“Tubi” 3rd Best Newsletter -PAWD

MRWD Celebrates World Water Day 2015

CEBU CITY — “Tubi” the official publication of the Metro Roxas Water District has been adjudged as the 3rd Best Publication in the 2014 Search for Best Publication Award Newsletter Category during the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) Convention held at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City on February 5, 2015.

“Tubi” bested other water districts in the Philippines on categories of relevance, content, form, style, and originality. The publication competition is open to all water districts and has two categories: newsletter and magazine categories. Accordingly, Water Districts are required to submit at least two

Metro Roxas Water District joins the celebration of the World Water Day with a theme “Water and Sustainable Development.” It is the annual commitment of MRWD towards creating awareness

by RONA LAMEREZ

by FELIXBERTO BAGUYO, JR.

TUBI /2

MRWD /3For pipeline leaks and other water service line concerns, please call (036) 6210-044 or 6210-737 locals 117 and 103

on the importance of water conservation and sustainability.

This year’s observance of World Water Day is celebrated March 16 to 22 and participated by various government agencies led by the

MRWD fortifies its procurement activitiesROXAS CITY — The Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) of Metro Roxas Water District has been a key in espousing good governance in its procurement processes.

The same aims to ensure transparency, competitiveness, uniformity, accountability and public monitoring.

Since 2004, the MRWD procurement activities embraced Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as The Government Procurement Reform Act, designed to cover everything what the government needs to buy, construct or provide.

To augment the

by SHALMAHR VITO

PROCUREMENT /3

procurement process, aside from initiating workshop, the MRWD Management also sends the members of the BAC, Technical Working Group (TWG) and its Secretariat to attend seminars and trainings related to government

procurement matters.The endeavor aims to

provide the participants updates on public governance and procurement process including the needed training provided

MRWD BAC members and TWG with GM Delgado during its regular meeting at MRWD BAC Office.

2 Issue No.7 | January — April 2015

“March on MRWD”TUBI NEWSLETTERManagement & Editorial Staff

BOARD OF DIRECTORSATTY. RODELO G. FRANCO

Chairman

DR. ANTONIO A. BALGOSVice-Chairman

MS. MA. LUZ E. DEL PUERTOSecretary

ENGR. JESUS M. DIAZMember

MANAGEMENTENGR. GONZALO GLEN B. DELGADO

General Manager

EDITORIAL STAFFDANTE A. ARCANGELES

Editor-in-Chief

ETHEL MARIE L. ARQUISOLAAssociate Editor

CONTRIBUTORSFRANCIS B. DADULA (ABC)

DONNALEE D. DEONDO (Admin)

SHALMAHR B. VITO (Gen. Services)

RUTH L. JAMORA (ABC)

JESSERIE O. CLORION (ABC)

MICHAEL A. AGUILOS (Cust. Serv’s.)

REYNOLD D. ANDRADA (Cust. Accts.)

RIANN B. BRILLO (CMD)

FRANCIS C. JOCSON (Planning & Design)

ALLAN D. ALCORANO (Operation & Maint.)

VICTORIA V. PABELONIA (Quality Control)

HERBERT B. ROXAS (Quality Control)

GRAPHICS DESIGN / PHOTOGRAPHERHENDEN P. ALIMEN

FELIXBERTO P. BAGUYO, JR.RONA T. LAMEREZLEO M. LEONOR

In many ways, water has been the source of livelihood and business. It has taken its toll in peoples’ lives. The rich history of our MRWD has been an article of ups and downs until we finally got into where we are right now.

Let us take a quick trip down

memory lane starting from year 1929 with Catao Dam and Sibaguan Deepwell as the main sources of water. In 1955, the Catao Dam was improved to increase water supply while the Sibaguan Deepwell was abandoned due to saline intrusion. In 1975, new distribution lines were laid and Panay River was tapped to improve the water supply.

Then came the Roxas City Water District (RCWD) and now Metro Roxas Water District

TUBI /1issues published in 2014 which will serve as entry to the PAWD Publication Committee

Although, “Tubi” is just a year old from its launching, it has featured relevant news and articles which spread valuable information to the consuming public like consumer welfare, employees’ activities, programs and projects as well as the MRWD’s institutional milestone and significant gains. Its editorial brings genuine comments and insights to foster water conservation and promote the interest of water supply as everyone’s primordial need.

The 1st place for best publication is Danum Agus Ning Bie of Mabalacat City Water District and the 2nd place was awarded to Tubig San Joseño of San Jose Water District.

With this award, the Editorial Staff of “Tubi” Newsletter led by its Editor-In-Chief - Dante A. Arcangeles humbly thanks all MRWD-consumers and encourages them to partake on this award, with a commitment to further enhance the quality of its publication to better serve the public.

“B” water district and has 27,300 active service connections as of 31 December 2014, serving practically all the Barangays of Roxas City and the municipalities of Ivisan, Panitan, and Panay. The water service also reaches the Municipality of Sigma thru Bulk Sale Service.

At present, in pursuit of furthering its services and improving the quality of life of the consumers, MRWD is keeping abreast with knowledge on the latest technology, providing state of the art facilities and in engaging competent and skilled human resources.

To the vibrant and decisive men and women of MRWD - March On! We have a long way to go… May our success thrive in the name of public service…

EDITORIAL

MRWD backs Information Officer’s Dugtong BuhayROXAS CITY — The Metro Roxas Water District has been a partner to the annual bloodletting activity of the Philippine Information Agency and Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers (CAGPIO).

Dubbed as the PIA-CAGPIO Dugtong-Buhay 6 bloodletting activity, the MRWD has supported and extended assistance during the said activity last March 20, 2015.

by DANTE ARCANGELES

The event was spearheaded and facilitated by the PIA Capiz and CAGPIO in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross-Capiz Chapter, Capiz Medical

Society and various local and national government agencies and private offices.

The 6th Dugtong Buhay was able to generate eighty-one (81)

bags of good blood which was turned over to the Philippine National Red Cross-Capiz Chapter.

PIA-Capiz Information Center Manager Jemin Guillermo said the annual “Dugtong Buhay” is in response to the rising need of blood in Roxas City and Capiz.

The noble “Dugtong Buhay”activity has also earned a number of awards like Philippine National Red Cross Award and last year’s Regional Sandugo Award.

The Department of Interior and Local Government thru the Bureau of Fire Protection at all times, have been expressive of fire prevention or fire safety measures. March, as declared to be the official observation of Fire Prevention Month from the rest of the year was initially promoted to provide education and awareness with the intention of lessening the incidence of fire in the Philippines under Presidential Prcolamation No.115-A. This 49th year anniversary themed as “Kaligtasan sa Sunog, Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin” impeled our constant need of

propagating safety consciousness everyday of the year as a positive preventive approach to a problem that can be solved by more caution, vigilance, sobriety, exercise of common sense and respect for the law. Too often lives and personal possession are lost, which could easily have been prevented if each of us have been considerate to one another. As our Bureau of Fire Protection disseminates us through their Safety Codes & Standards, they call upon all segment of society to give full support & maximum participation to minimize the possibility & effect of fire & other risks. A proactive approach to safeguard our home is crucial FIRE /3

and in most cases, only requires a few minutes of our time though; our life may depend on it. To keep our family and home safe and reduce the fire incidents, they provide some safety measures and helpful tips:

1. Smoke Detectors do save Lives - Given the low cost

of smoke detectors and the ease of installation especially for battery- operated models, there is really no excuse not to have at least one active smoke alarm in our home.

2. Candles - Use them safely – Usually fires are started

by REYNOLD ANDRADA

Fire Prevention Watch: Keeping the Family, A Fire Safety

(MRWD) were formed on October 29, 1976 by virtue of Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 45, series of 1976 pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) 198. After complying with the requirements, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) issued a Conditional Certificate of Conformance (CCC) No. 032 on January 20, 1977.

The water quality then is stinky and there is no ample supply of water. With the advent of expansion and improvement project, the quality of supply and the populace demand capacity have been appropriately addressed.

From a small potable water service provider with only 1,152 service connections in 1976, MRWD strived to become a category

3Issue No.7 | January — April 2015 NEWS

ACT /4

Republic Act No. 9485 known as “AN ACT TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY IN THE DELIVERY OF GOVERNMENT SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC BY REDUCING BUREAUCRATIC RED TAPE PREVENTING GRAFT AND CORRUPTION, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR” or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 was passed an made into law on June 2, 2007 by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

It is in accordance with Article II, Section 27 of the 1987 Constitution, the State shall maintain honesty and integrity in the public service and shall take positive and eff ective measures against graft and corruption. Th e Act was passed in response to the urgent need to establish an eff ective system that will eliminate bureaucratic red tape, avert graft and corrupt practices and improve effi ciency of delivering government frontline service.

Th e Act shall apply to all government offi ces and agencies including local government units and government-owned and

By DONNA DEONDO

c o n t r o l l e d c o r p o r a t i o n s with or without original charter that provide frontline services. Th ose performing judicial, quasi-judicial and legislative functions are excluded from coverage but their respective frontline services are included (Section 3, RA 9485).

Th e law aims to promote transparency in government with regard to the manner of transacting with the public by requiring each agency to simplify frontline service procedures, formulate service standards to observe in every transaction and make known these standards to the client.

Each government agencies is tasked to determine which processes or transactions constitute frontline services. Th ey should also undertake reengineering of transaction systems and procedures, including time and motion studies, if necessary and aft er compliance. Further agencies should set-up their respective service standards to be known as Citizen’s Charter. It is an offi cial document, a service standard, or a

pledge, that communicates information on the services provided by the concerned g o v e r n m e n t agency to the public. It describes the step-by-step procedure for availing a particular service, and the guaranteed performance level that they may expect for that service. It should embodied the following data: Vision and Mission of the

offi ce or agency Identifi cation of the frontline

services off ered Clients Step-by-step procedure to

obtain a service Offi cer or employee

responsible for each step

Know the Anti-Red Tape Act

MRWD attends 36th PAWD ConventionTh e Philippine Association of Water District (PAWD) holds its 36th National Convention last February 03-05, 2015 held at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City. Th e province of Cebu also known to be the “second city” of the Philippines and the second most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines aft er Metro Manila. Cebu City is a signifi cant center of commerce, trade and education in the Visayas area and also known as the “Queen City of the South.”

Th e said convention is attended by more than 500 water districts in the country including Metro Roxas Water District. Th is year’s theme “Acting Now Towards the Future of Local Water Districts” aims to give emphasis to the crucial role of local water districts (LWDs) in making sure that Filipinos in

by DANTE ARCANGELES

the countryside have access to safe water supply and sanitation facilities.

As a member of PAWD, MRWD is conducting daily Bacteriological Examination to ensure the produced water is safe for drinking. Water is one of the basic needs of human, to provide

safe and potable water is one of the goals of MRWD. Together with the MRWD Employees and Management which aims to continue and strengthen good service to provide clean and safe drinking water, ensure productive and healthy lives best for MRWD concessionaires.

accidentally each year from unsafe candle use. To reduce the risk of fi re when using candles, you must use safe, stable and secure candleholders. Th at is the fi rst step. Where you position the candle is also important. Never place a candle on a shelf unit, leaving the room while it is on light or allow curtains, fabric or fl ammable material to come into close contact with a lit candle.

3. Toaster Cleaning Reduces Risk - Toasters tend to accumulate crumbs and pieces of toasts or bagels, which can catch on fi re while you are using your toaster. To reduce your fi re risk, always clean your toaster regularly.

4. Monitor Cooking, Especially With Grease - Never leave cooking unattended and use extra care when cooking with a lot of grease. Overheated grease is oft en the reason for kitchen fi res.

5. Do not Play with Matches or Lighters – Teach kids never to play matches & lighters. Make a habit of keeping them away from small children to play with.

6. A Fire Extinguisher is a Good Investment - Hopefully you will never need to use it, but it can sure provide peace of mind knowing it’s there. Areas of the home that are more at risk of fi re are the best places to keep a fi re extinguisher.

7. Make a Fire Plan With Your Family - To keep everyone safe and to reduce confusion should fi re strike your home, a fi re plan is strongly recommended. Th is is something that should involve the whole family, including frequent overnight guests. A good plan includes what to do, how to get out of the home and where to meet outside, when the fi res start.

FIRE /2

Department of Environmental Resources (DENR) supported by the Department of Public Works and Highways. Th e event started with “2015 World Water Day Philippine Awarding” in Manila facilitated by Maynilad and DENR which gives recognition to water districts with best activities

MRWD /1 in the last year’s celebration of World Water Day. Also, the Local Water Utilities Administration encourages all water districts in the country to support the annual event by hanging World Water Day streamers and organize simultaneous river/coastal clean-up to re-connect with local rivers and coastal areas.

Th e 22nd of March every year was designated by the United Nations General Assembly as World Water Day since 1993. It is celebrated around the world every year, shining the spotlight on a diff erent issue. Th is year’s celebration focuses on how water links to all areas we need to consider to create the future.

Maximum time to conclude the process

Documents to be presented by the client and why they are needed

Amount of fees Procedure for fi ling

complaints Names and contact details of

the offi cials whom clients can fi le complaints to

Allowable period for extension due to unusual circumstances

Contact numbers to call for recommendations, inquiries,

suggestions as well as complaintsTh e clientele can access

the services of every agency expeditiously through its frontline services. Th e responsible offi cer performs preliminary assessment of the request and evaluates the suffi ciency of submitted requirements for the request or application taking into consideration the response time needed for the transaction.

Applications or requests must be acted upon within the period prescribed in the agency or offi ce’s Citizen’s Charter which should not be longer than fi ve (5) working days for simple transactions and ten (10) working days for complex transactions from the date of receipt, the same can be extendible by reason of unusual circumstances. Th e Offi ce concerned shall notify the requesting party in writing of the reason for the extension and the fi nal date of release of the service requested.

In cases that the requesting party disagrees with the decision he/she may opt to fi le complaints against the offi ce/agency through

by the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) as well as the developing of portal of the Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB), where all government procurement opportunities, notices, results of bidding and awards are be published.

Th e District is steered towards the basic tenet of said Procurement Act which

must be competitive bidding regardless of the source of funds, whether local of foreign, by all branches and instrumentalities of government, its departments, offi ces and agencies, including government-owned and/or-controlled corporations and local government units.

Th e MRWD is at all times committed to safeguard public interest against anomalies exists in all government procurement contracts.

PROCUREMENT /1

4 Issue No.7 | January — April 2015

Maayo nga serbisyo publiko sang MRWD guinpasidunggansang MRWD guinpasidunggan

Guindayaw ni Metro Roxas Water District GM Gonzalo Glen B. Delgado ang mga

empleyado sang MRWD sa padayon nga paghatag sang tayuyon nga maayo nga pagserbisyo sa publiko.

Personal nga guinpaabot ni Delgado ang iya pagpasalamat sa tagsa

ka empleyado sa ginhiwat nga

labing una nga “Flag Raising Ceremony” sa pagbukas sang tuig 2015.

K a l a k i p man diri ang iya pagpalab-ot sang iya pagpanginbulahan

bangud sa paghugpong kag

kooperasyon sang tagsa-tagsa nga mapasanyog ang serbisyo sa mga pumoluyo kag nangin

madinalag-on sa guihapon ang MRWD sa pag-implementar sang mga proyekto sa pagpasangkad sang serbisyo para sa tayuyon nga suplay sang malimpyo nga tubi sa tunga sang mga pagtilaw sa aspeto pinansyal.

Nangin madinalag-on man ang MRWD sa pag anubo sang kapin sa napulo ka porsyento (10%) sa mga nagakausik nga tubi (non-revenue water) sa pagtakop sang tuig 2014 bangud man sang padayon nga pagkaayo sang mga daan na kag guba nga linya sang tubi.

Maluwas diri, nangin madinalag-on man ang ahensya nga matupdan ang mga obligasyon sang mga balayaran nga wala naapektuhan ang regular sini nga operasyon labi na ang paghatag sang mga

FEATURE

by RUTH JAMORA

nagakaigo nga benepisyo sa mga empleyado.

Guinasigahom sang tagdumalahan kag katapo sang

the grievance mechanisms indicated in the Citizen’s Charter.

Every offi ce and agencies are also directed to have a Public Assistance/Grievance Desk and may also establish one-stop shops, walk-in service counters or special lanes for pregnant women, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

All offi cers/employees must wear offi cial identifi cation cards which should be worn during offi ce hours.

Th e off enses embodied in the law is classifi ed into two (2) the Light Off ense and the Grave Off ense. Acts that are considered as light off ense for erring public

ACT /3 offi cials are as follows: Refusal to accept

application and/or request within the prescribed period or any document submitted by the client Failure to act on an

application and/or request or failure to refer back to the client a request which cannot be acted upon due to lack of requirements within the prescribed period Failure to attend to clients

who are within the premises of the offi ce or agency concerned prior to the end of the working hours and during lunch break Failure to render frontline

services within the prescribed period on an application and/or request without due cause

Failure to give the client a written notice on the disapproval of an application or request Imposition of additional

irrelevant requirements other than those listed

Th ose who are fi led with administrative charges under this Act can also be fi led with other criminal, civil, or other related charges arising from the same act or omission. Fixers can be charged with imprisonment not exceeding six (6) years or a fi ne of not less than 20,000 pesos but not more than 200,000 pesos or both fi ne and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

(Source: Exerpts from PRIMER ON RA 9485)

MRWD nga madinalag-on sa guihapon ini para sini nga tuig kag sa palaabuton sa paghatag sang serbisyo sa mga pumoluyo.

Local Water District Tax Condonation Bill Moving Forward

PAWD Representatives and workers from diff erent LWD attended the Senate Hearing with high hopes that the said Bill will be fi nally approved and be made into law.

According to PAWD Spokesperson Art Villasin, the LWD community were greatly delighted aft er the Bill was approved on third and fi nal reading.

Th e Bill seeks to remove the conditions of all unpaid taxes amounting to P842 million due from more than 500 LWDs all over the country.

Further, the passage of the Bill will greatly help the water districts to be fi nancially viable as well as to benefi t about 20

Senate Bill No. 2518 re: Tax Condonation Bill for Local Water Districts (LWD) is moving onward aft er it has passed Congress 3rd and Final Reading last March 4, 2015.

million consumers that will not anymore shoulder the increased water rates due to taxation.

Mr. Joel Baldelovar, PAWD Technical Coordinator encouraged all LWDs to remain steadfast in their commitment of providing safe, adequate and aff ordable water to Filipinos in the countryside.

SB No. 2518 substituted House Bill No. 3675 authored by Representatives Miro Quimbo, Christopher Co, Emi Calixto-Rubiano and Rodel Batocabe, taking into consideration Senate Bill no. 612, authored by Senators Ralph Recto, Sonny Angara and Cynthia Villar. (Source: PAWD Online News and Updates by Karlo Abarquez posted last May 12, 2015)

by DONNA DEONDO

MRWDEU marks 3rd Union DayROXAS CITY — Th e Metro Roxas Water District Employees Union celebrated its 3rd Union Day last April 29, 2015 guided by its motto: “Th ere is Strength in Union.”

In this year’s celebration, a Holy Mass was off ered at the MRWD Chapel followed by an oath taking ceremony of the newly installed MRWD Union Offi cers for years 2015 until 2017 led by its incoming President Engr. Tito Naven Bernas and Chairman of the Board Dante A. Arcangeles.

Th e one day celebration also features a free workshop to all MRWD employees regarding

by JESSERIE CLORION

“First Aid and Basic Life Support CPR Administration” conducted by the Philippine Red Cross – Capiz Chapter.

Th e Union Day concluded

with an evening program highlighting the gains of the Union and its immense contribution to the Management for the past three years.