ripples - maynilad water services...every christmas celebration is special, as it offers a priceless...

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 4 | - OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019

R I P P L E ST H E O F F I C I A L C O M P A N Y N E W S L E T T E R O F M A Y N I L A D W A T E R S E R V I C E S , I N C .

Christmasin our hearts

Forum: My fondest Christmas memory

TMT resolutions for 2020

TSD team wins 2019 InnoFest plum

Concession Agreement simplified

Recently, I had the privilege of joining the Top Management Team in addressing the newest batch of Maynilad cadet engineers. The intent was to inform them about the functions of our respective divisions, and to welcome them to the company.

This seemed easy enough. I just hadn’t counted on how affected I would be once I saw the cadets’ young and hopeful faces, heard their personal stories, and felt their professional expectations about being part of the Maynilad family. They reminded me of my young self. How optimistic I was back then, how confident that good would always prevail in the end.

Having that experience at a time when our organization is being undermined was cathartic in a way. Up until that moment, I didn’t realize how disheartened I had gotten from all of the noise in news media.

Meeting the cadets reminded me of why I joined Maynilad in the first place: I wanted to do good for other people. And indeed, no matter what our detractors say, Maynilad has improved people’s lives in a major way. Just ask the formerly waterless communities that now have water access because of Maynilad’s efforts.

Year 2020 is going to be another challenging year—perhaps more challenging than our organization has ever faced. When the attacks become too much and we find ourselves starting to falter, just remember that everything we do for this company, no matter how small, has a huge positive impact to society and our country. And there’s nothing anyone can say to change that.

THANKS FOR THE REMINDER

GAME KA NA BA?

TMT RESOLUTIONS FOR 2020

FORUM: MY FONDEST CHRISTMAS MEMORY

Maynilad’s business climate might have been unusual in 2019, but the year has also given them enough reason to celebrate Christmas with joy and thanksgiving.

Setting your goals for 2020? Read about the New Year’s resolutions of some members of the top management team.

It could be putting up the Christmas stockings for Santa, preparing for the Noche Buena or celebrating the yuletide season with a wonderful surprise… Find out the most memorable Christmas celebrations of some Maynilad employees.

2020 targets reinforced in commitment exercise| New STP to rise in Caloocan 15 Lingkod Eskwela to reach 120K students in 2019| Maynilad recovers 979 MLD of water 16 GHD 2019 campaign reaches 10 schools | DOH gives recognition to Maynilad WSP 17 FEU snags Golden Kubeta award | TSD team wins 2019 InnoFest plum

COVER STORY NEWS

REGULARS

FEATURES

CONCESSION AGREEMENT SIMPLIFIED

STARS OF MAYNILAD

TUBEE & CO.YOUR PAGE

MEN AND WOMEN OF MAYNILAD

DOC RIC SAYS

WASTEWATER EXPRESSED

Understand the Concession Agreement better and appreciate more how Maynilad works.

Let’s talk dirty

InnoFest winner on overcoming uncertainty

Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Audit

Let’s drink to that!

WMD Roadshow: Strengthening connections

Ripples is the official publication of Maynilad Water Services, Inc. for Maynilad employees and friends. Ripples welcoames contributions, letters, photos, and

artwork for publication. However, these materials become Ripples property and are subject to editorial changes. Send contributions to the Corporate

Communications Department,G/F Maynilad Bldg., MWSS Compound, Katipunan Road, Balara, Quezon City; Tel. Nos. 981-3451 to 52;

Email: [email protected] and [email protected].

JENNIFER R. CASIPIT-RUFOEditor in Chief

ZYRILLE M. CARTELLALAINE DIXIE L. TIANGCOManaging Editors

MADELEINE R. ZAIDEREGINALD M. INDONAssociate Editors

JECELYN M. LEOBRERAWriter

GRACE A. LAXACirculation Manager

RYAN B. JAMORA SHERWIN DC. MENDOZAANN MARGARETT L. MARIGONDON-CARANTOTERESITA C. MONTANOMIRLA M. DE LEONELIZABETH S. DAVIDLOLIT M. LOTANOLAN C. CLEMENTECorrespondents

MIKHAIL D. SANCHEZKRISTIAN ROSS S. AQUINOIllustrators

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COLUMNS

HEAD FOR THE WESTThe art of self-care18

2 3RIPPLES RIPPLESVOLUME 10 | ISSUE 4 | OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019 VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 4 | OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE WHAT’S INSIDE

There are probably a-thousand-and-one ways to celebrate Christmas. Here in the Philippines, holiday preparations start as early as September, with celebrations peaking in December and

extending to January with the commemoration of the Epiphany. But the yuletide season isn’t really just about the parties, gifts, or the festive decorations. Rather, it is a time to give thanks for

everything that has been—even the challenges.

It was business unusual for Maynilad in 2019. Despite this, Christmas is still Christmas, and people will always find it in their hearts to celebrate the occasion. Hence, the gameshow-themed

Christmas party of Maynilad at the SMX Convention Center pushed on, with everyone taking an active part in the dances, singing, and fun contests.

Relive the exciting moments in this photo essay....

LET THE GAMES BEGIN. Even before the actual start of the program, Maynilad employees have fun playing childhood games like

Bato-Bato Pick and Maiba Taya.

WORLD OF DANCE. Maynilad employees showcase their dancing prowess in an intense

number that got the party started.

INSPIRING WORDS. RSF gives words of encouragement that lift the morale of all

employees and also remind them of the true spirit of Christmas.

GAME KA NA BA? Employees hilariously hold their breath while saying “Merry

Christmaaaaaaas”; they also had fun in the “Wowowin”-inspired game, Hep-hep Horray.

Compiled by Zyrille Maningo-Cartel

4VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 4 | -OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019 RIPPLES 5

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 4 | -OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019RIPPLES

COVER STORY

RECOGNITION. Retirees and 20-year Service Awardees receive warm recognition from the entire Maynilad family for their dedication and

loyalty.

YOU CAN DO IT! Hosts Maui, Marga, Vic, and Gian engage the audience with different

games.

BEST BANDS EVER. Maynilad’s home-grown bands perform hits that got the audience singing

along.

THE LUCKY ONE. Everyone played, but it just took one winning Bingo combination to win the

grand prize. A Merry Christmas indeed for Rogelio G. Molina of Water Supply Operations.

OH YES, THEY CAN DANCE! Maynilad managers hit the dance floor to the tune of some of OPM’s

most popular novelty songs.AUDIENCE IMPACT. TMT members cheer and

dance with the rest of the Maynilad employees as they enjoy the performances.

6VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 4 | -OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019 RIPPLES 7

VOLUME 10 | ISSUE 4 | -OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019RIPPLES

COVER STORY

Every Christmas celebration is special, as it offers a priceless opportunity to bond with loved ones, as well as enjoy the fruits of our entire year’s labors. But some Christmas moments stand out more than others, so we asked some

employees about their fondest yuletide memories. Here are their heart-warming recollections.

MY FONDEST CHRISTMAS

MEMORYCompiled by Zyrille Maningo-Cartel

“One of my fondest Christmas memories was when I reported for work on a Christmas Day. I was with the Operations team then,

and we had to monitor a massive leak repair. While we wanted so much to be at home to celebrate with our families, the feeling of

being able to do our job so that our customers can enjoy Christmas was fulfilling. I think one of the joys of this job is to see the higher

purpose of what we do.”

Ronald Allan PollosoProgram Management Division (PMD), Project Manager

- Wastewater Facilities and Conveyance Projects

“On Christmas Eve of 2011, I rushed home from work to catch up on our Noche Buena. I arrived 30 minutes just before midnight and was surprised to find my grandparents from both mother and father’s

side, including some relatives. All of them were there waiting for me. I was only expecting to find my parents and my sister! It was truly a wonderful treat to celebrate with all of them. Christmas, after all, is

best when you are with the people you love.”

Marvin VillanuevaWater Supply Operations, Asst. Manager

- Water Source

“I consider last Christmas as my most memorable one because it’s the first Christmas we celebrated with our youngest daughter, LV-Abigail Valin. She was premature when I gave birth to her last July.

Looking back at how critical my pregnancy was, I couldn’t be thankful enough. Nagpapasalamat ako kasi nakayanan naming dalawa, at ngayon she is a beautiful, healthy and strong baby.”

Jes-Lin SantosProgram Management Division, Executive Assistant

“All of my past Christmas celebrations stand out for me. I would prepare weeks ahead, saving coins in a liquor-bottle-turned-piggy-

bank for the carolers. I decorate our home with Christmas ornaments, including the belen. And I always look forward to my

favorite Puto Bumbong and Bibingka with margarine and salted egg toppings, paired with a hot cup of tea.”

Madelane GuintoCavite Business Area, Zone Management Head

“I always treasure times spent with family and friends during Christmas. The most memorable one for me was in 2018 when all members of our family were present for the traditional photo near

the Christmas tree.”

Odette LardizabalOffice to the President, Executive Assistant

“In spite of my busy schedule, I think last 2019’s Christmas was the most memorable one for me. I really enjoyed our Retro-themed

Finance Christmas Party which I consider my best Christmas party ever!”

Razel De TorresFinance, Specialist

“For me, every Christmas is memorable. I would always look for-ward to shopping for new clothes, and wearing it on Christmas Day when we go out to hear the mass as a family. It has also been our

tradition to have our family photo taken at the church’s belen.”

Jaleena Daphne AquinoHuman Resources, Specialist

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given (Isaiah 9:6)… and that is how 2019’s Christmas became my most memorable

Christmas. We felt pure bliss when we were gifted a son last year. He now gives our lives more meaning and he brings the family so

much joy. Truly, children are God’s heavenly gift.”

Kezia ManinangWastewater Management Division, Engineer


FORUM

My fervent wish for 2020 is for sanity to once again reign supreme in this crazy world. I pray that the good Lord will restore reason, and

for Maynilad to continue to win.

I commit myself and ERMIA to deliver high-impact audit results and risk assessments in this unusual business climate.

Jose Rizal BatilesHead, Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Audit

For this year, staying fit and healthy is my priority, given the busy schedules ahead of me. I also want to learn new technical skills

outside my field of work.

In the midst of the issues Maynilad is currently facing, I want to continue guiding my team and reinforcing the lessons we’ve

learned since Maynilad’s privatization. I want to remind them to stay focused on the job, and continue with our NRW reduction efforts

despite all the noise around us.

Irineo Dimaano, Head, Central NRW Management

This 2020, I aim to support my husband and daughter’s dream business, and to finish the small project we started in 2019, which is

dedicated to my tatay and in-laws.

On the professional side, with God’s grace, I pray that we will be able to complete the Putatan Water Treatment Plant 4, the rehabili-tation of the two La Mesa Water Treatment Plants, and Maynilad’s

biggest Water Reclamation Plant before I retire.

Yolanda LucasHead, Program Management

To have more patience in all my interactions.

Francisco CastilloHead, Information Technology Services

Quoting the Buddha: ‘To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.’

For 2020, I promise to have a healthier lifestyle, to be mindful of what I eat, and to get back to exercising. I also wish to learn a new

hobby.

Marcos de JesusHead, Technical Services

2020 is the year to explore with my team’s capacity to innovate, for more effective and efficient operations and processes, and to

convert failures into learning opportunities.

On a personal note, I will set fitness goals to boost my well-being and happiness because life is too short not to enjoy it!

Apollo TiglaoHead, Wastewater Management

I hope for unity in Maynilad as we face this current regulatory challenge. As the Bible says, ‘A rope of three strands is not easily

broken’ (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

Personally, I intend to be more healthy this year; less Netflix, more flexing of muscles, exercise and less sedentary lifestyle. I intend to

start saving money for my dream travel destination: Ushuaia.

Roel EspirituHead, Corporate Quality, Environment, Health and Safety

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 it says, ‘pray without ceasing’. For 2020, I would like to pray more.

Arturo Celso BarandaHead, Supply Chain Management

TMTRESOLUTIONS FOR

2020The year 2020 has officially begun, and with a new year comes a natural desire to start afresh, as people the world over strive to better themselves, their careers, and their lives in general.

Our Top Management Team is clearly no exception. Ripples asked them what they hope to change or improve in their personal and professional lives, and what their hopes are for year 2020. Their responses will resonate with all of us.

Compiled by Zyrille Maningo-Cartel


FEATURES


FEATURES

In 2019, Maynilad’s Lingod Eskwela program reached some 120,000 elementary and high school students in 50 public schools.

Lingkod Eskwela is Maynilad’s flagship CSR program that provides drink-wash facilities and refurbishes water and sanitation facilities in public schools. It aims to promote good health through proper hygiene among students.

Last year’s program kicked off with the inauguration of a drink-wash station at Buhay na Tubig Elementary School in Imus City, Cavite, which has more than 2,000 students.

Since its launch in 2008, about 1.2 million students in 441 schools have already benefitted from improved water access and better sanitation facilities through this initiative. “Convenient access to potable water is essential for schoolchildren to avoid getting illnesses brought by drinking unclean water. When we prevent water-borne diseases, students won’t have to skip school days, and miss out on the knowledge and opportunities that can lead them toward a brighter future,” Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez said. Maynilad’s Lingkod Eskwela is done in partnership with the WinS (Water and Sanitation in Schools) Program of the Department of Education, which aims to capacitate schools in enforcing correct hygiene and sanitation practices among its students.

Maynilad has recovered 979 million liters per day (MLD) of water since 2008 when it first launched its Non-Revenue Water Management (NRW) Program. This recovered volume is enough to fill up roughly 390 Olympic-size pools every day, and supply about 1.7 million households with potable water.

“Our almost ₱25 billion capital investment in NRW Management over the past 12 years enabled us to recover a water volume that is equivalent to constructing a new dam,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado. “This additional supply has gone a long way in supporting our drive to expand services to previously unserved areas.”

Besides NRW management, another initiative that provided additional supply for distribution was the tapping of Laguna Lake as an alternative raw water source besides Angat Dam. Maynilad began drawing water from the lake as early as 2010 after constructing its Putatan Water Treatment Plant in Muntinlupa. The company currently has two treatment facilities in the area that have a combined output of 300 MLD.

As the population continues to grow, Maynilad has been further tightening its water network through pipe replacement and leak repair activities, to enhance efficiencies and make more water available for its growing customer base, which currently stands at around 9.7 million people—up from only 6.1 million in 2006 before Maynilad’s re-privatization.

“These infrastructure enhancements, as well as the two additional treatments plants we built in Putatan, helped to boost available supply and stave off water shortages. However, Metro Manila’s continued over-reliance on Angat Dam as our single major raw water source is a supply risk that the government is now seeking to address,” said President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez.

Maynilad recovers 979 MLD of water

Lingkod Eskwela 2019 reaches 120k students

Customer Experience and Retail Operations Head Christopher Lichauco (center) led the kick off of Maynilad’s Lingkod Eskwela program for 2019 at Buhay na Tubig Elementary School in Imus City.

New STP to rise in Caloocan

2020 targets reinforced in commitment exercise

As part of its comprehensive wastewater management program, Maynilad recently broke ground for a new Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) that will serve some 1.2 million customers in three cities

Called the CAMANA (Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas) Water Reclamation Facility, the ₱10.5-billion STP will treat wastewater generated by Maynilad customers in South Caloocan, Malabon, and Navotas. It will be constructed on a 16-hectare lot along Dagat-dagatan Avenue Extension in Barangay Maypajo, Caloocan.

Once completed, the STP will become Maynilad’s largest in terms of capacity, capable of treating about 205 million liters of wastewater per day.

Maynilad will also lay about 85 kilometers of accompanying sewer lines to catch wastewater from households and establishments in the three cities covered, and convey it to this new treatment facility.

“The completion of our CAMANA treatment facility will increase Maynilad’s sewerage coverage to 47%, up from only 6% in 2006 before Maynilad was reprivatized,” said Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez. “As in previous implementations of our wastewater projects, we ask for the support of the local government units and communities so that we can facilitate completion and mitigate the impact on traffic of our activities.”

The CAMANA Water Reclamation Facility will use advanced Modified Ludzack Ettinger (MLE)-Conventional Activated Sludge technology to remove pollutants from wastewater before its discharge to the Maypajo Creek, which eventually flows out to Manila Bay. It is designed to comply with the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08)—a more stringent standard mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

This project is part of Maynilad’s ₱200-billion wastewater investment plan from 2019 to 2037 that will involve the construction of 26 new STPs and installation of about 425 kilometers of new sewer lines, among other projects. The company is also currently constructing other STPs in Valenzuela, Las Piñas, Ayala Southvale in Parañaque, and Tunasan and Cupang in Muntinlupa.

Maynilad’s operating groups, led by the Customer Experience and Retail Operations (CXRO), once again professed their commitment to attain 2020 company targets during the “2020 Operations Commitment Exercise” held last October 25 at the Core Values Hall, Maynilad Head Office.

With the theme “Remaining Resilient Amidst Challenges”, the commitment exercise identified CXRO’s dependencies and sought the commitment of other groups (Central Non-Revenue Water, Program Management, Water Supply Operations, Wastewater Management, Technical Services, and Integrated Asset Management) so it can reach 2020 targets on billed volume, water connections, and service levels, among others.

The one-day event started with a motivational talk from Michelle L. Tambunting, who set the tone for discussion among participants about achieving targets despite company challenges. This was followed by a team-building activity facilitated by HR Business Partners.

In his message during the event, Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez. As part of its comprehensive wastewater management program, Maynilad recently broke ground for a new Sew-age Treatment Plant (STP) that will serve some 1.2 million customers in three cities noted that the country’s economy is projected to grow by 5 to 6.5 percent in 2020, and this would spur demand for water. “We should continue to do our best, especially during these trying times, because our outstanding performance will be our shield. As long as we do our best, there is nothing to fear. Let us prove that we deserve to manage Mayni-lad. And let us consider this crisis as an opportunity,” he said.

Capping the activity was the electronic signing of the commitment board by the Top Management Team to signify everyone’s support of 2020 targets.

By Jenneyfer Rueda

Members of the top management team and their representatives put in their electronic signature to signify their commitment to 2020.


NEWSNEWS

The Far Eastern University (FEU) emerged as the big winner in Maynilad’s Golden Kubeta Awards (GKA) 2019, topping the Schools and Universities category and winning the “People’s Choice Award” with more than 10,000 social media votes.

Joining FEU in the winners’ circle were the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in the “Terminals and Stations” category, National Museum of Natural History in the “Government Offices” category, and Xentro Mall Polangui in the “Malls and Restaurants” category.

Nominations were crowdsourced via social media platforms, and posts used the hashtag #GoldenKubeta to qualify. For the round on physical audit, a team from GKA visited each of the establishments to check on the nominated toilets, and conducted interviews with the people managing the establishments on their wastewater manage-ment practices. The winners were determined by combining 80 per-cent from the audit results and 20 percent from social media votes.

Now on its fourth year, Maynilad’s GKA is an awareness and educa-tion campaign that seeks to bring the conversation about proper wastewater management to the mainstream. It also aims to promote clean and comfortable public restrooms in establishments, regard-less of type and industry, all over the country.

GKA is part of Maynilad’s Kubeta PH campaign, an integrated infor-mation, education, and communication campaign that aims to spur positive action from all stakeholders on wastewater management. It is likewise done in conjunction with World Toilet Day, a United Na-tions observance day that is meant to spread awareness and prompt action on the global sanitation crisis.

Maynilad CEO Ramoncito Fernandez is joined by other Maynilad top executives and MWSS Chief Regulator Patrick Lester Ty in honoring the winners of the 2019 Golden Kubeta Awards.

Members of the winning Think Maynilad InnoFest 2019 team with top management officials led by RSF (left).

Far Eastern University, winner in the “Schools and Universities” Category, and “People’s Choice Award”.

FEU snags Golden Kubeta award

Maynilad visited 10 schools and reached out to some 2,000 elementary and junior high school students during its month-long campaign for Global Handwashing Day (GHD) 2019, an international advocacy that promotes proper handwashing to prevent the spread of disease.

Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez stressed the importance of proper handwashing with clean water and soap as an effective and affordable way of preventing diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia. “Through Maynilad’s regular participation in the GHD, we hope to impart health consciousness among the youth and encourage them to make proper handwashing a habit,” he said.

The company brought its GHD celebrations to schools in Valenzuela, Las Piñas and Quezon City in Metro Manila, and in the provinces of Bulacan and Cavite. Through fun and engaging water education games, Maynilad taught participants the value of good health and hygiene through proper handwashing. Students were also given free hygiene kits.

Maynilad conducted its 2019 GHD campaign in partnership with local government units, the Department of Education, Philippine Water Partnerships, National Water Resources Board, Local Water Utilities Administration, and Squeaky Clean Kids.

The Department of Health’s (DOH) Metro Manila Center for Health and Development gave recognition to Maynilad for its Water Safety Plan (WSP) during a “Gabi ng Parangal 2019” held last November 2019 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria in Quezon City.

The Maynilad WSP details programs and procedures in ensuring the safety of water supplied to customers, and corrective actions in case of water contamination. It bears hazard analyses, risk assessments, and control measures in containing or removing water contamination brought by disasters such as landslides, and security threats such as terrorist sabotage, among others.

Maynilad received the recognition after undergoing an intensive system audit conducted by the WSP Review Committee composed of members from the DOH, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewer-age System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), and members of the academe and water industry.

“Having a Water Safety Plan is important to ensure that risks along the water supply chain—from source, to treatment, to distribution—are properly addressed, especially during calamity episodes,” said Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado. “We thank our regulators for this formal recognition of our WSP.”

Maynilad is a pioneer in the development of WSPs in the country, with its WSP being adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) as model in over 30 countries in the Western Pacific Region, and by the DOH as a reference for over 120 local water districts in the Philippines. Lauded by Australian Agency for International Development and the World Bank as one of the most comprehensive WSPs in the world, Maynilad’s WSP was previously honored by the WHO and the International Water Association (IWA) as an excellent case study in providing safe drinking water by a water service provider to its customers.

A team from the Technical Services Division emerged victorious at the 2019 Think Maynilad InnoFest awards.

Comprised of members Victor Valdez, Izzan Sabello, Martin Alfonso, Pat Pasana, Bernard Arididon and Mark Almario, the team bested nine other finalists with their “Smart I-box” entry—an invention that creates a new standard in instrumentation box for telemetry equipment. It is expected to help the different operations groups of Maynilad by giving reliable and uninterrupted flow and pressure data; and intensifying the signal strength of instruments, among others.

Two teams got runner-up spots in the InnoFest 2019, namely: the ParañaKEY Team (Rosalyn Miralles, Ariel Ysais, and Luisito Obtinario II of CXRO) for their “Maynilad Master Key” entry, on second place; and the Sewer Heroes Team (Arche Bryant Afable, Alleyya Marie Gapaz, and Rhaniel Rhett Delos Santos of WMD) for their “Injection Molding Pipe Repair”, on third place.

Since the call for entries in April 2019, the Think Maynilad InnoFest received a total of 69 entries from 148 employees, with 10 teams making it into the finals.

Each member of the winning team received an iPad Air tablet. They also get to enjoy an all-expense paid trip to Singapore.

Maynilad employees demonstrate the proper way of washing hands to students of Polo National High School in Valenzuela City during one of the water company’s GHD celebrations.

At the recognition rites for the Maynilad WSP were (from left) Engr. Joel A. Dominguez, MWSS-RO Water Quality Control manager; Dr. Ma. Paz P. Corrales, DOH Assistant Regional Director; Atty. Ernesto V. Perez, Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General; Greg R. Antonio, Maynilad Water Production head; Christine T. Bagsik, Maynilad Central Laboratory head; Atty. Roel S. Espiritu, Maynilad Corporate QESH head; Atty. Patrick Lester N. Ty, MWSS-RO Chief Regulator; Engr. Evelyn B. Agustin, MWSS-RO Technical Regulation Deputy Administrator; and, Dr. Corazon I. Flores, DOH-NCR Director IV.

GHD 2019 campaign reaches 10 schools

DOH gives recognition to Maynilad WSP TSD team

wins 2019 InnoFest plum


NEWSNEWS

The West Zone is a treasure trove of great food, quality products and interesting services. To help promote these otherwise unknown finds, our resident writers will share their experiences so that you, too, can discover the remarkable things about our concession area.

The art of self-care

Treehouse Yoga

Tickled Pink Home Service Massage Spa Cavite

WMF Phil Kamao Muaythai Camp, Gym & Dance Studio

Jenina Facial Care Center

Participating in yoga sessions is a great way to work on our physical, mental and spiritual strength. A great form of self-care, yoga has been known to help one find inner harmony, as the mind, body and spirit find balance through self-discovery and self-acceptance.

Among the proven physical benefits of yoga include balanced metabolism, increased muscle strength and tone, and improved respiration, energy and vitality. People who can’t seem to relax—even those with stress and anger management issues—will likely find relief in the meditative state that is integral in yoga practice.

You can experience calmness and serenity at the Treehouse Yoga, located in Parañaque City, which offers the first session for free. Check out their website for the schedule and rates: https://www.treehouseyogaph.com/.

At the start of every year, people start thinking about their New Year’s Resolutions, and a usual part of their list involves taking better care of themselves. Of course, this is an endeavor that we should all pursue regardless of the season, especially as the

hurly-burly of daily life takes its toll on our health and sanity.

To get us started on this healthy track, we have provided some self-care options that can be found in the West Zone—ones that will relax, empower, and give rise to a more joyful version of ourselves

If physical activity is not your thing, then by all means, lie down and give yourself over to the relaxing ministrations of expert masseuses from Tickeled Pink Home Service Massage Spa Cavite—right in the comfort of your own home! You can even have a soothing massage session with your whole family. A caveat: Your house will have to be located in Imus, Bacoor, Dasmariñas, and other parts of General Trias.

This home-service spa offers a whole gamut of massage types to suit your needs: Full Body (Swedish, Combination, Deep Tissue), Dry, Ventosa, and even a Kiddie Massage. So go ahead and pamper yourself and your loved ones. You deserve it.

If you’re the active type, then there’s no better way to give yourself a treat than through sweat-inducing physical activity. But rather than going through the rounds of your usual fitness routine, why not do martial arts for a change? You can bring your fitness regimen to a whole new level by learning Muay Thai.

Also called Thai boxing, Muay Thai is a form of close-combat battle that uses the entire body as a weapon. It will not only give you a new set of self-protection skills, it may also help to build your confidence and encourage you to practice self-respect.

Try out the Muay Thai learning sessions at Phil Kamao’s studio in Caloocan City. Who knows? You might just get hooked.

We all want to age gracefully and beautifully. One of the best ways to ensure this is by taking care of our skin. Besides eating the right food and doing regular exercise, a regular skin care routine is also essential. So, yes, we can’t be lazy and tell ourselves that we’re too tired to slather on a moisturizer.

Thankfully, there’s Jenina Facial Care Center in Valenzuela, which offers organic skin care services. Take a brief time off from your hectic schedule and check it out. Once you see the results, you’ll never be too tired to care for yourself ever again.

Address: 3/F RGM Center, 366 El Grande Ave., Phase 3 BF Homes, Parañaque CityPhone: +63 917 850 6550Email: [email protected]

Phone: 0916-233-5000 or 0919-952-5000 or (46) 521 7256Facebook Page: https://web.facebook.com/tickledpinkcavite/

Address: 6th floor, Victory Central Mall, 713 Rizal Ave., Monumento, Caloocan CityPhone: 0923 474 3941Website: https://wmf-phil-kamao-camp-gym-dance-studio.business.site

Address: 654 Mc Arthur Highway, Malanday, Valenzuela CityPhone: 0956 834 1148Facebook Pagel: https://www.facebook.com/pg/jeninafacialcarecenter.valenzuela

By Lalaine Dixie L. Tiangco


COLUMNHead for the West

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

A vital part of Maynilad’s operations involves the proper management of wastewater generated by households and establishments in the West Zone. In this column, the Wastewater Management Division shares what they do to ensure environmental protection and community health.

Dear Doc Ric,

I have to admit that I enjoyed the holidays a bit too much. I indulged in rich food and alcoholic drinks. Unfortunately, I’m not so conscious about the amount of booze I take in because I don’t easily get drunk. How do I know if I’ve consumed too much?

Dear Heavy Drinker,

Since time immemorial, drinking alcoholic beverages has been a part of any celebration. They say that a party isn’t complete without a good drink. Drinking is not bad in itself, but just like everything else, it should be done in moderation.

Let me share with you my readings on some recent scientific studies about the health impact of various beverages. This ought to guide you on how much is too much, not just for booze but for other types of popular drinks.

By Ricardo Jose Miranda, M.D

Let’s drink to that!

• A good limit is 8 ounces, or one cup per day. More than three cups can cause a spike in blood pressure and heart rate. Every extra cup per day increases the likelihood of diseases by 5 to 8%.

• Moderate amount (one to two cups per day) gives protection against Parkinson’s disease, Type 2 diabetes, and liver and heart disease.

• One alcoholic drink is equivalent to 5 ounces of wine, which is about 12% alcohol. For healthy adults, healthy allowable wine is one drink/day for women of all ages; up to one drink/day for men older than 65; and two drinks/day for men aged 65 and younger.

• Two to three glasses of wine/day increases the risk of developing liver disease. Heavy drinkers (at least four drinks/day) have a 14% increased risk of stroke.

• One alcoholic drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of regular beer, which is usually about 5% alcohol.

• A healthy limit is up to one drink/day for women, and two drinks for men. Beer is heart healthy, as long as consumed within limits, because it is rich in polyphenols.

• Compared to wine and spirits, beer has more calories; hence, it is more likely to cause weight gain.

• The recommended maximum daily sugar intake for someone over 11 years old is 30 grams a day or 7.5 tsp.

• Carbonated drinks are associated with osteoporosis, hypertension, and dental decay. There is so much sugar in soda, making the blood sugar spike.

• Drinking soda regularly can eventually lead to obesity, diabetes and other health problems, and increases the risk for cancer.

• Drinking tea may lower the risk of cancer, encourage weight loss, and lower blood pressure, if the beverage does not contain artificial colors, flavors and corn syrup.

• Pouring honey in a hot cup of tea will reduce its health benefits. Squeezing a lemon and putting in a small amount of sugar to green tea can help the body easily absorb helpful compounds. When converted to Milk Tea, the antioxidant powers are reduced, and the addition of pearls, sugar and condensed milk may promote weight gain.

• While real fruit juice is healthy, it is better to eat the whole fruit because you also get the fiber along with the vitamins.

• The top five healthiest fruit juices are apple, cranberry, red grapes, grapefruit, and orange.

• Tetra pack juices are not healthy, as they are high in fructose (artificial sweeteners) and preservatives that cause insulin resistance.

Coffee

Wine

Beer

Soda

Tea

Juice

WMD Roadshow: Strengthening connections

By Kharren Mae Rosario

Maynilad takes pride in providing safe and affordable water to its customers while ensuring sustainability through wastewater management.

In 2019, this lesser-known aspect of Maynilad’s operations received a lot of attention as the government aggressively worked on realizing the goal of rehabilitating Manila Bay. With it came a higher demand for wastewater services in the West Zone, both from residential and commercial customers.

The lean team of Maynilad’s Wastewater Management Division (WMD) needed help to address this growing demand, and what better way than to tap the Business Area (BA) offices, which had direct linkages with our customers?

This gave rise to the “WMD Roadshow”. It was mobilized to ensure that employees in the BAs are equipped with knowledge on wastewater services, especially about the new processes and policies that may affect customers. It was important so that our BA personnel would be able to not only deliver this Maynilad service properly, but also educate customers about the impact of wastewater management to their health and to the environment.

The roadshows were held for all BAs in the north, central, and south districts. It featured WMD engineers conducting lectures that highlighted the fundamentals of wastewater management, wastewater services delivery, and procedures in implementing Sewer Service Connections and desludging, among others.

The road to sustainability is a long and arduous one. By strengthening the collaboration among business units, we have made a big step toward ensuring operational efficiency. After all, it is through the combined efforts of many that great things are accomplished. As a saying goes, “Individually, we may be just one drop; but together, we are an ocean.”

Photos show the “WMD Roadshow” conducted in some of Maynilad BAs to ensure that all employees are equipped with knowledge on wastewater services, new processes, and policies that may affect customers


COLUMN COLUMNDoc Ric Says Wastewater Expressed

This section is for the aspiring writers, poets, photographers and artists of Maynilad who want to share their publication-worthy contributions with Ripples readers.

By Kathleen Kristy Dorico, Commercial and Marketing

By Jecelyn Macahindog-Leobrera

Do you have co-workers who deserve recognition? Submit to us their stories of excellence. Ripples will publish the best employee profiles that demonstrate remarkable work attitude, leadership ability and customer service skills.

The Maynilad KubetaTalks team led by Wastewater Management head Apollo Tiglao (4th from right).

The TSG team

Let’s talk dirty

InnoFest winner on overcoming uncertainty

They say that what gets talked about, gets done. Hence last year, at the height of the Manila Bay rehabilitation, Maynilad launched KubetaTalks—a multi-sectoral panel discussion where “dirty” conversations like wastewater get talked about. As a response to the pressing need to expedite the Manila Bay rehabilitation, all five KubetaTalks staged in 2019 targeted businesses within the Manila Bay radius.

Through conversations on proper wastewater management during the KubetaTalks series, more than 100 businesses from various industries were reached, generating 80% government compliance and sign-up for sewage connection.

Together with key government agencies like the Department of Environ-ment and Natural Resources, Laguna Lake Development Authority, and the local government units, Maynilad is committed to bring KubetaTalks to other cities and municipalities all over the Philippines, and across different sectors.

KubetaTalks is part of Maynilad’s integrated information, education, and communication campaign that aims to spur positive action from all stake-holders on wastewater management.

They say that one’s greatest enemy is self-doubt. Hence, being able to overcome it tastes all the sweeter, and inspires one to keep aiming high.

For Think Maynilad InnoFest 2019 winner “Technical Services Group” or TSG—with members Izzan Sabello, Victor Valdez, Martin Alfonso, Mark Alimario, Bernard Arididon, and Carl Patrick Pasana of Telemetry Department—their win was unexpected, especially after vying against more than 60 entries in the latest edition of the competition.

“Doon pa lang sa presentation sa top management, kinabahan na kami kasi ’yung ibang teams, ang galing talagang mag-present. Tapos parang intindi agad ’yung entry nila. Samantalang ’yung sa amin, feeling namin, ang hirap intindihin,” Martin recalls with a sheepish smile.

Thankfully, this didn’t hinder TSG from giving their very best to develop and pitch their Smart I-box idea.

ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGEFor years, Maynilad has been providing avenues for employees to showcase their innovative ideas and see these come to life. The In-noFest, in particular, is one of the best opportunities for employees to pitch their ideas on how to improve operations, thus enabling them to grow personally and professionally.

The TSG—whose members work in the field of operations and maintenance—saw the need to address low signal strength issues that result in unreliable and interrupted flow and pressure data, as well as problems with damage to electro-magnetic flow meter cables due to unauthorized access, flood, pests, etc. This gave rise to Smart I-box, an innovation that also promotes green energy by eliminating the use of one-time batteries and switching to solar-powered ones.

With the Smart I-box, TSG aims to create a new standard of instrumentation box for electro-magnetic flow meters that will guarantee effective maintenance improvement at minimal cost. The team sees potential savings of about ₱7 million annually from their proposed innovation.

Seeing its possible value to the company, TSG decided to enter it to the InnoFest. The incubation period proved to be a challenge because they needed to show the Smart I-box’s technical feasibility.

After months of hard work and testing, TSG’s Smart I-box showed significant improvement in terms of signal strength—enabling data availability from 66 percent to 82 percent, and access accountability like alarms for anti-theft and flood. Testing of the prototype was done both at the head office and out in the field.

SWEETER THE SECOND TIME AROUNDIzzan and Victor are no newbies to the InnoFest. In the 2017 run, they were part of a team that landed among the runners-up. “Apart from the honor and cool prizes, what motivated us to join again was the opportunity to improve ourselves and hone our craft,” shares Izzan. Victor adds, “We want to strengthen our commitment to excellence, and be a source of inspiration to our colleagues.”

Winning the 2019 InnoFest will clearly not stop this team from innovating. “In our department, we always make it a habit to formulate, research, and establish best practices that will help the company in any way,” says Izzan.

As winners, TSG members will be enjoying a trip to Singapore, as well as their new Ipad Air tablets. This trip will be a nice breather for the team before they get back to work again on improving their Smart I-box, in hopes of making it available for company-wide use in the near future.


REGULARSYour Page

REGULARSStars of Maynilad

Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Audit By Jose Rizal Batiles

For years, the responsibilities for Maynilad’s internal audit and risk management have been embedded in the different divisions. But as the company embraced the “NextGen” Strategy and gained momentum on strengthening its pillars namely: organizational and people development, operational efficiency, and business growth—it was deemed fit to establish a separate division especially dedicated for this function. Hence, in 2018 the Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Audit (ERMIA) division was created.

When we started as a division, we set a five-year roadmap that speaks of our medium-term goals. A major component of this is buildingcompetencies among “ERMIAns” because in the long run, we aim to confidently report that our audits are done according to international standards of professional practice.

Aside from coming up with a five-year roadmap, my team and I had to start by setting a vision and mission which covers the delivery of valuable risk management and control assurance services that will enable Maynilad and its stakeholders to practice corporate governance and help the company achieve its business objectives.

In any organization, risk management and internal controls are very important. As a team, ERMIA exists for two main reasons: to assist the

different divisions in identifying and mitigating risks, and in conducting engagements to help ensure that internal controls are in place and are operating as intended.

Internal audit is a means to evaluate the efficiency of the company’s processes, while risk management enables it to identify and mitigate its vulnerabilities the factors that hinder different divisions from meeting their targets, which collectively may impede the company’s efforts to fulfill corporate goals. In Maynilad, internal audit serves as the company’s third line of defense—with operations, finance and accounting as the first and second line of defenses, respectively.

Currently, our division is composed of two groups: Enterprise Risk Management, and Internal Audit. The first group is handled by our Risk Manager Ron Ivan Censon, while the second is led by Ma. Rowena Caritativo. Under the Internal Audit team are audit managers Jill Ann Casia, Rannen Darroca and Girlie Torrazo, and audit supervisors Raymond Calison, Krisha Rose Leong and Jeaneive Valenzuela.

Ours is a lean division, but we commit ourselves to carry out our duty to help Maynilad continuously improve and fulfill its goal of bringing quality water services to Filipinos, and to stay true to our brand promise of higit sa tubig na serbisyo.

24 RIPPLESVOLUME 10 | ISSUE 4 | OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2019

REGULARSMen & Women of Maynilad

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