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3Maynilad Water Services, Inc. 3Maynilad Water Services, Inc.

FEATURES3 Team Maynilad: Making waves in 1st MVP Olympics6 Bringing out the best in people through sports6 A mascot named Hijo9 Not your typical fun run10 Preparing a dream team

SPECIAL FEATURE17 Wandering, Wondering in Umiray

PROFILE4 Taking the gold

NEWS8 Maynilad Earth Day events13 Maynilad partners with Veritas13 MWSS extends Maynilad concession term

REGULAR COLUMNS12 Doc Ric Says Sporty equals healthy14 Doing Right Win-win relationship with suppliers15 NRW Watch Finding leaks in primary lines made easy18 Dong’s Corner Taking care of your septic tank19Inflow,Outflow My MVP Olympics experience20 The Men and Women of Maynilad Sewarage and Sanitation

Editorial Note Features

Editorial Director : Cherubim G. OcampoEditor in Chief : Jennifer R. CasipitManaging Editor : Rosmon M. TuazonAssociate Editors : 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: [email protected] and [email protected]

The Maynilad Team Spirit

By Rosmon TuazonThere’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!

IN THIS ISSUEMay 2010

Fifteen 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.

Team Maynilad Making waves in 1st MVP Olympics

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.”

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.

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.

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.

ripples2 May 2010ripples2 May 2010

The Maynilad cheer dancers wow the crowd with their stunts

MVPsignalstheofficialstartoftheevent

Muse Katrina Santiago and her escort, Rogelio Sta. Ana Jr. lead the Maynilad parade


Profile

JOEDI JALANDONIMardi Gras Fun Run

Flair, pizzazz and a wedding gown proved to be the winning combination for Mardi Gras Fun Run first

placer Joedi Jalandoni of CHCOD.

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.

REY VINCENT DAVIDTrack and Field

This 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.

“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.”

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.

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

Taking the gold

It was hard work that paid off—big time.

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.

Get to know the winners as they talk about taking home the gold for Maynilad.

TONY BUELLA AND TOMAS FUENTES Men’s Doubles, Tennis

No 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

APRIL ALFUENTE, FELICIDAD AMBAGAN, AMIEL CAPIO, RONALD CRUZ, PAUL JOSEPH GALANG, RENSON GLORIANE, ROGER GRANIL, MARIA CRISTINA TANDOC, GRETCHEN JOY VALIN, MADELANE GUINTOWater Relay

Theirs 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.



FeaturesFeatures

We 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.

His name was Hijo and he’s an arowana, we were told.

For those unfamiliar with this

A Mascot named Hijospecies, 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

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.

There 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Old school, I am definitely no more.

Bringing out the best in people through sportsBy Roy Evalle

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.


Not your typical fun runOne 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.

The 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.

Fun and creativity at its best. That was the Mardi Gras Fun Run of the MVP Olympics.

Fun Run participants in their cool, wacky and weird costumes

Check out my puppet

Hey Robin, where’s Batman?

Ready, get set, go!

Join the luau party

Get bewitched

All this running is ruining my makeup.

Look at me go, mommy!

Which way to the North Pole?

That’s not milk


News


Mayor San Pedro, Maynilad officials visit water project beneficiaries in Muntinlupa

The 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Running for a causeMaynilad 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 emissionsTo 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.

Greenhouse gas reduction programMaynilad 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.

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.

Maynilad Earth Day eventsBy Rosmon Tuazon

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

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.

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.

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.

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 simple program held at Paco Park in Manila.

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.

RLS gives a Maynilad bottled water to a marathon participant.


Features

Preparing a dream teamBy Russel Cristi

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

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.

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

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.

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.

For 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


13Maynilad Water Services, Inc.

Veritas 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.

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 partners with Veritas to organize water cooperativesBy Karmina Alejandro

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.

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.

News

The 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.

“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.

MWSS extends Maynilad concession termThe Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) approved this April the 15-year Concession Agreement term extension of Maynilad.

Sporty equals healthy

By Ricardo Jose Miranda, M.D.

DOC RIC SAYS

Column

Got some health and wellness concerns? Our resident medical expert, Doc Ric, will help you address these concerns to keep you in excellent shape.

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

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

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

The Mayo Clinic is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that offers innovative medical information and services for healthy living.

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

Taken from their website is the chart below that lists sports activities that burn the most number of calories in an hour.

Sports for Weight Loss

*The number of calories burned will vary widely depending on the individual’s intensity level and situation.

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.

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.

Maynilad president Rogelio Singson and Veritas Social Empowerment chief empowermentofficerFr.BenignoBeltransigntheMemorandumofAgreementattheTondoBAofficeinArroceros,Manila.Withthemare(fromleft)LigayangPanginoon Ministry of Compassion coordinator in-charge Ric Lazatin, CSR head Nerissa Jose, Tondo BA head Antonio Uy, and CSR supervisor Lourdes Rivera.

MWSS chairman Jose Allado and Maynilad president Rogelio Singson formalize the extension of Maynilad’s Concession Agreement. Expressing their support are (L-R) MWSSofficialsandMayniladTopManagement:TrusteesFerdinand 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.

ripples12 May 2010


People 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.

By Rolixto Jodieres Jr.

NRW Watch

Column

Win-win relationship with suppliers Finding leaks in primary lines made easy

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.By Luis Mauricio Lerma

DOING RIGHT

Column

Keep to the straight and narrow with the help of our Internal Audit’s counsel on ethical behavior at work.

the norm, unlike the excesses of the 70s and 80s.

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 short-lived when one “wins” and the other “loses.” Contracts are never iron-clad; loopholes will always exist. If a buyer’s motive is to pounce on such a loophole in order to derive

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.

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.

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).

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

Before 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Maynilad engineers insert the Sahara® data cable through the insertion assembly that was set up along Algeciras St. in Sampaloc, Manila.

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.

Video recordings and acoustic signals picked up by sensors inside the pipe are monitored aboveground.

Tidbit

ripples14 May 2010


Special Feature

When 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.

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.

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 29After 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.

to Sta. Ines in Tanay, Rizal, where—blissfully—we managed to rent a motorcycle.

APRIL 2We 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.

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. 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.

MARCH 31We 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.

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.

APRIL 1The 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

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.

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.

ripples16 May 2010

Wandering, Wondering in Umiray


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.

Taking care of your septic tank

By Jonet Sanalila

INFLOW, OUTFLOW

Column

We want to know what you think so we’re giving you your own column.

Unless 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.

One of the most important yet often neglected part of the home is the septic tank.

To prevent septic tank problems from happening, do your best to avoid the following:

Disposing used cooking oil in the sink and toilet

Emptying pesticides, bleach, paints or solvents in the drain

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

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.

For more information regarding the sewerage and sanitation services of Maynilad, you can also visit http://www.mayniladwater.com.ph/services-02.php.

Until next issue!

There 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.

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

My MVP Olympics experience

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.

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.

ripples18 May 2010

Regular septic tank cleaning will ensure that your environment stays clean and your health is protected.

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.

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.

The Men and Women of Maynilad

Sewarage and Sanitation

Maynilad’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

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.

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

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.

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