The Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) was indulged by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) administrator Jeci A. Lapus with a visit dubbed as “Meeting with the Administrator” last November 17, 2017.

The meeting held at the Multi-Purpose Hall at the 3rd floor of the MNWD building participated in by LGU officials, MNWD employees, the media, and other guests. The program started with a prayer and the national anthem.

Next, MNWD Chairman of the Board Jorge T. Palma acknowledged guests and participants, delivered his welcome speech emphasizing his gratitude to the more than 30 stakeholders/partners in the flagship program of the district, the conservation and management of the watersheds in Mt. Isarog Natural Park (MINP), being the recharge area of the water supply requirements for the City of Naga and adjoining municipalities.

Naga City Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion acknowledged the presence of LWUA Administrator Jeci A. Lapus, Rodel Joven, Evangeline Navarro, Directors of MNWD, and everyone present. The vice mayor pledged his support to all the programs of the MNWD, including the planned Water Academy which would require a parcel of land that the city government could grant.

Fresh on his post, with only 6 months into the position, Administrator Lapus started his talk by also acknowledging the presence of participants in the forum. He mentioned the unspent P24B in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the P500M grant given to cities every year and how it has become 50-50 as grant and loan.

He continued sharing his plans for the LWUA and how he will do his best in the 5 years of his appointment as administrator. One of these is to offer loans to small water districts at the lowest possible interest rate and his hope of the possibility of an Executive Order for surface water impounding.

One of the LGU official present was Mayor Philip Salvador A. Señar of Magarao, who thanked the MNWD for supporting the municipality of Magarao by giving them safe and potable water.

Vicente Aniceto D. Rubio, Senior Water Utilities Mgt. /Devt. Officer (SWUMDO), MNWD shared the Watershed Development Project Partnerships, the Naga River Watershed, the Septage Management Program, the community development and public awareness program, including the future plans for the protection of the MINP such as; the agro-forestry project, the bills and coins project, and the twinning program with the Metro Water District of Southern California.

Engr. Gilbert V. Eleazar, Principal Engineer of MNWD discussed the eco-tourism project within the watershed areas. He likewise shared about the water source development in San Fernando, Camarines Sur.

Engr. Virgilio Luansing I – Division Manager, PDCD/EWRD bared the 10-year action plan for source development, construction of additional production wells, and surface water treatment plant and reservoirs.

Finally, AGM Virginia I. Nero, showed the MNWD accomplishment highlights for the year cy-2017 in an excellent Audio Visual Presentation which garnered much applause from the audience.

Administrator Lapus answered some questions from the media during the brief Question and Answer portion.

Dir. Monina Lily A. Claveria gave the closing remarks to wrap up the activitiy.

Afterwards, the party went on a site visit to the Septage Treatment Facility in Sitio Caromatig, Barangay Carolina, Naga City, the Inarihan River, and the Panicuason Hot Spring.