” tooth behind each incisor. Rabbits can’t sweat because they don’t have any sweat glands. To regulate their body temperature, they use their ears.

most of the time, a horse has “monocular” vision? This means a different image is seen by each eye so that a horse is seeing two different pictures at the same time. A horse can also have “binocular” vision. Binocular vision is when both eyes work together to see one picture (humans have binocular vision). A horse only has binocular vision when it is looking down its nose. A horse is usually not considered to be a “horse” until it is 5 years old.

Before that, males are known as colts and females are known as fillies. However, it is still acceptable to call a colt or filly a horse.

A foal is a very young horse and can be either male or female.

the understanding of the divine spiritual endowment of the rooster within Islam, may be evidenced in the words of Muhammad of that Abrahamic religion? In one of the six canonical hadith collections of Sunni Islam, stating that of “when you hear the crowing of cocks, ask for Allah’s Blessings for they have seen an angel”.

most snakes spread their venoms through biting?

However, a few, such as cobras, can spit their venom at a target about 5-7 feet away.

Snake venom does not hurt the skin—its poison could hurt eyes or open wounds.

an ox (plural oxen), also known as a bullock in Australia, New Zealand and India, is a bovine trained as a draft animal or an animal used for pulling heavy loads? Oxen are commonly castrated adult male cattle; castration makes the animals easier to control.

www.google.com (www.truepat.com, www.unusual-facts-about-tigers, www.bunnyworld. com., http://www.bestfunfacts.com/snakes.html http://www.kidskonnect.com/subjectindex/13-categories/animals/439-dragons.html http://polylastsurfaces.com/horse-facts-and-interesting-horse-trivia-you-may-not-know/ http://tribes.tribe.net/triviarocks/thread/f6313519-9353-44ef-af61-1abd5031bd22 http://www.monkeykisses.com/monkeyinfotidbits/funmonkeytrivia.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooster http://www.petfinder.com/dogs/bringing-a-dog-home/facts-about-new-dog/ http://voices.yahoo.com/fascinating-facts-pigs-1384891.html?cat=53)

JAN-APR 2014

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