LEYTE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICTBrgy. 74, Nulatula, Tacloban City 6500 | Office of the General Manager: Email: info@lmwd.gov.ph

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WATER SUPPLY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FOR V&G SUBDIVISION TO BEGIN.

LMWD PR Office | Posted Since: April 20, 2022

“Early this morning, the Primewater-Leyte Metro in partnership with Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD) hold the traditional Groundbreaking ritual before the start of the construction of the much-awaited water supply improvement project in V&G Subdivision, Tacloban City.

"There are two (2) projects that we will be implementing in V&G Subdivision which will definitely improve the supply of water in the whole subdivision." Engr. John Paul H. Delgado the Branch Manager (BM) of Primewater, said.

Delgado explained that for the first project they will be laying 8 inches in diameter Distribution Pipeline to augment the existing volume of water that supplies to the whole subdivision, while the 2nd project they will be replacing old and dilapidated pipelines particularly the existing Asbestos Cement Pipes (ACP) and those located inside property lines.

The total estimated cost of the two projects is Php 27,000,000.00 and the project completion is October this year.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony was graced by Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez of the city of Tacloban, the members of LMWD Board of Directors and officers; Primewater-Leyte Metro officials headed by Branch Manager (BM) John Paul H. Delgado; barangay officials from Brgy. 109, 109-A, V&G Subd., Tacloban City and from Brgy. 80, Marasbaras, Tacloban City; and several media personalities. | LMWD Public Relation Office

BRINGING BACK TO LIFE THE WATERSHED AND THE FLOURISHING RIVERS IN TACLOBAN NORTH IS ONE OF THE BIG PROJECTS OF LEYTE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT AND PRIMEWATER.

LMWD PR Office | Posted Since: December 10, 2021

“Restoring the former watershed in Barangays Salvacion, Camansihay, Cabalawan, Sto. Niño, Tigbao, and other areas in the northern part of Tacloban City is part of our various programs and activities in order to bring back the flourishing flow of waters in Camansihay, Baruguan, Tigbao, Kawayan, and other rivers found at the northern part of Tacloban City.” LMWD general manager Pastor A. Homeres said.

The rehabilitation and restoration of the watershed in Tacloban North is a tough task that needs serious attention and implementation of rigorous programs and projects that will address and sustain the present and future water supply requirement of the fast-growing population or community within LMWD service coverage.

Accordingly, LMWD through its Gender and Development Program (GAD) and in partnership with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO), the Local Government Unit of Tacloban and the barangays in Tacloban North as well as the Population Commission (PopCom) Regional Office 8 have started the initial activities that will eventually lead to the realization of this ambitious and long-term goal of our agency.

Last November 24, 25 & 26, 2021 the members of LMWD GAD committee held a 3-day forum in Tacloban North City Hall Extension Office located at Brgy. Sto. Niño, Tacloban City concerning the “Role of Women in nation building by being responsive and responsible parent; cum Women as indispensable partner in the conservation of water to sustain its availability from generations thru generations.” The forum was attended by more or less 150 participants coming from the various Yolanda Relocation Villages in Tacloban North.

The abovementioned activity will be followed immediately with the conduct of Tree Growing and Riverside Clean-up works in Barangays Camansihay and Cabalawan, Tacloban City on December 9, 2021.

LMWD in partnership with Primewater is supplying potable water to all its concessionaires coming from the city of Tacloban and the municipalities of Palo, Tanauan, Tolosa, Tabontabon, Dagami, Pastrana, and Sta. Fe all in the province of Leyte. | LMWD Public Relation Office

LMWD PAYMENT CENTER IN ROBINSONS NORTH NOW OPEN.

Ma. Teresa D. Pascua | Posted Since: July 02, 2019

Water concessionaires of the Leyte Metropolitan Water District can now pay their water bill at the newly opened LMWD Payment Center located at the 2nd floor of Robinsons North (in front of David’s Salon and beside Toothspa), Tacloban New Bus Terminal, Barangay 91, Abucay, Tacloban City.

Starting today, July 01, 2019 the Payment Center is open from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., every Monday thru Friday. Only water bill payment/s will be accepted (current water bill or with arrearages) which means that payment/s for other fees such as request for water analysis, bulk water deliveries, New Water Service Connection, Disconnection, and Reconnection charges will only be made at LMWD Main Office located along A. Mabini St., Tacloban City or for payment of Water Bills and Water Analysis fees at LMWD Nulatula Office, Daang Maharlika, Brgy. 74, Lower Nulatula, Tacloban City.

LMWD opened the Payment Center in partnership with Robinsons Land Corporation in order to give the water concessionaires options on where they can conveniently pay their water bill.

LMWD - WE DID NOT STOP THE DELIVERING OF WATER TO TACLOBAN NORTH

Written by: MT.PASCUA,Sr. Public Relations Officer | Posted Since: August 24, 2017

"We neither stop nor prevent the delivery of water to the resettlement villages of National Housing Authority (NHA) in Tacloban North, Tacloban City". LMWD General Manager Pastor A. Homeres clarified after receiving some information that LMWD has stopped the delivery of water to said villages.

"We actually have an existing aggrement with the Department of Public Works and Highways, Regional Office 8 (DPWH) regarding the provision of drinking water to these villages. As it is, our office makes sure that the water is available to the DPWH whenever the latter has scheduled deliveries." GM Homeres explained.

"However, the DPWH has explained to us that due to some constraints on their part, they have opted to have this delivery contracted out. At present, both the delivery as well as the water is now being provided by the private entitiy." GM Homeres explained further.

With this latest development, LWMD made clear considering that the water being supplied in no longer coming from their system, they cannot be held responsible in case its quality will be questioned.

TOP HEADS OF THE LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION VISIT LEYTE.

Written by: MT.PASCUA,Sr. Public Relations Officer | Posted Since: May 3, 2017

On April 27, 2017, Acting Administrator Jeci A. Lapus and Chairman of the Board of Trustee Rogelio B. Luy of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) were in Tacloban City to personally see for themselves the location of their proposed water supply projects intended for the National Housing Authority's housing beneficiaries in the northern part of Tacloban City.

In a meeting with the Leyte Metropolitan Water District's (LMWD's) management and members of the board of directors, the LWUA Administrator and chairman discussed the details of the project including the recent procurement updates and at the same time secured some inputs from LMWD on how they (LWUA) can fast track the implementation of the project.

Since both Administrator Lapus and Chair Luy are new to their positions, they are at present getting information/feedbacks on their agency's existing and proposed projects especially along the Yolanda corregidor.

To maximize their visit, the officials went to the two (2) Treatment Plants of LMWD located in Pastrana and Jaro, Leyte; conducted ocular inspection at the NHA resettlement villages in Tacloban City; and had a meeting with the members of the Eastern Visayas Association of Water Districts (EVAWD).

NEW HEADS OF LOCAL WATER UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION MET THE MEMBERS OF EASTERN VISAYAS ASSOCIATION OF WATER DISTRICTS.

Written by: MT.PASCUA,Sr. Public Relations Officer | Posted Since: May 3, 2017

During the one-day visit to Tacloban City on April 27, 2017 Acting Administrator Jeci A. Lapus and Chairman of the Board of Trustee Rogelio B. Luy of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) met the members of the Eastern Visayas Association of Water Districts (EVAWD) represented by respective general managers and members of the board of directors.

In said meeting held at Jos Milagrina, Burgos St., Tacloban City , the LWUA officials listened to and provided inputs on the concerns raised by the attendees such as the needed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) concerning the water supply system in NHA resettlement villages once this will be turned-over to water districts; clarifications on the status of the budget for water supply projects which were included in the Philippine National Budget for 2016 (GAA); tax exemptions for water districts; water tariff; condonations of loan arrearages including penalties incurred by water districts under previous management; and many more.

On the appeal for condonations of loan arrearages and penalties, Administrator Lapus informed the WDs that this has already been approved subject to Implementing Rules and Regulations and the same can be availed only once.

According to the Administrator, during his first day in office, he already learned different issues and concerns of water districts, which is why he immediately looked into what he can do with all those.

For concerns which he just came to know during the meeting he advised the water district concerned to make a formal communication and follow-up with their office so that the same will be addressed and accordingly responded immediately.

"Under my management, I will make things easier for the water districts and at the same time I want to solicit your cooperation in order to realize this promise," the Administrator said.

"Initially, you need to submit your respective Business Plans on or before May 31, 2017 so that these will be evaluated by us. Said document will set the direction of your respective agency and serve as your guide on how you can operate effectively" he added.

The meeting was attended by general managers and/or members of the board of directors from twelve (12) water districts in Eastern Visayas.

LEYTE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT AND PHIL. INFORMATION AGENCY R.O. 8 JOINED HAND IN CELEBRATING THE 2017 WORLD WATER DAY FORUM

Written by: MT.PASCUA,Sr. Public Relations Officer | Posted Since: April 4, 2017

On March 27, the Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-8) successfully held a forum in celebration of the 2017 World Water Day at Ritz Tower de Leyte, Tacloban City.

The morning activity focused on the presentation of three major topics primarily aimed to provide information to the stakeholders whose nature of works are in the field of disseminating information/news to the public.

The first topic was "Binahaan Watershed Protection & Preservation Program of LMWD" presented by Mr. Gerundio N. Calabia, former Head of LMWD's Environment & Watershed Protection Office and currently the Head of the Commercial Services Department.

The next topic which is "Water Production and Distribution" was comprehensively discussed by Engr. Roy A. Urmeneta, Head of LMWD’s Water Resources Generation Division.

Ms. Ma. Teresa D. Pascua, Head of LMWD's Public Relations Office presented the "Histo-Profile of LMWD" with highlights on the problems inherited by LMWD from the defunct National Waterworks & Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) in 1975; the "Programs, Projects, and other Efforts undertaken by LMWD" in order to improve its services from 1975 to present; and a discussion on some issues and concerns that affects the interest of both the consuming public and the water district.

Other important information discussed was the "Medium and Long-Term Water Supply Project" of the Local Water Utilities Administration for Tacloban North given by Engr. Ruben Gabriana, Head of the Planning & Design Division of LMWD.

The "Significance of World Water Day" was shared by Ms. Mary Jeanette C. Cua, Head of LMWD's Finance/Administrative Services Department. Ms. Cua ended her presentation by quoting a phrase from Dalai Lama: "Every human should have the idea of taking care of the environment, of nature, of water. So using too much or wasting water should have some kind of feeling or sense of concern. Some sort of responsibility and with that, a sense of discipline".

The forum started with an opening message from Regional Director Alicia E. Nicart of the PIA-8 who delivered an inspiring message concerning the indispensability of water in order for all living things to live. Dir. Nicart summed up her message by quoting a saying from an English poet Wystan H. Auden which says "Thousand have lived without love but, not one without water".

An open-forum facilitated by Dir. Nicart was held in the afternoon wherein the participants raised some queries and clarifications as well as suggestions for LMWD to take into consideration such as exploring of other possible raw water sources within the city of Tacloban.

18 Media personnel from different media outlets attended the forum together with information officers/representatives from the eight Local Government Units within LMWD service areas, and from the Regional Offices of the Dept. of Public Works & Highways, Dept. of Environment & Natural Resources, Environment Management Bureau, Dept. of Health, Provincial Environment & Natural Resources Office of Leyte, and City of Environment & Natural Resources.

LEYTE METRO CELEBRATES NATIONAL WOMENS MONTH

Written by: MT.PASCUA,Sr. Public Relations Officer | Posted: March 7, 2020

On March 6, 2017 during the regular Monday morning flag ceremony in observance of the National Womens Month, LMWD management has again honored all its 77 female employees for their untiring support to the realization of the plans and programs of the water district and in making sure that the agencys services are available to the public it serves.

Ms. Linda Dumagsa, Ms. Anne Marie P. Young, & Ms. Teddy D. Pacula received special citations for being the oldest, the youngest, and with longest number of years in service, respectively.

The simple ceremony was spearheaded by the ASD through its Department Head, Ms. Mary Jeanette C. Cua.

This years theme of the National Womens Month is "We make change work for women".

FREE WATER FOR NHA HOUSING UNITS BENEFICIARIES IN TACLOBAN NORTH EXTENDED TO ANOTHER ONE MONTH BY LMWD BOARD

Written by: LMWD, PR office | Posted: February 18, 2017

On February 10, 2017 the Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD) board of directors extended the period of providing free water for the housing beneficiaries of the National Housing Authority in villages located at the northern part of Tacloban City.

The board approved the one month extension from February 15 to March 15, 2017 due to the clamor of the people living in said villages who are still at present adjusting in the new community where they have been resettled.

LMWD General Manager Pastor A. Homeres said that as of to date their office have already provided around 13,000 cubic meters to the six (6) NHA resettlement villages at Tacloban North, Tacloban City, specifically North Hill Arbour 1 & 2, Villa Sofia, Villa Diana, New Hope Village, Greedale Residences 1 & 2, and Guadalupe 1 & 2.

"The provision of free water which started in November, 2016 is limited to supply 100 liters (5 jugs) per household per day. This water is intended for drinking and cooking needs of the relocatees." GM Homeres explained.

It was learned that the free water is being shouldered by LMWD while the operation and cost of delivery is the responsibility of the Department of Public Works & Highways (DPWH), Regional Office VIII as indicated in the Memorandum of Agreement between LMWD and the DPWH.

ORIENTATION CONCERNING PROVISION OF POTABLE WATER TO TACLOBAN NORTH HELD

Written by: LMWD, PR office | Posted: February 18, 2017

On February 13 to 17, 2017 series of information and education campaign (IEC) concerning the provision, proper utilization, equal distribution of drinking water to the six (6) National Housing Authority (NHA) Resettlement villages in the northern part of Tacloban City was conducted by Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD), NHA, DPWH-8, and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacloban in said villages.

The IECs was held due to the reported incidents of unequal distribution, utilization of the water other than for drinking and cooking purposes, drawing or fetching of water by some people who are not from the NHA villages, and the need to organize the homeowners in order to address their issues and concerns as well as those of the agencies mandated to provide the services needed.

The LMWD through its Public Relations Officer Ms. Ma. Teresa D. Pascua comprehensively discussed the Long-Term and Medium-Term Water Supply project that will be implemented by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA); the immediate water supply being provided by LMWD and the DPWH-8; the need to equally share and use the water for drinking and cooking purposes only; and inputs on how to organize and operate a water association.

Ms. Pascua also assured the homeowners that the water being delivered is safe for drinking in answer to some queries raised during the orientation questioning the potability of LMWD water being delivered in the villages.

"It is our mandate to provide potable water to our concessionaires, otherwise we will be held answerable. Included in our Standard Operating Procedure is to see to it that the water we supply conforms to the standards/parameters required in the Philippine Standard for Drinking Water and the World Health Organization. It is a fact that in all our served areas, never before and until now was there an outbreak of diarrhea with LMWD water as the culprit." Ms. Pascua expounded.

"LMWD is spending millions of pesos just to see to it that the water we supply is fit for human consumption." Ms Pascua added.

On the other hand, Ms Pascua informed the homeowners that should there be presence of silts or sediments in water or when water is turbid, this has to be reported immediately to their office for appropriate action. These are attributable to leaks in pipelines, improper installations of water pumps, and in cases of water service interruptions due to conduct of repair or maintenance works. However, after the repair LMWD crew flushes out this turbid water thru fire hydrants and other flushing facilities, hence, concessionaire has to wait until the water becomes clear.

Subsequent to the IEC is the formation of Associations by block and this will be spearheaded by NHA in coordination with Local Government of Tacloban.

PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF WATER DISTRICTS (PAWD) ACCORDED SERVICE AWARD TO LMWD BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN RECOGNITION OF THE DIRECTORS’ DEDICATED SERVICE AS POLICY MAKERS

Written by: MT.PASCUA, Sr. Public Relations Officer | Posted: February 8, 2017

On February 3, 2017 during the 3-day 38th Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) Convention held at SMX Convention Center, Lanang, Davao City four (4) of the 5-member Board of Directors of Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD) were given Service Awards for the number of years they devoted to the water district as policy makers.

Director Teodoro M. de Veyra was accorded the award for his 15 years in service, while directors Aldin C. Surpia, Iluminado L. Lantajo, Jr., and Teresa A. Montubig were awarded each for the 10-year in service as board of directors of LMWD.

The service award is given annually to the members of the board of directors of the water districts all throughout the Philippines who rendered service for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, & 35 years and in recognition of their dedicated service as effective policy makers aimed towards further development of water service to the community they serve.

For this year, 93 board of directors were given the award by the PAWD through its President Alma L. Abrasaldo and Chair Renato E. Mercado.

PROMOTIONS OF REGULAR EMPLOYEES AND APPOINTMENTS TO REGULAR POSITIONS OF CASUAL, CONTRACTUAL, AND JOB ORDER PERSONNEL APPROVED AND RELEASED BY LMWD MANAGEMENT

Written by: MT.PASCUA, Sr. Public Relations Officer | Posted: January 10, 2017

On January 9, 2017 during the regular Monday flag raising ceremony of LMWD, General Manager Pastor A. Homeres announced and administer the oath of office for the three (3) newly promoted regular employees, and the appointed nine (9) casuals, two (2) contractuals, and three (3) Job Order personnel.

The newly promoted employees are Engr. Ruben Gabriana as the Division Manager B of the Planning and Design, Catherine A. Longjas, as Senior Cashier, and Engr. Numar P. Capate, Principal Engineer D.

Casual employees appointed to regular positions were: Artemio P. Badidles (Plant Equipment Operator), Roger C. Camiller (Plant Electrician/Mechanic B), Arlita M. Baiño (Laboratory Technician A), Danilo Guande (Draftsman A), Gabino P. Olino (Water Sewerage/Maintenance C), Hannah Marie S. Labanta (Senior Accounting Processor A), Lexie Gail G. Sabornido (Property Supply Assistant A), Alejandro A. Molina (Utility Worker A), and Justino A. Jadulco (Office Equipment Technician/Mechanic A).

While the two (2) Contractuals and three (3) Job Order personnel appointed were: Katherine L. Gonzales (Senior Laboratory Technician), Ferdinand C. Canillas (Driver), Manuelito G. Veloso (Plant Equipment Operator E), Leonardo B. Pulga (Water Sewerage Maintenance Man A), and Lino C. Ocop (Welder A).

Criteria for the selection were applicant’s work performance, education, training/s, experience and outstanding accomplishments, personal characteristics & personality traits, potential, result of the written examination and the interview.

The promotions and appointments of these personnel is part of the Leyte Metropolitan Water District’s target facilitated by the Human Resource Division as indicated in the 2016 Office Performance and Commitment Review of the water district.

Selections were based on the Merit and Promotion Plan of LMWD in conformance to the Civil Service rules and regulations.

MORE TREES FOUND ILLEGALLY CUT WITHIN BINAHAAN WATERSHED IN DAGAMI, LEYTE

Written by: MT.PASCUA, Sr. Public Relations Officer | Posted: December 5, 2016

On December 2, 2016 personnel from the Regional Office VIII of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD), members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the Leyte Provincial Police Office (Leyte-PPO) together with media people conducted an ocular inspection in Binahaan Watershed located at Barangay Buenavista, Dagami, Leyte where more or less 20 forest trees found to have been illegally cut.

Engr. Roy Urmeneta, Head of the Water Resources Division who is at the same time the Watershed Protection Officer of LMWD said that the recent cutting is the 8th since July this year or a total of 4,751.48 board feet with an estimated value amounting to P 213,816.60.

The illegal logging within the watershed is alarming and a threat to the water supply of Tacloban City and seven (7) municipalities since this greatly affects the volume and quality of water that flows into the Hiabangan River in Dagami, Leyte and Binahaan River in Jaro, Leyte where the LMWD gets its raw water sources.

“Operational cost both in watershed protection activities and the water treatment process of our two (3) treatment plants gained a significant increase just to produce sufficient and potable water to our conscessionaires due to massive volume of eroded soil carried by torrid flow of water brought about by heavy rainfall that occurs within the Binahaan Watershed.� Engr. Urmeneta said further.

In a separate interview, Pastor A. Homeres, LMWD’s general manager, said that this problem concerning illegal logging has already reached the head office of the DENR in a letter sent to Secretary Gina Lopez.

“We are anticipating a prompt and decisive action on this problem from the DENR since our sources of raw water is at stake and we do not want that we will reach to a point where no more water will flow to our intake facilities thereby depriving us all of a water to drink and use.� GM Homeres explained.

The LMWD management has implemented several programs including intensifying its information and education campaign for upland communities targetted to be the water district’s partners in its determination just to spare the watershed from continued denudation.

Eastern Visayas Association of Water Districts, (EVAWD)

OFFICERS:

• Charman, Board of of Governor:
  Aldin C. Surpia | Chairman, LMWD Board of Directors
• President:
  Pastor A. Homeres | Gen. Mgr., LMWD
• Vice President:
  Ralph S. Uy | Gen. Mgr., Catbalogan WD
• Secretary:
  Rosalinda I. Somoray | Gen. Mgr., San Jose WD
• Treasurer:
  Zandro C. Go | Gen. Mgr., Basey WD
• Auditor:
  Nestor M. Geraldo | Gen. Mgr., Maasin WD

For more Information:
• Leyte Metropolitan Water District
• Catbalogan City Water District
• San Jose Water District
• Basey Water District
• Maasin Water District