Seminar-Workshop on Operation and Maintenance of Barangay Water and Sanitation Association (BWSA)-Managed Facility

One of the identified priority capacity building needs under sustainability phase of the Water Service Providers is the Operations and Maintenance for Water Supply Projects. In particular, most of the Barangay Water Supply and Sanitation Association (BWSA) managed facilities are not efficiently operated and maintained because of the lack of technical and managerial expertise of barangay officials, BWSA officers and O&M Team. Therefore, the Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) of DILG RO1 conducted a 3-day seminar- workshop entitled, Seminar-Workshop on Operation and Maintenance of Barangay Water and Sanitation Association (BWSA)-Managed Facility, that aims to enhance the capacity of the LGU Officials and Barangay Water Supply and Sanitation Association (BWSA) in operating and maintaining water supply system. Specifically, this aims to deepen their understanding in the operations and maintenance of the facility.

The activity started with a welcome remark by OIC- Provincial Director Roger P. Daquiaog. Afterwards, Engr. Andres O. Quiaoit asked the participants to introduce themselves and their expectations for the activity. PDMU Chief, Engr. Sharwyn M. Sangel presented the training overview, the methodologies to be used to optimized the learning process such as lectures, workshops, plenary and Focus group discussions. She also presented the different areas that the training will tackle for the operation and maintenance of the BWSA-Managed Facilities and utilities. The concept, and framework governing principles of Human Rights- Based Approach (HRAB) was discussed by Engr. Cristy Faye A. Gasmen of UP College of Engineering followed by Dr. Nelia P. Verzosa, the Characteristic, Roles and Functions of BWSA and Stakeholders. Ms. Elsa D. Mejia, President of Impart Waterworks and Development Company (IWADCO), discussed the HRBA-Community Organizing Process and Local Customers’ Service Code and Other BWSA Documents. The Overview of Water Supply System and Facilities, Tariff Setting and Computation, Billing and Collection and Operation and Maintenance of Water Supply System were discussed by Engr. Benjamin Q. Galvan Jr. and Engr. Eric F. Carpina, OIC- General Manager of Metro San Fernando Water District.

After each topic, training facilitators- Engr. Andres O. Quiaoit, Engr. Cherry U. Adriano and Engr. Jan Patriz L. Mariano of PDMU RO1, facilitated workshops to ensure that the participants understand and gained knowledge regarding the sustainability and maintained water supply system. Before the activity ends, participating LGUs were ask for their commitment for the activities needed to be conducted in their respective municipalities to equip their other BWSA member of the knowledge of organizing and having a sustained and strong BWSA Organization.

By: IO II Dann Ariel S. Genese