Tuesday, February 19, 2008 DCWD reaps awards in 29th national confab
DAVAO City Water District (DCWD) was conferred as first Top Water District Performer in very large category for the year 2006 by the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) during its 29th national convention held in Cagayan de Oro City last February 7.
The association recognized DCWD for its remarkable performance in its operation and management.
The water districts were judged in these criteria: 50 percent, financial performance (current ratio, 20 percent; debt services ratio, 10 percent; debt equity ratio, 10 percent; and operating ratio, 10 percent), and 50 percent technical performance (collection ratio, 15 percent; non revenue water, 15 percent; water loss rate, 15 percent; and served population, (5 percent).
In the selection, only DCWD and Cebu WD met the criteria. The five other water districts under the very large category are Bacolod City WD, Dasmariñas WD, Metro Iloilo WD, Quezon Metro WD, and Zamboanga WD.
In the year 1995, 1997, 2002 and 2003, the utility was also cited as Outstanding Water District in the same category by the Local Water Utilities Administration. It was also a nominee in 2006.
Aside from said award, DCWD's news magazine "Crystal Flow" also named as first best publication (news magazine category) winning over many other entries all over the country. The award recognizes DCWD's adherence to the highest quality and standard of print and media production focusing its editorial policy to the attainment of WD's goals and objectives making itself an effective information and communication tool to massively promote the water district concept to various publics.
The Crystal Flow was unanimously chosen by the judges from University of the Philippines (UP), Manila Bulletin (MB), and Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI). They commented that said news magazine embodied a balance and in-depth articles written by professional writers. It is also well - edited and its layout was perfect. The other finalists were Break Water of Butuan City WD (1st runner up), Tubig San Joseño of San Jose Del Monte City WD (3rd runner up); and Aguador of Cabanatuan City WD (2nd runner up). The DCWD's Crystal Flow editorial board is headed by Maria Editha C. Monje, editor in chief and manager of the public information/relations division. She also served as the national contest coordinator of the 13th PAWD National Oratorical Contest.
The entries were judged in these criteria: relevance (as to the vision, mission and goals of WD), 20 percent; content (variety and depth contents of the newsletter), 30 percent; style (grammar standard), 20 percent; form (aesthetic design /layout), 15 percent; and originality (innovativeness and creativity in content and form), 15 percent.
DCWD's contestant, Krystel Deane S. Suam of Southpoint School, who represented Socemwic (Southern and Central Mindanao Water Information Council) to the 13th National Oratorical tilt also emerged as champion.
The awards were personally received by general manager Rodora N. Gamboa who also served as national coordinator of the conference's technical sessions.
Gamboa credited the citations to the efforts and dedication of DCWD's human resources in giving efficient and effective water service delivery to the Davaoeños. She also said that DCWD proves to stand still amidst the crisis it has encountered last year and the recognitions and awards from PAWD paid off the pain. Engr. Gamboa is hopeful that the utility will soar higher as it celebrates its 35th year of service this year. (DCWD/JDPDumalag)
