May-Jun. - Maynilad Water Services Inc.

Editorial Note
The Maynilad
Team Spirit
There’s nothing like sports to bring people
together and create stronger bonds. And the fun,
laughter and burned calories that come with it
make the whole thing even more worthwhile.
The MVP Olympics provided a welcome
opportunity for a host of benefits—it served as
an outlet for hard-working employees looking for
much-needed stress relief; it allowed employees
from the many companies under MPIC to get
acquainted; it established friendships and
fostered camaraderie; and it encouraged the
development of skill and talent.
More importantly, the event drove home the
point that management wanted our people
to remember all along—we must all strive
for excellence, whether it’s in sports, in the
workplace, or life in general.
So even as we rejoice in getting medals, let’s also
revel in the renewed team spirit that will usher us
to greater heights of performance.
Congratulations to our MVP Olympics athletes and
representatives! We hope you enjoy this issue.
Cheers!
Editorial Director
:
Editor in Chief
:
Managing Editor
:
Associate Editors :
Cherubim G. Ocampo
Jennifer R. Casipit
Rosmon M. Tuazon
Mitchie M. Arcaina
Reggie M. Indon
Correspondents: Paulo M. Catibayan, Tita V. Mancera,
Sisenando T. Lampa, Yolanda C. Lucas, Diosdado N. Samia,
Rodrigo O. Yabut, Elizabeth S. David, Roan M. Cortez, Lolit M.
Lota, Tess M. Artiaga, Victorino M. Gamboa, Ryan B. Jamora
Circulation Manager : Grace A. Laxa
Photographer
: Federico L. Juane
Ripples is the official publication of Maynilad Water Services,
Inc. for Maynilad employees and friends. Ripples welcomes
contributions, letters, photos, and artwork for publication.
However, these materials become Ripples property and
are subject to editorial changes. Send contributions to the
Corporate Affairs and Public Relations Department, 2/F
Maynilad Bldg., MWSS Compound, Katipunan Road, Balara,
Quezon City; Tel. Nos. 981-3451 to 52; Email: jennifer.
[email protected] and [email protected]
2
ripples May 2010
Features
Team Maynilad
Making waves in 1st MVP Olympics
IN THIS ISSUE
May 2010
FEATURES
3 Team Maynilad:
Making waves in 1st MVP Olympics
6 Bringing out the best
in people through sports
6 A mascot named Hijo
9 Not your typical fun run
10 Preparing a dream team
SPECIAL FEATURE
17Wandering, Wondering in Umiray
PROFILE
4 Taking the gold
By Rosmon Tuazon
Maynilad employees found another reason
to come together to overcome odds—this
time outside the arena of water and sewerage
service—as the company pitted strength, skill
and talent against sister companies under the
Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) Group for
the first-ever MVP Olympics.
F
ifteen companies assembled at the Meralco Sports
Complex from March 26 to 28, where over 2,000
athletes battled for the gold medals in track and field,
badminton, tennis, basketball, volleyball, billiards,
chess; fun games like the fruit relay and patintero;
and special events like the “MVP Idol” singing contest,
the “Mardi Gras” race, the “MVP Talentadong Pinoy”
showcase, and cheer dance competition.
NEWS
8 Maynilad Earth Day events
13 Maynilad partners with Veritas
13 MWSS extends
Maynilad concession term
REGULAR COLUMNS
12Doc Ric Says
Sporty equals healthy
14 Doing Right
Win-win relationship with suppliers
15NRW Watch
Finding leaks in primary lines made easy
18Dong’s Corner
Taking care of your septic tank
19Inflow, Outflow
My MVP Olympics experience
20The Men and Women of Maynilad
Sewarage and Sanitation
MVP signals the official start of the event
Meanwhile, Christian Marx Villa charmed the MVP
Idol judges with his rendition of a Tom Jones classic,
which won him a silver medal. Maynilad’s 4x50 Meter
Relay (Women’s) team (Central Lab’s Michelle Esteban,
Michelle Leah Rillera, Christine Bagsik, Judith
Averilla), Chess Team (Don Barron, Rodel Plurad,
Reynaldo Fumar, Manuel Galang), and Tennis-Mixed
Doubles (Marichi Ojeda and Ed Canas) also took home
silvers for the company.
The Maynilad cheer dancers wow the crowd with their stunts
The opening ceremonies proved to be a festive yet
solemn occasion as MPIC chairman Manuel V.
Pangilinan led MPIC executives, including Maynilad
president Rogelio L. Singson, in the lighting of the
Olympic Cauldron, which emphasized the event theme
“Para sa Tropa, Para sa Tagumpay.” Another highlight
of the night was the parade of athletes and delegates
from all companies, including those located outside
of Metro Manila like the team from Davao Doctors
Hospital.
Hundreds of employees cheered tirelessly throughout
the three-day event for their respective teams. Maynilad
bagged the gold in the 100-Meter Dash, Tennis-Men’s
Doubles, and the Water Relay (athletes’ names on pages
4 to 5). Even Juan Joselito Jalandoni’s “Runaway Bride”
act turned out to be a big hit in the Mardi Gras, scoring
for Maynilad another gold for “Best Costume.”
Bronze medals, on the other hand, were
awarded to Edgar Mati (Mardi Gras,
third fastest runner) and Jane Quintos
(Shot Put).
These medals secured Fourth
Place Overall for Maynilad next to
PLDT, Meralco, and SMART.
Other companies that competed
and joined the opening program
include Metro Pacific Investments
Corp., e-PLDT, TV5, Philex Mining,
Makati Medical Center, Cardinal
Santos, Davao Doctors Hospital,
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., Manila
North Harbour Port, Inc., Burger
King, and Outback Steakhouse.
Muse Katrina Santiago and her escort,
Rogelio Sta. Ana Jr. lead the Maynilad
parade
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
3
Profile
Taking the gold
It was hard work that paid off—big time.
Balancing work and practice proved to be difficult—
since he had to go everyday to the UP Oval from
Parañaque BA—but Rey immersed himself in the
preparations. “My officemates in Parañaque have been
very supportive,” he noted. He was also grateful that
Maynilad got excellent coaches, who put him in good
shape for the games despite the short training period.
Four of Maynilad’s teams brought home a coveted MVP Olympics gold medal,
besting athletes from 15 other companies who participated in the tennis, track
and field, water relay, and Mardi Gras Fun Run events.
His was the first gold medal Maynilad got during the
MVP Olympics. “It really feels good. I’m very proud,”
Rey said.
By Jennifer Casipit
To aspiring Maynilad athletes, he also had this to say:
“Be fiercely competitive in your chosen sport but don’t
forget to enjoy the game. Practice sportsmanship, and
never be a sore loser,” Tommy advised.
Get to know the winners as they talk about taking home the gold for Maynilad.
APRIL ALFUENTE, FELICIDAD AMBAGAN,
AMIEL CAPIO, RONALD CRUZ,
PAUL JOSEPH GALANG, RENSON GLORIANE,
ROGER GRANIL, MARIA CRISTINA TANDOC,
GRETCHEN JOY VALIN, MADELANE GUINTO
Water Relay
T
JOEDI JALANDONI
Mardi Gras Fun Run
F
TONY BUELLA AND TOMAS FUENTES
Men’s Doubles, Tennis
lair, pizzazz and a wedding gown proved to be the
winning combination for Mardi Gras Fun Run first
placer Joedi Jalandoni of CHCOD.
N
o surprises here. Maynilad’s representatives are
professional players so it was almost inevitable that
they would win. Team coach Julius Iglesia of Program
Management was confident from the outset that Tony
Buella and Tomas Fuentes—both under Water Production
assigned at the La Mesa Treatment Plant 2—had a fighting
chance against Meralco and PLDT, which were dominant
in the old national tennis tournament scene.
One would think that mild-mannered Joedi didn’t have
the kind of guts to pull off such a stunt. But pull it off
he did, enabling him to earn a whopping cash prize.
“What’s sure is P2,500 of that prize will go to the cost of
dry cleaning the wedding gown,” he ironically noted.
Listening to his account of the event, it was clear that
Joedi worked very hard for the top award. He had only
three hours of sleep the night before the Fun Run (he
stayed up until midnight to support a team for another
event). Running while clad in all that finery was not
comfortable either—the fabric was hot, and his wig kept
falling off.
“I saw the costumes of the other runners and I thought
to myself that I was a sure win in at least the ‘Best
in Costume’ category,” he said. “I had a very unique
costume, and I was the only one daring enough to wear
his wife’s wedding gown, complete with a blond wig
that I borrowed from one of our cadet engineers.”
When he won the gold, Joedi felt so proud that he wore
the medal for the entire duration of the MVP Olympics
so everyone could see it.
4
ripples May 2010
REY VINCENT DAVID
Track and Field
Nevertheless, the athletes spent three hours every day
practicing for two weeks before the games. Tommy said
he also worked on shedding a few pounds so he could
have more stamina.
T
his 22-year-old employee is an athlete, no doubt
about it. Already tucked under Rey’s belt is a gold
medal for Taekwondo from the 14th ASEAN University
Games held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He joined the
MVP Olympics because he missed competing.
Tony, a former national player ranked Top 16, didn’t
want to get too confident because “we did not know how
good our opponents would be.” But since he has been
playing for four decades, he knew that his experience
would serve him well.
“I’ve been competing since I was 11 then stopped when I
started working. That’s why when I found out about the
MVP Olympics, I was so eager to join,” he said. “I chose
Track and Field because I had a little background on it
from when I was in grade school.”
The pressure mounted when their team mates for
the Mixed Doubles got silver. “We were the last team
standing,” Tommy recalled. “So after winning the last
point and realizing we won the gold for Maynilad, I felt
relieved and ecstatic.”
heirs was a water sport, so everyone in the team
felt that they had to win or risk embarrassment.
Thankfully, they bested all other companies with their
synchronized movements and teamwork.
“It feels great! I didn’t expect to win, but we did it!”
enthused Roger Granil of Quirino Business Area. “The
never-ending exercise was worth it.”
“Di ko akalain na mananalo kami kasi out of the
many companies na nag-join, lahat ng kalaban were
young people half my age,” Muntinlupa BA’s Felicidad
Ambangan laughed.
All members of Maynilad’s Water Relay team belong to
various BAs, so it was a bit of a struggle to converge at
the UP Diliman campus for practice. Madel Guinto of
Muntinlupa BA recalled, “At first natatawa kami kasi
magbubuhat at magpupuno lang kami ng tubig, may
practice pa. Pero I later realized na hindi pala ganun
kadali. We needed diskarte to win.”
The teammates agree that the experience of bonding
with one another was enough reward for their efforts.
So when management gave them a cash prize, they were
pleasantly surprised.
“Hindi ko talaga expected. Binalita ko agad sa
parents ko sa sobrang tuwa,” shared Muntinlupa BA’s
Gretchen Joy Valin.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
5
Features
Bringing out the best in people
through sports
By Roy Evalle
Many companies, especially those that have to
keep up with the demands of “the customer,”
have started to integrate sports and fun with
work. Banks, airlines, hospitality businesses,
BPOs, and even hospitals have started to
introduce sports and fun in the workplace.
he array of outfits was quite creative, ranging from
“Happy Feet,” to an adult in diapers with a feeding
bottle, to a gilded sultan with a “hand puppet.”
Maynilad’s very own, Joedi Jalandoni, stood out from
the rest with his brave rendition of a bride in drag,
soundly beating out the competition from 16 other
companies.
here are those, however, who remain firm in the
conviction that business must come first before fun.
While I used to belong to that “old school,” I have since
learned much from my junior colleagues and younger
relatives.
As a seasoned Human Resources practitioner, I have
seen how sports can bring out the best in people.
I’ve witnessed how it can promote synergy and
collaboration among employees; they talk more openly
and information becomes accessible because of the
camaraderie that was formed while they were playing
the game.
I also believe that team sports have a way of mending
conflicts, healing hurts and gluing social relationships.
Fun and creativity at its best. That was the Mardi Gras
Fun Run of the MVP Olympics.
When you work closely with a group of people towards
a common goal, you cannot help but put aside personal
differences and unresolved issues for the sake of the
team.
Old school, I am definitely no more.
His name was Hijo and he’s
an arowana, we were told.
For those unfamiliar with this
species, an arowana is a large
freshwater fish that is known for its
longevity and aggressive nature.
In Chinese culture, arowanas are
considered lucky because of their
close resemblance to the Chinese
dragon—the ultimate symbol of
prosperity.
But there is a more personal story
behind this arowana named Hijo.
The MVP Olympics mascot was
inspired by the golden arowana
found at the Makati office of Maynilad
chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.
This particular arowana, named
Fun Run participants in
their cool, wacky and weird
costumes
Which way
to the North
Pole?
After witnessing the joys and triumphs of Maynilad
employees in this year’s MVP Olympics, my belief in
the transformative power of sports has grown even
stronger.
A Mascot named Hijo
W
e first saw him
enthusiastically
waving to the crowd
of spectators that
gathered at the
Meralco compound
for the MVP
Olympics. He was a
sight to behold with
his radiant orange color
and not quite familiar
form.
One of the most awaited events during the MVP
Olympics was the Mardi Gras Fun Run. Inspired by
the colorful festival held annually in New Orleans,
USA, the event required participants to run three
kilometers around Ortigas early Sunday morning
while wearing their most creative costumes.
T
T
The younger generation of my family once shared with
me that they’re more excited to come to work when
they know that work gives them joy and not stress. And
when they indulge in sports and creative activities, work
becomes the same—creative!
Not your typical fun run
Join the luau party
All this running is ruining my
makeup.
Nemo, is said to have brought MVP
considerable good luck since year
2002 when it was first acquired.
But instead of naming the mascot
Nemo, similar to that particular
arowana, he was named “Hijo”
because that is how Mommy Solita,
MVP’s late mother, called MVP when
he was a little boy.
So the lively orange mascot who
cheered us on during the MVP
Olympics is not only a symbol of
athleticism and sportsmanship, it is
also a representation of good luck,
prosperity and family.
Check out my puppet
Look at me go,
mommy!
Get bewitched
Ready, get set, go!
That’s not milk
6
ripples May 2010
Hey Robin,
where’s Batman?
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
7
News
Maynilad Earth Day events
By Rosmon Tuazon
April 22 may be the official Earth Day in the
Philippines but Maynilad’s efforts to promote
awareness and appreciation for various
environmental issues extend way before and even
after the widely celebrated event.
A cross-functional team composed of different Maynilad
operational and support groups was formed to oversee
the implementation of the company’s initiatives
to audit, monitor and manage the greenhouse gas
Exhibits, Reminders and More
In cooperation with Earth Day Network Philippines,
Maynilad included an earth-friendly reminder on its
Statement of Accounts to customers. From March 30
to April 22, Maynilad encouraged West Zone residents
to “Use water wisely” to better manage this precious
resource.
Running for a cause
Maynilad sponsored DZMM’s Takbo Para sa Kalikasan,
with President Rogelio L. Singson leading Maynilad’s
team of runners last February 28 at the Quirino
Grandstand. Part of Maynilad’s commitment was to
put up drinking stations in strategic spots along Roxas
Boulevard for both runners and spectators.
The company also took part in the Laguna Lake
Development Authority Ultra Marathon Relay on May
1 and 2. The marathon, which promoted multisectoral
involvement in the preservation of Laguna Lake and
other watershed areas, covered 200 kilometers of track
from Pasig to Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
Reducing carbon
emissions
To promote an
environment-friendly
alternative to traditional
messengerial services,
Maynilad is formally
endorsing the services of
Pedala Bike Messengers,
Inc. Patterned after
Manhattan and London
bike messengers, Pedala
has over a dozen bikers that make daily deliveries to
Makati, Quezon City, San Juan, Pasig, Mandaluyong,
Manila and Pasay.
Maynilad employees were likewise encouraged to form
carpools to save on fuel cost, reduce air pollution and
traffic congestion. To join, employees sign up their cars
for the program, so that co-workers with a similar route
and schedule can hitch a ride. Those interested may
contact CHCOD’s Joedi Jalandoni at 9813347.
In support of Earth Day Network Philippines’ The 10
Million Movement, signature sheets were circulated
in Maynilad to seek the commitment of employees in
doing “Green Acts for Mother Earth.” Pledges include
practicing proper waste management and responsible
use of energy, and planting trees or vegetables in their
own backyards.
The project will enable Maynilad to measure its carbon
footprint using greenhouses gases international
protocol standards and calculation tools. By establishing
its greenhouses gases (GHG) baseline data, Maynilad
can set accurate reduction targets, identify measures to
reduce its GHG emissions, and come up with a project
proposal for carbon credits and a Clean Development
Mechanism.
ripples May 2010
On April 22, Maynilad participated in the Earth Day
exhibit held at the SMX. The company set up a booth
featuring its sewerage and sanitation initiatives,
including the production of earth-friendly fertilizer “Bio
Grow” made from septage and biosolids.
Maynilad president Rogelio Singson (2nd row) shares a
laugh with Gina Lopez, together with DZMM’s (L-R) Ahwel
Paz, Cory Quirino, and Ariel Ureta.
Greenhouse gas reduction program
Maynilad launched last February its Greenhouse Gases
and Air Emissions Inventory Development Project,
in partnership with the Philippine Business for the
Environment (PBE) and the Clean Air Initiatives for
Asian Cities.
8
emissions of its water and sewerage facilities. The
GHG team will also explore the possibility of having
Maynilad’s carbon footprint certified by a qualified third
party.
ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Kapit-Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig”
program celebrated its first anniversary last April
29 and Maynilad was among those who joined the
festivities to commemorate the event. A boat ride from
Quirino Bridge down to Apacible Bridge culminated in a
RLS gives a Maynilad bottled water to a marathon participant. simple program held at Paco Park in Manila.
Mayor San Pedro, Maynilad officials
visit water project beneficiaries in
Muntinlupa
Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro and Maynilad officials led
by President Rogelio L. Singson recently visited Brgy. Putatan,
Muntinlupa City, as part of a joint inspection of the nearly
completed Maynilad Putatan Water Treatment Plant and the
ongoing pipe-laying activities that will complement the modern
treatment facility.
T
he Putatan Plant will start
treating raw water sourced
from Laguna de Bay this May
to produce an initial 50 MLD
(million liters per day) of potable
water that will benefit over 22,760
households in Barangays Putatan,
Bayanan, Ayala Alabang, and
portions of Alabang, Poblacion
and Tunasan. By the end of the
year, the plant is scheduled to
increase its treatment capacity
to 100 MLD to serve other areas
such as Sucat, Buli, Cupang,
and remaining areas in Alabang,
Poblacion and Tunasan.
Mayor San Pedro and President
Singson discuss with a Putatan
resident the expected improvements
in the water situation in the barangay
once the Putatan Treatment Plant
becomes operational.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
9
Features
Preparing a dream team
By Russel Cristi
It was a challenge like no other.
As if finding the best and the most
talented among our 2,000 employees
wasn’t enough, we had to prepare
them against the “pambato” athletes
of 15 other companies.
After holding a series of auditions
and tryouts, we finally found
over 100 employees who could
represent Maynilad in 12 events.
Our next hurdle was to prepare
our delegation for competition.
10
ripples May 2010
That it was the 1st MVP
Olympics and we were late
advised of its schedule only
raised our stress and pressure
levels even higher. But we knew
we had to deliver.
F
or three weeks, Corporate
Human Capital and
Organization Development
(CHCOD) worked non-stop to make
sure that our team, employees and
logistics were ready. To work faster
and more effectively, we formed
several committees that would take
care of the needs of each team—
uniforms, rehearsal schedule, food,
coach and training.
After engaging coaches from the
University of the Philippines, Adamson,
the UST Salinggawi, and several sports
associations, we immediately sent our
delegation to our very own version of
Olympic boot camp.
The basketball team spent at least
three hours every night to hone
their shooting skills. Our cheering
squad defied physical limitations
and sweated under the scorching
sun, even staying until evening to
zealously recite and perform their
Maynilad chant.
Our water relay team took their dry
runs very seriously, as well as our
women’s track and field relay team.
On the other hand, our tennis and
badminton teams put up with the
muscle aches after every practice
session. Rey Vincent David, a
Taekwondo black-belter, practiced
religiously in UP Diliman’s academic
oval for his track and field event.
Our official entrants to the singing,
dancing and other entertainment
events also did their best to prepare
for their respective competitions.
Yang Villa, our very own Maynilad
Idol, sang his heart out in every
practice session. Our dancers also did
their best to perfect smooth moves
and graceful struts for the judges.
In the end, our Maynilad Team
gave a good fight. Three weeks of
preparation resulted in four golds,
four silvers and two bronzes for
our company. This was enough to
land fourth among bigger and more
seasoned MPIC companies.
Ours was indeed a huge
accomplishment. We are all happy
with the victory of our athletes and
talents. But we should feel more
triumphant because they endured
a lot of hardships to become the
Maynilad Dream Team.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
11
Column
News
DOC RIC SAYS
By Ricardo Jose Miranda, M.D.
Got some health and wellness
concerns? Our resident medical
expert, Doc Ric, will help you
address these concerns to keep
you in excellent shape.
Maynilad partners with Veritas to
organize water cooperatives
By Karmina Alejandro
Sporty equals healthy
Veritas Social Empowerment, Inc. will assist Maynilad in the
formation and organization of water cooperatives, or Samahang
Tubig Maynilad (STM), and in training interested out-of-school
youth to become aguadors, meter-readers and bill collectors for the
water associations in Tondo and other depressed areas in Metro
Manila.
Dear Doc Ric:
I’m not an active person, but I’ve decided to take up sports to get
healthier. Can sports really improve my overall health?—Couch
Potato
Dear Couch Potato:
Deciding to get healthier is one
of the best decisions you can ever
make. I applaud you for taking the
initiative and wish you well on your
future efforts. You and your loved
ones will definitely benefit from
your decision.
Numerous scientific studies have
shown that by regularly playing
But whatever kind of sport
you decide to take up, what’s
important is you will get some
exercise from doing it. And if
you keep at it long and regularly
enough, you will look and feel
healthier.
sports and doing other physical
activities, you can reduce the risk
of hypertension, diabetes and
coronary artery disease. Sports also
enable you to reach and maintain a
healthy body weight.
In addition to its physical benefits,
playing sports will also contribute
to your emotional and mental
well-being. Individual sports build
self-confidence, discipline and focus
while team sports enhance social
skills, communication abilities and
respect for others.
But whatever kind of sport you
decide to take up, what’s important
is you will get some exercise from
doing it. And if you keep at it long
and regularly enough, you will look
and feel healthier.
Sports for Weight Loss
The Mayo Clinic is a U.S.-based
non-profit organization that offers
innovative medical information and
services for healthy living.
Taken from their website is the chart
below that lists sports activities that
burn the most number of calories in
an hour.
Activity (1-hour duration)
Weight of person and calories burned*
160 pounds
200 pounds
240 pounds
Basketball
584
728
872
Bicycling, < 10 mph, leisure
292
364
436
Bowling
219
273
327
Ballroom Dancing
219
273
327
Golfing, carrying clubs
329
410
491
Racquetball, casual, general
511
637
763
Running, 8 mph
986
1,229
1,472
Softball or baseball
365
455
545
Swimming, laps
511
637
763
Tae kwon do
730
910
1,090
*The number of calories burned will vary widely depending on
the individual’s intensity level and situation.
12
ripples May 2010
V
eritas is a non-stock, non-profit
organization geared towards
providing assistance to families and
individuals living below the poverty
line through various community
development projects.
bring adequate and potable water
to marginalized communities in its
concession area.
“I feel very grateful that Maynilad
will be part of this noble program.
I know that many of my ‘kalugar’
in Tondo—if trained and given a
chance—can become good workers
for their communities. I look
forward to seeing them become our
future meter readers, collectors and
service providers,” Antonio Uy, head
of Tondo Business Area, said.
In the agreement signed by
Maynilad president Rogelio
L. Singson and Veritas Chief
Empowerment officer Fr. Benigno
P. Beltran, SVD, Maynilad will
provide office space to Veritas
which will be used as classrooms,
computer learning centers, and
livelihood training venues for its
beneficiaries.
The formation and organization
of water cooperatives is part
of Maynilad’s Corporate Social
Responsibility program that aims to
Maynilad president Rogelio Singson and Veritas Social Empowerment chief
empowerment officer Fr. Benigno Beltran sign the Memorandum of Agreement
at the Tondo BA office in Arroceros, Manila. With them are (from left) Ligaya ng
Panginoon Ministry of Compassion coordinator in-charge Ric Lazatin, CSR head
Nerissa Jose, Tondo BA head Antonio Uy, and CSR supervisor Lourdes Rivera.
MWSS extends Maynilad concession term
T
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage
System (MWSS) approved this April the 15-year
Concession Agreement term extension of Maynilad.
he extension of the Concession Agreement
between Maynilad and MWSS to 2037 will enable
the firm to increase its investments by more than 270
percent. From the P206 billion capital investment it
submitted in its 2008 Business Plan, Maynilad now
plans to spend P564 billion to accelerate and expand
its service improvement projects in the West Zone.
The additional 15 years of operation will also provide
Maynilad with a longer investment recovery period,
thus trimming future water rate increases for its
customers.
MWSS chairman Jose Allado and Maynilad president
Rogelio Singson formalize the extension of Maynilad’s
Concession Agreement. Expressing their support are (L-R)
MWSS officials and Maynilad Top Management: Trustees
Ferdinand Mahusay, Virgilio Angelo, and Aurora Arnaez;
MWSS BOT chairman Gabriel Claudio, MPIC president and
CEO Jose Ma. Lim, Justice Oscar Garcia, MWSS senior
deputy administrator Macra Cruz, Maynilad COO Herbert
Consunji, Maynilad CFO Randy Estrellado, Maynilad Legal
and Regulatory Affairs head Marivic Espiritu, and MWSS
chief regulator Manuel Quizon.
“The term extension is definitely a win-win for both the
company and its stakeholders because it will enable
us to take full advantage of long-term strategies
for better water supply reliability and continued
expansion in our unserved and under-served areas.
It will also allow us to address critical environmental
issues through intensified sewerage and sanitation
services for our customers,” said Maynilad president
Rogelio L. Singson during the signing of the extended
Concession Agreement held last April 22 at the
MWSS Conference Room.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
13
Column
Column
DOING RIGHT
By Luis Mauricio Lerma
Reduction of water loss is an
ongoing battle for the company.
Get blow-by-blow accounts of
the developments straight from
Maynilad’s CNRW engineers.
Keep to the straight and narrow
with the help of our Internal
Audit’s counsel on ethical
behavior at work.
By Rolixto Jodieres Jr.
Win-win relationship with suppliers
Finding leaks in primary lines made easy
P
B
eople tasked with the duty of
transacting with suppliers of
goods and services are in a special
position of trust and responsibility.
They procure goods and services
that enable our company to produce
and distribute potable water to the
public.
Being in such a sensitive position,
ethical behaviour should be
practiced consistently. We must
conduct our business with honesty,
transparency and integrity.
efore Maynilad acquired the
Sahara® mobile leak-detection
system, leak detection on primary
lines was a difficult task even if
we had the latest and the best
correlating equipment available.
Background noise is a leak detection
term that refers to the sound heard
from inside and outside a pipe. This
sound is being distinguished and
analyzed by a leak detector in search
of any possible leaks.
This is because correlating
equipment is interrupted by
background noise from heavy
traffic, which is common in areas
where our primary lines are located:
EDSA, Quezon Ave., Roosevelt Ave.,
Quirino Ave., etc.
With the arrival of Sahara®,
we expect very significant
improvements in the way we identify
leaks.
In fact, from March 1 to April
9, 2010, the teams had already
Bear in mind: The buyer
receives a service or product
that will add value to the
company’s own products and
services; in return, the supplier
makes a reasonable profit from
the transaction. The relationship
is mutually beneficial (a win-win
scenario).
the norm, unlike the excesses of the
70s and 80s.
With the business environment
steadily becoming even more
competitive, companies are now
trying to squeeze as much value
as they can get from every peso.
Efficiency and the need to get the
most “value-for-the-buck” is now
14
NRW Watch
ripples May 2010
The business relationship between
buyers and sellers has transformed
from being adversarial to one of
partnership. And a successful
partnership is reached when both
parties achieve a common goal—
profit. The buyer receives a service
or product that will add value to
the company’s own products and
services; in return, the supplier
makes a reasonable profit from
the transaction. The relationship
is mutually beneficial (a win-win
scenario).
The relationship, however, is shortlived when one “wins” and the other
“loses.” Contracts are never ironclad; loopholes will always exist.
If a buyer’s motive is to pounce on
such a loophole in order to derive
Conduct our business relationships
in a manner that merits the respect
not only of management and our
peers but also of the suppliers and
contractors.
Maynilad has an agreement
with Canada-based Pressure
Pipe Inspection Company
(PPIC), the maker of Sahara®,
for a period of nine months
to use their technology. The
first three months will be the
“service period” while the
remaining six months will be
the “rental period.”
During the service period, PPIC
personnel will be inspecting
Maynilad’s primary lines and
simultaneously training four
Maynilad engineers on how to
use the Sahara® equipment.
Other sources of water losses that
were detected include service
connections tapped on a primary line
where there should be none. These
may either be illegal connections or
old service connections that have
remained unaccounted for due to
lack of records.
Acknowledge: it is important
to recognize that for a long-term
strategic partnership to exist,
honesty, transparency and
integrity coupled with a mutual
understanding of each other’s
needs is imperative.
additional benefits for the company,
the supplier may retaliate in future
transactions or may altogether
cease to do business with us. So it
is important to recognize that for
a long-term strategic partnership
to exist, honesty, transparency and
integrity coupled with a mutual
understanding of each other’s needs
is imperative.
Tidbit
Maynilad engineers insert the Sahara® data cable through the insertion
assembly that was set up along Algeciras St. in Sampaloc, Manila.
Video recordings and acoustic signals
picked up by sensors inside the pipe
are monitored aboveground.
inspected 11.573 kilometers of
pipes and detected 46 underground
leaks, which presumably had
been leaking for a long period of
time but were not visible from the
surface. Unknown laterals were
likewise successfully identified
and located using a video camera
during inspection. These unknown
laterals also contribute to water
losses, especially in areas where
distribution lines have supposedly
been totally replaced.
The Sahara® also detected debris
inside a primary line segment—
debris that, through the years, have
piled up and created an obstruction
approximately half of the pipe’s
diameter. This debris accumulation
caused low water pressure to the
area served by the primary segment.
At the moment, these activities have
already been conducted in Sampaloc,
Cavite, Malabon-Navotas, South
Caloocan, and South Manila. Our
team is continuing without letup so
our Non-Revenue Water gains would
be higher.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
15
Special Feature
Wandering, Wondering
in Umiray
On the last day of the MVP Olympics and more than a
hundred kilometers away from the Meralco Compound,
a Maynilad employee began a journey that taught him
invaluable life lessons. In this special feature, we share
with our readers his remarkable story.
Delivering potable water is a tough
job. I now have more appreciation
and greater respect for Maynilad
employees who do hazardous work
and even risk their life to find and
maintain our existing supply source.
But more than my safety, I was concerned about by
family. I could not call home to assure my family that I
was okay. I kept praying for better weather so we could
go home the following day.
MARCH 30
I woke up to a sky that was still heavy with clouds. Using
the camp’s two-way radio, which was our only means of
communication with the outside world, I learned that
my boss, Naty Castillejos, along with members of the
Common Purpose Facilities, were in Angat Dam closely
monitoring the weather situation so they could deploy
the helicopter once the weather improved.
No such luck, though. But I was glad that they had
already informed my parents about what happened to
me.
At this point, I had grown tired of just sitting and
waiting to be rescued. My companions and I discussed
the possibility of venturing out on foot so we could go
home.
W
hen 23-year-old Patrick James Dizon boarded
a helicopter from Angat Dam on March 28,
he had no idea that it was going to be the start of an
unforgettable adventure.
MARCH 31
We decided to take our chances. We would cross
Mount Irid on foot to get to Tanay, Rizal. With bags
containing rice and canned goods, we set out at 1:30
p.m., accompanied by two locals. I didn’t want to get
paranoid, but as fatigue got the better of me, I had
to fight mental images of us bumping into rebels and
getting kidnapped. With every step we took, I prayed
that we would all get home safe. Now more than ever, I
turned to God for strength and refuge.
Together with Engr. Danilo Cambay of PAGASA and one
contractor, Dizon was scheduled to inspect an MWSS
facility in Umiray, Quezon Province. The inspection
was supposed to be a brief one so their small group was
expected back in Manila that same day.
But when they were ready to leave, the helicopter that
brought them to the inspection site could not land.
Clouds had covered the mountains surrounding Umiray
River.
We reached Sitio Malining at dusk, where we knocked
on the doors of total strangers to ask if we could stay for
the night. Amazingly, the good-hearted mountain folk
welcomed us to their home.
Eventually, MWSS personnel radioed in the fateful
message: the helicopter had to pull back. Dizon and his
group would have to spend the night in Umiray. What
follows is Dizon’s recounting of what happened.
MARCH 29
After spending the night at the camp in Umiray, it didn’t
look like we could leave any time soon. I dreaded the
thought of staying another night. We were stranded
in the middle of nowhere, in a mountainous area
populated by rebel forces. Cell phones were useless
because there was no signal in Umiray.
16
ripples May 2010
Weeks after my adventure, I still cannot believe
the experience I had in Umiray. But more than the
physical hardship and emotional strain, what I will
remember are the life lessons I gained.
APRIL 1
The sun had barely risen when we started walking
again through mud, sharp stones, fallen trees, crude
bridges, and streams. We had bruises, insect bites and
lacerations all over. At one point, I had to be carried for
10 minutes because my legs were too numb to move.
After almost 14 hours of walking, we reached Sitio
Sadlak and slept for a few hours before setting out
again. It would be another three hours before we got
to Sta. Ines in Tanay, Rizal, where—blissfully—we
managed to rent a motorcycle.
APRIL 2
We reached Metro Manila at 1 p.m. My mother cried
when I called her, thankful that I was safe. I also cried
because I felt grateful—grateful that we safely crossed
the mountain, and came across kind strangers who
made our journey successful.
Weeks after my adventure, I still cannot believe the
experience I had in Umiray. But more than the physical
hardship and emotional strain, what I will remember
are the life lessons I gained.
Delivering potable water is a tough job. I now have
more appreciation and greater respect for Maynilad
employees who do hazardous work and even risk their
life to find and maintain our existing supply source.
Fear and pain can be conquered. Until my trek in
Umiray, I had no idea that I could be that courageous
in the face of uncertainty. I realized it is only natural to
be afraid and feel pain in the course of fighting for your
goals, but persisting will ultimately make me a better
man.
Lastly, I learned that life and family are precious.
I never knew how much I loved my family until I
wandered and wondered in Umiray. The thought that
I wouldn’t see them again made our reunion all the
sweeter, and forced me to take stock of my life and
think hard about what else I have to do to make my life
more meaningful.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
17
Column
DONG’S
CORNER
Column
Aside from being a friendly Maynilad Zone
Specialist, Dong is also a regular handyman
at home. In this column, he will share useful,
practical tips on how you can address your basic
household plumbing concerns.
INFLOW, OUTFLOW
By Jonet Sanalila
Taking care of your septic tank
My MVP Olympics experience
One of the most important yet
often neglected part of the
home is the septic tank.
I didn’t set out to become part
of the Maynilad cheer dance
group. I had actually signed up
for the Amazing Race because
I thought it would be fun and
there would be no pressure at
all. But because of company
pride and team spirit, I was
easily persuaded by CHCOD to
try out for cheer dancing.
U
nless you are connected to a
sewage pipe, the waste material
that comes from your kitchen and
bathroom normally goes to the
septic tank for decomposition.
Without proper use and maintenance
of your septic tank, your family may
become exposed to a number of
health and sanitation problems. From
foul odors to bacterial infection to
groundwater contamination, these
are just some of the things that
may happen because of a broken,
clogged or overflowing septic tank.
To prevent septic tank
problems from happening,
do your best to avoid the
following:
T
here were a lot of new faces
among the hopefuls when I
arrived for the tryouts. Good thing
some of my friends were there,
which made me feel comfortable.
We started as soon as the trainer
(a member of the UST Salinggawi
Dance Troupe) came in, and she
made us do some routines.
Regular septic tank cleaning will ensure that your environment stays clean and
your health is protected.
Disposing used cooking oil
in the sink and toilet
Flushing plastic, paper
towels, cigarette butts,
etc. down the toilet
Overusing strong cleaning
agents which can kill
beneficial bacteria in the
septic tank
Unclogging the septic tank
on your own and without any
safety equipment
Once your septic tank gets filled with
waste, you may contact Maynilad’s
Sewerage and Sanitation Division at
981-3401 or 981-3402, to avail of
our septic tank cleaning service.
Free septic tank cleaning services are
also available to qualified Maynilad
18
We want to know what you think so
we’re giving you your own column.
ripples May 2010
customers. The Maynilad Sanitation
Department provides this free service
in unsewered areas within the West
Zone. The service is offered on a
five-to-seven-year desludging cycle,
in coordination with Maynilad’s
Business Areas and the local
government units.
Emptying pesticides,
bleach, paints or solvents
in the drain
For more information regarding the
sewerage and sanitation services
of Maynilad, you can also visit
http://www.mayniladwater.com.ph/
services-02.php.
It was harder than I expected. She
made us do jumps, rolls, cartwheels,
etc. After all that, I didn’t think I
would pass the tryouts. Fortunately,
I did.
The practices were not easy. I only
realized just how hard it was when
I woke up the following morning; I
felt like I had been through a serious
beating. As the rehearsals went
on, incredibly, it did not matter
anymore. The exhaustion, body
aches and bruises were just part of
the deal. Don’t get me wrong—it
was not a bad deal. In fact, I really
had fun, and it’s not because I find
pleasure in pain. It’s just that the
activity acquired a new meaning for
me since I liked what I was doing.
And I believe the whole team felt
the same way too. We gained new
friends and formed a team like no
other.
I guess if there is one thing I
developed from joining the MVP
Olympics, it is the virtue of hope.
The sport of cheer dancing is a good
representation of our life. We often
fell hard on the ground. We had
bruises, and got dirty. But instead of
being discouraged, we stood up and
did it again as if nothing happened.
For us, then, it was not important
how many times we fell but how
many times we got back up to
successfully perform our routine.
We often fell hard on the
ground. We had bruises,
and got dirty. But instead
of being discouraged, we
stood up and did it again as
if nothing happened. For us,
then, it was not important
how many times we fell but
how many times we got back
up to successfully perform
our routine.
This is a reminder for us that in
everything we do, the struggle will
always be there. The only thing
that matters is how we fight the
skirmishes in our life to achieve our
goal. We should never lose hope.
If you ask me now if I would still
join the MVP Olympics again next
year, well, my answer would be a
definite yes. And I encourage other
employees to the same. It’s worth
it.
Jonet Sanalila is with the Business
Development Department under
Special Projects.
Until next issue!
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
19
The Men and Women of Maynilad
Sewarage and Sanitation
It’s a dirty job but someone
has to do it, so they say. Good
thing we have dedicated
Maynilad employees in this
division who are not afraid to
roll up their sleeves and do
the dirty work.
What happens to water after it has been used to wash the dishes,
flush the toilet, and clean the car? It either travels through an
underground pipe network or gets drained off by vacuum trucks
before reaching Maynilad’s treatment plants. Once there, it is
treated and transformed into earth-friendly wastewater before
proper disposal.
M
aynilad’s wastewater services is
managed by the Sewerage and
Sanitation Division, which operates
and maintains five sewerage
systems, as well as the facilities
that provide sanitation services to
unsewered customers.
Theirs is no easy feat, especially
since they are sustaining the
Integrated Management System
(IMS) certifications of two major
facilties—those in Dagat-Dagatan
and Tondo—while implementing
a host of other projects, such
as providing new sewer service
connections to expand coverage,
assisting in the establishment of
new wastewater treatment plants,
and training technical personnel to
prepare them for the operations and
maintenance of these new facilities.
Currently, it is the implementation
of sewerage projects that is the
most challenging, admits division
head Tony Garcia. There is the issue
of acquiring appropriate sites for
wastewater treatment facilities and
20
ripples May 2010
selecting compact type technologies
that are effective and require low
maintenance.
“A major issue is getting the
commitment of all stakeholders
to support the project to ensure
sustainability and maximize the
environmental benefits,” he notes.
“That’s why we are partnering with
the community, LGUs, NGOs, and
government agencies to get their
support and cooperation.”
It’s a dirty job but someone has to
do it, so they say. Good thing we
have dedicated Maynilad employees
in this division who are not afraid to
roll up their sleeves and do the dirty
work.—Jen Casipit
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