BWD projects ongoing to up Baguio water supply, mitigate El Nino effects

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio Water District is now conducting water resource exploration projects to increase water supply and mitigate effects of prolonged El Nino or dry spell in the city.
    BWD officials said these included drilling  along Montinola Subdivision (Kisad Road), Ramsey in Bakakeng Central, South Drive 2, Richwood (Guisad Road) and Zig-Zag, Kennon Road.
    “Pipelaying and expansion activities programmed to augment the water supply in identified water-challenged areas, especially during the driest months include the Marcos Highway-Suello-Asin pipeline expansion, upsizing of Crystal Cave mainline, Pias-Camp 7 mainline extension, and the recently completed developments namely Bengao Road-Marcos Highway Tank upsizing of booster line and the Balacbac Road mainline upsizing project,” the district said.
    Mayor Benjamin Magalong lauded BWD’s efforts to put in place measures to mitigate effects of the prolonged El Nino phenomenon.
    “We are grateful that the district is fast-tracking its water augmentation programs to ensure continuous water supply ahead of the expected impact of the drought and dry spell which according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) will peak in April 2024,” the mayor said.

The mayor recently inspected the ongoing repair of the rainwater harvesting basins at the Busol Watershed together with BWD officials and Dept. of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers.

During his visit to the watershed, the mayor requested the BWD and agencies in charge of safeguarding Busol and other watersheds to ensure that there are no intrusions by informal settlers into the remaining forested portion of the watershed to protect and preserve the city’s water table in view of the El Nino problem and the continuing threat of climate change.

In response to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for agencies to carry out measures to cushion the effects of the El Nino, BWD General Manager Salvador Royeca said the district is currently streamlining its ongoing development projects and expressed confidence that they can complete the ongoing water supply development and expansion projects “in preparation for the full effects of the El Niño phenomenon.”

In a press statement, the district said GM Royeca “already called upon the concerned Technical Divisions of the water utility to revisit and submit their contingency plans for the El Niño and issued a marching order to expedite all various well-drilling and pipelaying projects to counter the effects of this dry spell.”

“Additionally, comprehensive monitoring of BWD’s groundwater and open water sources has already been performed to ensure equitable water distribution starting this Yuletide season up to next year’s dry season when visitors and tourists flock to this side of the country.”

Royeca said that completing these projects will help mitigate the effects of El Niño.

“Implementing these contingency procedures for BWD’s summer operations is done annually and typically normal, we just fine-tune everything so that it will be adaptive to the external pressures such as this projected El Niño phenomenon,” Royeca said.

 

 

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SMFI ups rainwater harvesting systems

By Josie Lyn Galario

Rainwater harvesting is a way of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. It is an effective and adaptable way to conserve water and reduce reliance on main water supplies.

    Due to its efficacy, it has been applied by many civilizations in history and is being utilized today by forward-thinking institutions as a sustainable water management strategy.
    SM group’s social good arm, SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI), for one, has embraced this by installing rainwater harvesting systems in two of the local health centers it recently refurbished–Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility. 
    SMFI’s Health and Medical Programs proactively implemented this innovation to help sustain the health of the local community while preserving the environment.
Ready in times of emergency
Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Health Officer and Health Department Head of San Fernando, Cebu Primary Health Care Facility, said that while water is crucial to their operations, water supply is not always available in their municipality, even their center.
    “The rainwater harvesting system is essential in our health facility because the water supply in our municipality is not available 24/7,” he said. “We are now provided a source of water in times of emergency or any interruption of water supply.     Our staff and visitors can use rainwater for cleaning, flushing the toilet bowls, and watering the plants.”
    SMFI ensures that the facility is convenient and manageable to maximize its purpose. It operates without electricity, increasing its sustainability. To harvest water for non-potable use, it collects rainwater from the roof and gutter. The water is filtered through vinyl-coated mesh filters to ensure its quality before being stored in the 800-liter storage tank.
    To guide users for safe recycled water use, all faucets connected to the facility have visible labels. Alongside this innovation, SMFI also used air-cleaning paints, LED lighting fixtures and appliances, and locally sourced plants to create a clean and comfortable environment for patients and health workers.
    These green innovations exemplify the SM group’s commitment to the environment and community health within the broader context of the SM Green Movement. With the social good impact of the two rainwater harvesting systems, SMFI targets to replicate this initiative in other health centers in its pipeline, further improving water security in the face of challenges.
 
 
 

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BWD: Projects done, more water for Baguio folks

Photo above show the pipelaying conducted by Baguio Water District personnel along the tributaries of Balili River to complete the Old Lucban-Dizon-Quezon Hill-Easter-Pinsao interconnection and augmentation programs. – BWD File Photos

By Mark Victor Pasagoy

BAGUIO CITY -- Baguio Water District consumers under supply areas 2 and 3 shall benefit from an improved water schedule after completion of the District’s augmentation and water supply improvement projects.
    In line with BWD’s program to provide equitable water supply, resident-consumers in parts of Quezon Hill, Fairview, Pinsao Pilot, Central Guisad, Pucay, and Tacay will start to enjoy a thrice-a-week water schedule from the former twice-a-week schedule effective Sept. 10.
    This is after pipe-laying and augmentation projects have been completed to improve the water supplied by the BWD Sanggalang Tank and BWD Pinsao-2 Pumping Station.
    The augmentation program will source additional water from the BWD old Lucban deepwell and will be conveyed towards the District’s distribution facilities along Dizon Subdivision on the way to Quezon Hill towards Easter Road and eventually to Pinsao.
    Earlier in April of this year, BWD completed interconnection project to augment the supply of the Old Lucban deep well from the BWD Malvar deepwell thus, addressing water supply concerns in areas including parts of Pinget, Pinsao, Fairview, Magsaysay, Quirino Hill, and Tam-awan.

Meanwhile, BWD advised the public to continue observing water conservation practices in anticipation of the possible effects of the projected El Niño phenomenon as announced by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA).

Customers were urged to install water storage facilities such as tanks, drums, or other containers with a 3-day backup water supply in case scheduled or unscheduled water service interruptions might affect the normal water distribution. Further, installation of a sump tank and boosters in order to pump water to elevated water storage facilities is highly encouraged as these are parts of the standard water system set-up, especially in highly elevated residences.

 

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BWD: Better Baguio water distribution now

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio Water District reported improved water distribution service in four segment areas as it continues to pursue water supply augmentation and resource development projects.
    "From twice-a-week, we will upgrade the water supply schedule to thrice-a-week in the QM and Legarda and San Vicente and Balsigan segments beginning Aug.15," BWD general manager Salvador Royeca announced.
Royeca informed Mayor Benjamin Magalong that other areas will also enjoy improved service upon completion of the district's augmentation and water supply development projects in more areas.
    The BWD was able to augment supply in Balsigan-San Vicente areas through the newly commissioned Amparo 6 deepwell and the newly-installed BGH booster aimed at addressing the low water concerns of Lower Balsigan, Barangay San Vicente and San Vicente-Supitan.
    The BWD said it completed the commissioning of the Amparo 6 deepwell located in Amparo Heights Subdivision, Camp 7 on April 8, 2023 while the BGH booster, which interconnects the 4”Ø PVC mainline at Lower Balsigan towards Balsigan booster’s discharge, was activated on May 28, 2023.
    With these improvements, the district said the load of the Km. 8 reservoir at Sto. Tomas Road which recently encountered a few difficulties due to the reduced yield of water sources supplying the facility was eased allowing more window time for it to supply other areas.

    According to BWD, Km. 8 reservoir serves more than 6,000 active accounts in the southern portion of the City which include Balacbac, Dontogan, Suello Village, parts of Asin Road, majority of Marcos Highway areas, Upper Balsigan, Phil-am, heading towards Upper and Lower Quarry, QM areas, Legarda areas and parts of Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet.

 

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Build water recycling facilities, institutions in Cordillera: DOST

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the Cordillera Administrative Region urged government offices and commercial buildings to put up water harvesting facilities to recycle and process potable water.
    Dr. Nancy Bantog, regional director of the DOST-CAR, aired this during opening of Disaster Risk Resiliency Month observance Monday here, as the country expects a drier condition due to El Niño phenomenon.
    “We encourage institutions to have their facilities. Government buildings and even privately owned buildings should be encouraged to harvest rain for better utilization," Bantog said.
    In earlier event, Environment Management Bureau regional director Jean Borromeo urged private companies like malls to follow the example of SM-Baguio mall that installed a water filtration system after constructing a rainwater harvesting facility to be recovered and reused.
    “Baguio City records a very high rainfall, the highest in the country but there is water shortage and rationing for domestic use. If only we make good use of the rain, we might even have surplus water,” Borromeo said.
    SM Prime Holdings said its water filtration system could recover at least 175 cubic meters of water per day for use in the mall’s premises.
    The city government urged the public to save on water as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that while El Niño is currently weak, it shows signs of strengthening in the coming months.
    “We should all be practicing water conservation and water recycling in our households not only when there is water shortage,” the city government’s press release said Monday.
    With water rationing being experienced year-round, the city government is crafting an El Nino master plan as a mitigation measure against the projected water shortage problem. -- PNA

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SM rain filtration cuts use of water in Baguio

BAGUIO CITY – The installation of a rain harvesting and water filtration system of a shopping mall here will cut the daily demand from the local water utility by at least 175 cubic meters.
    Environment Management Bureau (EMB) in the Cordillera Region officer-in-charge Jean Borromeo also urged other large business establishments to put up their own rain harvesting and water filtration system to help solve the city's water shortage problem.
    "Baguio records an annual average of 900 to 4,000 millimeters of rainfall, the highest in the country but still we experience scarcity," Borromeo said during the launch of SM Baguio's filtration system.
    Borromeo lauded the mall's initiative to not just help provide water but also prevent landslides with rainwater simply flowing and drenching the soil in this mountain resort city.
    Marc Jansen Pe, SM Prime Holdings senior assistant vice president for operations, said their new water filtration system can produce an annual average of 51 million cubic meters of potable water both for tenants and mall goers.
    He said the mall consumes a daily average of 460 cubic meters of water that comes from the Baguio Water District (BWD).
    "Dahil may sarili na kaming production na malaki-laki, mababawasan ang kinukuha namin sa Baguio Water District na puwede nilang i-supply sa ibang consumers (we can produce quite a large volume of water that will decrease our demand from BWD, and they can supply that to other consumers)," Pe said on the sidelines of the media launch.
    In 2017, SM constructed a rain harvesting facility that can collect 6,399 cubic meters of water or about two and a half Olympic-sized swimming pool. The water was then used only for the watering of plants and flushing toilets.
    But with the water filtration installed, tap water in the establishments within the mall, including the washrooms, can now be used for washing dishes, cooking, and even for drinking.
    "The rainwater treatment facility will reduce our dependency and stress on the water table and leave more freshwater for the community," Pe said.
    He said the same water harvesting project will soon be rolled out in other SM Malls.
    Aldwin Quitasol, a resident of San Carlos Heights in Irisan on Naguilian Road, said their average monthly water consumption is 5.5 cubic meters.
    "We get water rationing every Wednesday and Sunday," he said.
    Except at the central business district, water is rationed to village consumers in Baguio twice or thrice a week.
    The water provided to SM Baguio originates from an impounding facility that also supplies residents on Naguilian Road, Kisad Road, City Camp, Honeymoon Road, Magsaysay Ave., General Luna Road, and in the central business district.
    Data provided by the BWD showed that its deep wells have a total production capacity of 48,000 cubic meters per day.
    Last week, the BWD announced a plan to construct additional water impounding facilities for rainwater harvesting to augment the city's growing demand for water. – PNA
 
 

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SM helps address Baguio water lack through recycling

By Rain Cervantes

BAGUIO CITY -- Water scarcity is one of the biggest issues that Baguio is facing today. Earlier, the Baguio City Water District warned the public of a water crisis caused by deep wells that dried up the water table.
    Thankfully, customers and tenants of SM City Baguio are assured of continuous water supply for cleaning and sanitation, without having to fully rely on the water table of the city.
    SM City Baguio is among the 22 SM Supermalls in the country that employ facilities to reduce freshwater consumption. In the early 2000s, SM Prime started to build malls with wastewater treatment facilities for the recycling of water used in the mall.

All wastewater from tenants and mall restrooms are treated in the sewage treatment plants to become non-potable water. The recycled water is then used for cooling towers of air conditioning units, watering plants around the mall, and for cleaning of lavatories.

In 2021, SM Supermalls was able to save a total of 8.7 million cubic meters of water across its malls nationwide. This much water is enough to fill 3,480 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

"Aside from minimizing our impact on common water resources, recycling water through these sewage treatment plants allows our malls to save big on water costs," Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance, said. "Now, imagine if we all did it. I think we can leave a significant positive impact on our country's source of fresh water."

SM Prime is committed to supporting the United Nations in achieving its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), including “SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation” which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Other initiatives of SM aimed toward this include the Trash-to-Cash Market and Plastic Waste Collection initiative, both promoting responsible disposal of plastic waste so they don't end up in seas and oceans; the AweSMSeas campaign in partnership with the USAID and PRRCI, which raises awareness of the importance of managing plastic pollution affecting the world's waters; and the International Coastal Cleanup that gathers thousands of volunteers annually.

Visit www.smprime.com/sustainability-overview to learn more about the sustainability programs of SM Prime Holdings.

 

 

 

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Baguio mayor, BWD warn warn water bizmen on 'abuses'

By Aileen P. Refuerzo
 
BAGUIO CITY -- Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Baguio Water District (BWD) General Manager Salvador Royeca jointly called on owners of private deepwells and water delivery businesses against “abuses” like over-pumping and doing abusive practices that harm the city's water table.
    The two officials made the call in a meeting March 27 to address the water crisis currently experienced in the city and its prognosis in the light that the summer season had barely started.
    One concern discussed was the practice of some private deep well owners to over extract their water sources for profit.
    "It is sad that there are people who think only of their business and what they can earn without any regard to what they are doing to the environment.  Please be warned that overpumping and other activities that harm the environment are against the law," Magalong said.
    The mayor and the BWD head will again meet with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to request for intensified regulation and monitoring of the operations of the registered water supply businesses.
    They will at the same time again ask the board to address the proliferation of illegal deep wells which is one of the identified causes of the declining yield of the city’s water sources as these deplete the recharge areas of the city’s underground water sources resulting to the decline in pumping water levels.
    In 2021, the city listed a total of 210 permitted water companies drawing from the city’s underground aquifers while the number of those that do not have permit was still not determined.
    The mayor said the crisis is real based on the numerous complaints received at the city's level.  "And this is concerning considering that we are just at the beginning of summer," he said.
    Royeca said BWD adopted measures like augmenting supply for the affected areas particularly the elevated ones by tapping existing sources with excess in yield and by streamlining water supply schedules to ensure continuous supply.
    He said long-term solutions continue to be pursued like exploration works and drilling of more wells.
    Both officials also urged the public to help conserve water in their homes, offices and establishment.
    The BWD has a total of 46,726 active connections being supplied by its 77 pumping stations, 63 deepwells, 4 open/spring sources and 2 rainwater harvesting facilities.

 

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BWD denies folks’ plea for water in Buyog watershed

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio Water District said it could not grant the request of Barangay Pinget residents for a water service connection as their structures are within the Buyog Watershed Forest Reserve.
    Earlier, Pablo Pawi, punong barangay of Pinget, wrote to the city council to ask for help with their appeal for a water service connection.
    Attached in the letter was a list of 25 residents in Pinget not serviced by the BWD. 
    In a forum with the Baguio City Council Nov. 21, lawyer Chanell Dolor de Guzman, BWD senior corporate counsel, said Proclamation No. 93, s. 1992 which established the Buyog Watershed established the entire area from entry sale, disposition, or settlement.
    “Inasmuch as we understand the predicament of the petitioners considering that, indeed, water is a basic human right, the BWD’s hands are tied by restrictions due to the fact that we have to protect the water sources therein,” de Guzman said.
    City council members said aside from Proclamation No. 93, s. 1992, Section f of Ordinance 67-2009 prohibits installation of electric and water supply to structures that are “within government reservations, school areas, national and forest reservations, duly identified watershed areas, road right-of-ways and on dangerous areas as identified by the proper government agency.”
    According to her, a Certificate of Ancestral Land Claim (CALC) issued by the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is not recognized as a basis for approving an application for a water service application since the ordinance does not explicitly say so.
    De Guzman claimed the BWD had not granted any application for structures situated within forest and watershed reservations since the passage of the ordinance.
    She added no exemption is given to any applicant residing within a reservation so as not to create any precedent. 
    Based on a DENR-CAR survey as relayed by de Guzman, of the 20 hectares delineated for the Buyog Watershed, 12 hectares had already been occupied by settlers while the remaining 7.92 hectares is still forested. 
    The city council referred the matter to its committee on public utilities, transportation and traffic legislation for legislative action.

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Baguio restos told: Give free drinking water

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Council, approved Monday on first reading a proposed ordinance mandating all restaurants and other similar establishments offering their services to the public in the city to provide free access to potable water to its customers.
    The ordinance authored by Councilor Fred Bagbagen stated that it shall be the policy of the local government to uphold and promote the general welfare and ensure the delivery of basic services and to maximize the exercise of the proprietary functions of the general welfare.
    Under the proposed measure, all restaurants and other similar establishments operating businesses within the city are mandated to provide free access to potable water to its customers and not only when the customers ask for it.
    Said establishments must regularly maintain and clean their water dispensers, water vending machines and water storage containers.
    The ordinance also requires similar establishments to post a signage of ‘free Service Water’ inside the premises of their establishments.
    The City Health Services Office (CHSO) will be tasked to conduct inspection of all restaurants and other similar establishments to ensure their compliance aside from the conduct of monthly water sampling and bacteriology tests on the service water being provided by the food outlets.
    The ordinance said restaurants and other similar establishments that will be found violating the pertinent provisions of the measure shall be initially called upon based on the written or verbal complaints of customers.
    Any restaurant and other similar establishment that does not comply with the pertinent provisions of the proposed ordinance shall be meted a fine of P3,000, reprimand and shall be given the first notice of violation for the first offense; a fine of P4,000 and shall be given final notice of violation for the second offense and a fine of P5,000, suspension of business permit and closure of the establishment until such time that the establishment complies with the measure for the third offense.
    The proponent said most restaurants and other similar establishments were observed not giving free water to customers prompting them to buy bottled water instead, thus, the need to further strengthen existing measures and to ensure that potable water is accessible to customers automatically and not only when the customers ask for it.
    The ordinance banked on the 1987 Constitution that provided that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them in consonance with the general welfare clause of Republic Act (RA) 7160 known as Local government code of the Philippines. As amended.
    United Nations (UN) Resolution No. 64/292 entitled ‘The Human Rights to Water and Sanitation’ adopted by the General Assembly on July 28, 2010 formally recognizes the right to water and sanitation and acknowledges that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realization of all human rights. – Dexter A. See
 

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Baguio sets protest vs firm’s water permit application in Tuba

BAGUIO CITY -- The City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved a resolution requesting the city legal office to file a protest against the conditional water permit of EKP Spring Water Corporation.
    In a resolution, city legislators stated that the filing of a timely protest against the conditional water permit will prevent the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) from giving a full-pledged water permit to the company to prevent the available sources of potable water supply for the city residents from being compromised.
    Earlier, a verified protest was filed by Barangay Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet against the EKP Spring Water Corporation which is now pending before the NWRB signed by some1,001 residents in a petition letter dated March 16, 2022 addressed to the NWRB chairman with regard to their affected area of jurisdiction.
     The EKP Spring Water Corp. is a third-party service provider with office address at Bomasgao, Poblacion, Tuba, Benguet which applied for a water permit over many water sources in Tuba town, including the Irisan water source and is a recipient of a conditional water permit No. 05-19-21-059 issued by the NWRB on May 2021 which will expire on May 19, 2022.
    The council said the water permit applied for by the EKP Spring Water Corp. is within or covers the territorial jurisdiction of Baguio and that there was no clearance secured by the company from the city government prior to the filing of the water permit application which resulted in the issuance of the conditional water permit which is now being questioned.
    The council adapted as a policy for the city government to be an automatic intervenor in water permit applications being filed by companies before the NWRB to ensure that the city can protect the various water sources from being awarded for exploitation to private companies without the consent of the city. – Dexter A. See

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Tourism, water lack top Sagada bets' platform

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province – Tourism and water supply are major concerns raised in  barangay-held rallies  attended by 27 municipal councilor candidates, two candidates for  mayor and two aspirants  for  vice mayor.
    In barangay Bangaan, economic recovery via tourism was the pitch of candidates.
    Sagada suffered major economic setback since it was hit by the Covid pandemic as tourism was closed.
    Vice mayoral candidate and businessman Conrad Aben cited need for support to local products to boost tourism being a major source of income for the residents of the town.
    Sagada produces highland vegetables as cabbage and tomatoes, jams and jellies, woven products, etag (smoked meat) and pottery apart from bread and cakes.
Increasing production and diversification of material source for food processing increase volume of goods for sale.
    A food processing establishment owner said some fruits are bought outside Sagada considering lack of local materials for jams and jellies.    
    Councilor candidate former vice mayor Richard Yodong said there was need to open more agri - tourism sites and that benefits of tourism be shared by residents.
    The past two pandemic years, people turned to farming.
Idle and potential farms were planted with vegetables, coffee or made orchards.
    Sites included Bangaan in northern Sagada, gateway to the popular Bomod ok Falls, Barangays Fidelisan and Ola Coffee Farms in Aguid barangay.
    Opening of more sites including Bandung Hill which carries a historical  story along with Mt. Sisipitan  was proposed  councilor candidate and incumbent  IMPR (indigenous peoples mandatory representative) Jaime  Dugao.
    Langsayan Hills located in Bangaan and Aguid was earlier opened to tourism but closed considering sanitation issues.
Municipal candidate for councilor former municipal tourism officer Robert Pangod said promotion was needed in bringing back tourists.
    Meanwhile, government officers’ visitation of Ola farms made it gain popularity not only by tourists but by those wanting to know more about coffee farming.
    Pangod said Sagada should be more inclusive and open up to more economic opportunities among other sectors of society including farmers.
    Same concern was raised by Yodong who raised concern on equal advantage among residents on benefits of tourism.   
Sagada has some 150 inns with zero accredited ones, more than 500 guides with some 100 accredited, some 50 souvenir shops and a few cafés and restaurants. With a few tourists coming as compared to the previous years which accommodated some 5,000 to 15,000 arrivals a month, tourist arrivals have gone down some 1,000 to 2,500 per month from December last year to March.
    With this, only a few inns book a few who come to nearly a hundred during the regular days and peak up to a 100 plus in weekends.
    With the maximum capacity of inns now to 50 depending on the number of beds, only a few accommodations take a slice of the pie.    
    This, as tourist guides who are accredited are the ones who can only guide.       
    It is only when some 3,000 tourists and more arrive at a given same time that a number of inns and homestays receive visitors.
    But that is not what it is every day in Sagada. A few inns regularly receive guests especially those located in the outskirts of the main town. 
    It is during long weekends and holidays that benefits of tourism spread out to more accommodations and more guides.
    The recent four-day Holy Week from April 14 to 17 saw tourists mostly domestic visitors who visited Sagada.
    With at least four roads leading to Sagada namely via Sabangan, via Nakawnag in Besao leading to Tadian on to Cervantes, via Balili  Suyo Road joining with the  Baguio-Bontoc road, and the Dantay-Sagada Road which forks towards  Bontoc-Baguio road, Sagada can be a convergence site for referrals to other places tourists may visit.
    Former vice mayor and candidate for councilor Richard Yodong said opening up a road from Sagada towards Ampakaw Hills on to Bagnen in Bauko would pave a Bauko-Sagada tourism connection.
    Bauko is where Abatan is located which leads towards Tadian on to Cervantes and the Ilocos region.   
Pangod said more roads should be built including a road from Aguid to Mainit Bontoc and Bangaan to Ampakaw Hills to boost tourism.
Water woes
Ample water supply had long been a problem in this tourist town with water sourced from mountain springs.
With the onset of the dry season and the opening of tourism, lack of water is again a big issue.
    Municipal councilor-candidate Fidel Bawing proposed building of water pumps to address water supply.
    Some households have water pumps and these have proven to be feasible.
    The central part of town has some 50 water springs supplying nearly 2,000 households. Water reaches the homes via rolls of plastic hoses from underdeveloped spring water systems with some having no reservoirs.
    Most of these springs are open and don’t have reservoirs so when heavy rains come, the water also get muddy reaching the households.
    There is a need to improve the current water system with durable water tubes and building of reservoirs, Pangod said, adding there was a need to study the volume of water vis a vis household use for a certain period of time.
    During the rainy months, some private domestic tanks have overflowing waters.
    While this is case, most households don’t have regular supply of water as some springs have few water supply during the dry season considering increasing population.
    With the opening up of tourism again, water is now getting scarce to supply households and business establishments. 
    The non- functional P36 million Boasaw waterworks installed in 2012 never reached households of intended 15 barangay beneficiaries except for the irrigation part of it reaching the ricefields of Tanulong.
    Said waterworks projects was sourced from then Sen. Teofisto Guingona with P18 million and P18 million counterpart from the Cordillera Highland Resource Management Project (CHARMP).
    Yodong said there is a need to review the already implemented Boasaw waterworks whether the problem lies on technical engineering or social preparation.   
    Dugao said there was need to organize a barangay –based water association to manage the town’s water system.
    For quite some time, Sagada had no organized barangay-based water users’ organization.
    Meantime, the fate of the re-opening of the previously much visited Kiltepan peak with its “sea of clouds” seen from the peak at dawn was discussed during the Antadao rally.
    Said site was closed since two buildings were burned at Kiltepan peak November 2018.
    The re-opening of the park is laden with pending legal issues on lot ownership.

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BWD warns: Beware of water meter thieves

By Mark Victor Pasagoy

BAGUIO WATER DISTRICT officials urged the public to be vigilant and help stop the proliferation of water meter theft in the city.
    BWD general manager engineer Salvador M. Royeca expressed alarm over the series of water meter theft reported the previous months here in the Summer Capital.
    “While it is the district’s responsibility to provide adequate and potable water at affordable rates to its customers, it is hampered during instances when felons steal or damage some of our facilities,” Royeca said.
    The District has already received a total of 32 reported cases of water meter pilfering from January 2021 to July 2021 in areas of Balacbac (9), Pinsao Proper (6), Country Club Village (1), Lexber Heights (5), Camp 7 (4), Gibraltar Road (4), and     Outlook Drive (3). From 2015 to present, BWD recorded a total of fifty-seven (57) reported incidents of stolen water meters.
    While the city has a low number of cases in contrast to other areas such as Metro Cebu Water District where it has reported more than 300 water meters stolen in just three (3) months in 2005, the BWD needs to replace stolen water meters from its finances instead of allocating these funds for other more important water supply improvement projects.
    The BWD Management has already requested the assistance of the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), barangay officials through the Liga Ng Mga Barangay-Baguio City Chapter, and junkshop owners within Baguio and the neighboring La Trinidad town to curb the incident.
    BWD customers are also encouraged to be extra mindful of their individual water meters, their meter’s location, safety and security.
    “We’ve already sent letters requesting assistance from the police, barangay officials, including junk shops since these felons usually dispose or sell the water meters as scrap for its bronze, or as surplus or second-hand items.” GM Royeca said.
    The water district’s frontman said  BWD meters have a special marking that helps identify stolen water meters. “Never buy used water meters, more often than not these items are stolen,” emphasized GM Royeca adding that trade of stolen water meter/s is punishable under P.D. 1612 or the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979.
    The Anti-Fencing Law defines fencing as the “act of any person who, with intent to gain for himself or for another shall buy, receive, possess, keep, acquire, conceal, sell or dispose of or shall buy and sell or in any manner deal in any article item object or anything of value which he knows or should be known to him to have been derived from the proceeds of the crime of robbery or theft”. Moreover, the law provides that a fence includes any person, firm, association, corporation, or partnership or organization, which commits the act of fencing.
    GM Royeca reminded customers to transact only with authorized BWD personnel. As a matter of standard procedures, the pull-out of water meters shall only be done by authorized BWD personnel upon presentation of an official BWD ID and upon acknowledgment of the customer or his/her authorized representative of the job order alongside the presentation of a properly filled out BWD Customer Investigation Report form.
    To report unscrupulous person/s selling suspected stolen water meters or for further inquiries, please feel free to contact any of the BWD 24/7 hotline numbers; 442-3218, 442-4929, 09088651504, 09176794929, 09228409765, or message us through Facebook at BWD_Customer Relations, or email baguiowaterdistrictgmo@gmail.com .
 

 

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BWD, PayMaya partner for water bills payment

By Mark Victor Pasagoy

BAGUIO WATER DISTRICT customers now have more options to pay water bills using their mobile phones as the Summer Capital’s lone public water utility partners with PayMaya through Electronic Commerce Payments, Inc. (EC Pay).
    Effective April 27, 2021, BWD customers need only to enroll for a PayMaya account using their android or apple phones and they can start paying their water bills at the touch of their fingertips.
    BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca said the additional payment option matches the District’s goal to continuously provide ease in doing business with its consumers without the hassle of queuing physically at the BWD tellers and other payment collection centers such as SM.
    According to GM Royeca, the undertaking is very timely as off-site and online payment schemes for various products and services continue to dominate the Filipino market while everyone navigates their way through the new normal.
    Consumers can pay their BWD water bills through the PayMaya mobile app in seven (7) easy steps, as follows: 
    Log in with your account to the PayMaya mobile application;  
    Go to BILLS; 
    Tap on the WATER UTILITY menu icon on screen;
    Click on the BAGUIO WATER DISTRICT logo; 
    Fill-up the required fields (account number, account name, and amount due), then tap CONTINUE; 
    Review the details and tap on the PAY option, an additional Php5.00 convenience fee shall be debited from your account; and 
    A confirmation text will be received via your registered mobile phone number after your payment has been processed. 
    Apart from PayMaya, other available and accredited BWD payment centers and facilities include; GCash thru the GCash application; 7-Eleven Stores via the CLIQQ mobile application (nationwide); SM Bills Payment Center; Savemore Supermarket; USSC Super Service Stores (Baguio and Benguet branches); Development Bank of the Philippines ATM units nationwide or over-the-counter during banking hours; and the Landbank of the Philippines thru their Electronic Payment Portal (ePP).
    Meanwhile, customers are advised to settle overdue bills directly at the BWD main office from Mondays to Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    For more information, customers may reach BWD’s 24/7 hotline numbers at (074)442-6539, (074)442-3218, (074)442-4929, 09088651504, 09176794929, 09228409765, or through Facebook messenger at “BWD_Customer Relations”, or email us at baguiowaterdistrictgmo@gmail.com.
 

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Baguio water shortage this summer; pumping stations pushed

By Jordan G. Habbiling and Aileen Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY – This summer capital is expected to experience water shortage this summer due to the depletion of groundwater reservoirs, officials said. 
    Following this, city councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda urged concerned offices to create guidelines for establishment of water pumping stations to increase water supply in the city.
    In a resolution passed on April 5, Tabanda requested the Baguio Water District (BWD) to coordinate with the City Engineering Office, City Buildings and Architecture Office, the City Planning and Development Office, the Environment and Parks Management Office, and the Dept. of Works and Highways Cordillera for formulation of the said guidelines.
    Tabanda noted in the resolution the BWD is looking for sites that may serve as water sources in order to adequately meet the city’s water demand.
    The lady councilor observed that water pumping stations have been established in various areas in the city including parks.
    She cited need for assessment where they should be placed strategically. This is to ensure compliance with zoning policies and other regulations of the city in relation to other developments, she said.
    The city’s declining water supply has prompted the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) earlier this year to look into the problem of illegal deep wells which could be contributing to the water shortage.
    Last month, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and BWD General Manager Salvador Royeca agreed to take measures to address the water shortage in the city and urged the residents to observe water conservation practices.
    Baguio officials earlier requested the NWRB to require all water-related activity proponents in the city to secure water permit or clearance from the city government prior to NWRB’s issuance of a water permit, stating that “the NWRB and the city government share the responsibility to regulate water-related activities and allocate sufficient water for optimal beneficial use for the residents.”
    Under Resolution 133-2021 signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the city council stated there was need for the NWRB and the local government to address the shortage of water supply in the city.
    The council disclosed that the city does not have a large and steady source of water and that it relies solely on natural springs, deep wells, and rainwater catchment for its water supply.
    In 2019, the city council in a resolution reached out to the BWD expressing concern about the increasing drilling activities of private deep wells in the city and the over-pumping of wells contributing to the depletion of the city’s aquifer.
    In their letter addressed to the council, the BWD revealed that 10 deep wells had been downsized since 2018 to prevent over-extraction and to save on power costs.
 

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NWRB slates probe on Baguio illegal deep wells

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY --  The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) will check Baguio City’s problem on proliferation of illegal deep wells which is one of the causes of the declining yield of the city’s water sources.
     “They promised to look into the matter of illegal deep wells and have them removed but no timeline was mentioned,” Baguio Water District general manager Salvador Royeca said.
    Royeca along with Mayor Benjamin Magalong met with NWRB officials headed by executive director Dr. Sevillo David Jr. to take up propositions among which the possibility of granting the district regulatory power over the city’s water resources and private deep wells.
    Royeca said all the recommendations were discussed and they are hopeful for positive feedback from the board.
    The board’s concern was trained on the unpermitted deep wells which has been determined as one of the causes of the depletion of the recharge areas of the city’s underground water sources resulting to the decline in pumping water levels.
    The same problem is being faced now as the city is poised to experience acute water shortage this summer due to the dwindling yield from underground sources and a shortfall in water harvesting target in some of the city’s facilities due to insufficient rainfall received.
    Royeca said the district adopted measures like tapping more sources and streamlining water supply schedule to ensure continuous supply until the rainy season.
    However, the public has to do its share by helping conserve water in their homes and offices.
    “This water shortage is not just a possibility but is something inevitable and we all have to do something,” the mayor said.

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Ifugao gov’t starts P80-M water system for villages

By Marcelo Lihgawon

LAGAWE, Ifugao -- More than 170 villages of the province will soon have safe potable water sources through the water system development program of the provincial government.  
    The provincial government kicked off the project with groundbreaking rites on Jan. 7 for the project aimed to provide adequate, safe and potable water. 
    Gov. Jerry Dalipog said the provincial government allotted P80 million budget for the water system program   with  each barangay having minimum share of P500,000 for drilling and construction.
    It is targeted that by June 2022, all recipient barangays will have safe potable water system.
    “The provincial government will construct the water system and turn these over to local government units  for them to manage for the community,” he said. – PIA Ifugao

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BWD taps GCash for bills payment

By Mark Victor Pasagoy

BAGUJIO CITY -- Baguio Water District customers can now settle their water bills through the use of GCash mobile application.

BWD announces the launching of its additional mobile payment option as it partners with the Electronic Commerce Payments, Inc. (ECPay), a subsidiary of Globe Telecom, Inc. which manages the mobile remittance facility GCash this June 2020.

BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca said the agreement between the government-owned water utility and GCash aims to provide public convenience to some 44,392 active connections (as of May 2020) in the payment of their water bills.

Likewise, this provides an extended venue for customers to pay bills remotely using a virtual wallet while the COVID-19 pandemic still poses health risks to people and as the Summer Capital transitions into the “new normal”.

“This service intends to lessen the health risks of our customers queuing here in our office when paying their bills. BWD’s partnership with GCash can provide an additional gateway where our customers can transact with the District in the comfort and safety of their homes.” GM Royeca said.

Apart from GCash, GM Royeca said BWD is further evaluating other mobile payment partners to accommodate the preferences of customers on top of the already available and accredited payment centers namely; 7-Eleven Stores via the CLIQQ mobile application (nationwide); SM Bills Payment Center; Savemore Supermarket; Development Bank of the Philippines ATM units nationwide or over-the-counter during banking hours; and the Landbank of the Philippines thru their Electronic Payment Portal (ePP).

Meanwhile, the District still advice its customers to settle overdue bills directly at the BWD main office from Mondays to Saturdays, 8:00AM to 5:00PM.

For more information, people may reach BWD’s 24/7 hotline numbers at (074)442-3218, (074)442-4929, 09088651504, 09176794929, 09228409765, or message through Facebook at “BWD_Customer Relations”, or email baguiowaterdistrictgmo@gmail.com.

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BWD sets ‘new normal’ rules for customers

BAGUIO CITY -- The Baguio Water District has issued guidelines for resumption of its services after the city transitioned to a Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) on June 1.

Under “new normal,” the BWD urged consumers transacting in its main office and other satellite offices, to strictly adhere to the agency’s health and sanitation protocol at all times.

Amongst these were strict implementation of the “No mask no entry” policy, hand hygiene (handwashing or use of alcohol sprays), stepping on a foot/shoe bath provided at the office entrance, and thermal scanning prior to entry. Physical distancing of at least one meter must always be observed within the premises of the agency especially at the payment center.

Consumers were also reminded to follow schedule of payments for April 2020 bills posted at the BWD website to avoid queuing at the tellers and overcrowding. 

They were also advised to settle their bills through other accredited payment centers such as 7-Eleven through the CLIQQ mobile application, SM Payment Center, Savemore Supermarket, Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)-ATM units or over-the-counter (nationwide), and through the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) Electronic Payment Portal.

The BWD Laboratory located along Military Cut-off Road will be open for customers availing of water testing services however, acceptance of samples shall be limited to 20 samples per day from Mondays to Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 12 noon only.

Customers were urged to make appointment through telephone numbers (074)-442-4940 prior to submission to ensure that their water samples can still be accommodated for the day. 

Meanwhile, the District appealed to consumers to keep themselves updated for future advisories posted at the BWD official website, www.baguiowaterdistrict.gov.ph or send their inquiries by calling the following 24/7 hotline numbers; (074)442-3218, (074)442-4929, 09088651504, 09176794929, 09228409765; leave a message through Facebook messenger account at BWD Customer Relations or send an email to baguiowaterdistrictgmo@gmail.com.

“These guidelines are precautionary measures aimed to avert the possible transmission of COVID-19 disease amongst our customers including our frontline and office workers.” BWD General Manager  Royeca said adding everyone is still under the threat of this pandemic.

“Until such time that a vaccine is readily available, it is only suitable that each and one of us practice these procedures. As much as possible let us stay at home and go out only when essentially needed.”

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COA outs Prime Water's P24- M claim vs Ecija water district

JAEN, Nueva Ecija -- The Commission on Audit recently rejected a claim amounting to P24.2 million filed against the state-run Jaen Water District in Nueva Ecija over a joint venture agreement in 2016.

The COA said in its Jan. 17 decision the petitioner, Villar-owned PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., failed to show proper documentation proving that JWD owes millions of pesos.

PrimeWater had filed its petition in June 2018.

"Without the required documents to prove compliance and the duly accounted amount prayed for, this commission is constrained to deny the petition," COA said.

But state auditors said PrimeWater can refile its petition if it presents more documentation, beyond the June 2019 certification from JWD stating that no payment has been made for the transaction.

"It is incumbent upon PrimeWater to present evidence that the amount claimed is accurate, such as its financial statements under the [joint venture agreement], supported by schedules of revenues, operating expenses, capital expenditures, and changes in the working capital," COA added.

JWD entered into an agreement with PrimeWater in October 2016 for the "financing, development, rehabilitation, expansion, improvement, operation, and maintenance of the water supply and septage management system" in the municipacility of Jaen in Nueva Ecija.

The operations started in January 2017, but since PrimeWater's business permit was still under processing, official receipts of JWD were used for all transactions, including customer payments.

The money claim arose when the two parties agreed in 2017 to a full settlement and reconciliation of accounts in relation to their agreement, amounting to P24.2 million payable to PrimeWater.

But while the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel issued a favorable opinion on the planned action, the COA Regional Office advised that the commission has exclusive jurisdiction over settlement of money claims. – Rappler.com

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