METROPOLITAN TUGUEGARAO WATER DISTRICT HISTORY

Tuguegarao City is served by a water system originally built in 1924 by the Bureau of Public Works
(BPW).The original system included three (3) spring sources and a ground reservoir. Other sources
developed were two infiltration wells in 1953 and in 1962 and a deep well in 1964. However, after
several years, these well sources were put out of service when their pumping facilities broke down. The
management and operation of the system was transferred from BPW to the National Waterworks and
Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) on November 17, 1957 and was subsequently turned over to the
provincial government of Cagayan in February 1963 and then to the municipal government of
Tuguegarao in July 1973, respectively.

In a move to provide sufficient and safe water to the entire municipality, the Municipal Council enacted
Municipal Resolution No. 46 on April 6, 1977 during the term of the then Mayor Florentino M. Fermin
with the aim of enabling the establishment of the Tuguegarao Water District (TWD). Henceforth, on
August 1, 1978 TWD acquired the ownership, management and operation of water system from the
municipal government in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 198 (PD 198) otherwise known as the
Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973.

On October 4, 1978 LWUA awarded the Conditional Certificate of Conformance (CCC) No. 65 to TWD
after duly complying with the minimum requirements of the certification program of LWUA. The CCC
entitles TWD to the rights and privileges of a Water District granted under PD No. 198 as amended.

From 1978-1980 the first office of TWD was located at the Municipal Hall of Tuguegarao along Mabini
Street. In 1980, TWD office was transferred at the 2nd floor of the then Tuguegarao Public Market along
Bonifacio Street until 2008. On August 8, 2008 upon the completion of its four (4) storey building, MTWD
transferred to its new and current address located at Main Avenue, San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City.

MTWD has gone a long way since its formation. It has not only limited its services in the City of
Tuguegarao, but to nearby municipalities as well. It absorbed the then Solana Water District in August
2002 and Piat Water System in December 2003, respectively, which gave birth to its new name
Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District.

MTWD takes pride in its capability of financing its continuing expansion and improvement programs with
its internally generated funds. This is effected by its efficient collection of revenues and fiscal
management. With a 24-hour water service, more water is consumed, more connections are made, and
so more revenues are realized.

With this privilege, MTWD at present continually improves its corporate practices and demonstrates
regional leadership by integrating its core values throughout the organization’s culture and operations.
These organizational efficiencies are driven by the Management, Staff and dynamic Board of Directors to
expand its borders of service and in the pursuit of excellence.

MTWD owes its existence to the people it serves. With its Board of Directors, Management, and Staff
who are dedicated to serve the best interest of the public, MTWD will continue to be a potent force in
the growth and development of the City of Tuguegarao, and its neighbouring municipalities.

MTWD VISION AND MISSION

OUR VISION

To be the premier government water service provider in the country, delivering quality and excellent
service, satisfying its customers, employees and the society, while ensuring the sustainability of its water
resources, at par with the internationally recognized standards.

OUR MISSION

As an institution with established credibility over the years, it is our commitment to operate efficiently to
supply safe, potable and affordable water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and be a true advocate
environmental protection and conservation.

QUALITY POLICY

We, the Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District, commit to deliver safe, potable and adequate water
supply 24/7 while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements with due regard to
sustainable growth and continual improvement.

MTWD is now ISO CERTIFIED

The Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District (MTWD) as a newly ISO certified Water District continually
demonstrates regional leadership in terms of water services. Through the improvement of its Quality
Management System and by integrating additional controls therein, MTWD exhibits continual
improvement of its services. Currently, the Water District is in its momentum of innovating processes
within its three water systems (Tuguegarao, Solana and Piat).
Early last year, MTWD had started laying its foundation for the ISO certification in adherence to
Administrative Order (AO) No. 161 “Institutionalizing Quality Management Systems in Government” and
in compliance with Executive Order No. 605 which mandates all departments and agencies of the
Executive branch, including all government-owned and/ or controlled corporations (GOCCs) and
government financial institutions (GFIs), to adopt the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems as
part of the implementation of government-wide quality management program.Seminars, workshops,
and trainings were conducted to ensure that the preparation engages all employees and staff of the
Water District. The Stage 1 and Stage 2 Audits which happened on July 4-5 and July 19-20, 2018
respectively, verified as to how MTWD grasped the concept of quality management, the formulation and
execution of suitable policies and procedures to properly address the existing processes that need to be
improved in accordance with the prescribed standards. Every division was examined, not only in terms of
the necessary documents needed for every transaction but also to the manner how employees execute
the tasks given to them. From the preparation to the actual assessment of its Quality Management
System, the management with its committed General Manager, Engr. Miller C. Tanguilan, CESE, proves
that MTWD remains to be dedicated in the improvement of its services through quality management.

On July 31, 2018 a Certificate of Attestation as a proof of recommendation for certification was provided
to MTWD, and on September 5, 2018 the ISO registration number was received by the Water District.
With the success of this endeavour, another important accomplishment is to be attached to the Water
District not only as a Category A Water District but also as a first ISO Certified Water District in Region 2.
As an ISO certified Water District, MTWD shall remain committed to provide quality and excellent service
to all Cagayanos.

MTWD joins the 40TH PAWD National Convention

Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD), the umbrella organization of Local Water Districts in
the country has been evolving not just to cater the ever-growing need of the society but also serves as
disseminator of information and nurturer of learning in terms of technological advancement. Anchored
on the theme: “Water Districts: Addressing Challenges Through Innovations”, the Philippine Association
of Water Districts (PAWD) held its 40th National Convention from February 11-13, 2019 at the SMX
Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. Leaders and Representatives from more than 500
local water districts in the country and other key players in the water sector convened to map out
strategies/programs and practices crucial to everyday operations of the Water Districts, putting emphasis
on financing sources, ISO certification compliance, NRW Management, and more. The convention was
participated by the MTWD Board of Directors Dir. Albert G. Babaran, Dir. Teresita R. Rios, Dir. Fausta L.
Tanguilan, Dir. Christopher Mark R. Guzman, General Manager Engr. Miller C. Tanguilan, Engr. Rencis V.
Buscas, Engr. Rene Monteclaro, Engr. Jon-jon Escalo and Secretary to the Board Ms. Ma. Cristina Furigay.
The convention started with the opening of exhibits showcasing the latest technologies in the water
industry. It was followed by the opening message from Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)
Administrator Jeci A. Lapus. Administrator Lapus underscores the importance and urgency of tapping
surface water sources like rivers and lakes as well as harvesting rainfall, as an alternative to ground water
extraction, which, he says, has been causing land surface to sink below sea level. There were also
discussions on hydraulic modelling, climate change, environmental concerns and watershed
management and protection.

Lastly, Dir. Fausta L. Tanguilan, MTWD Board of Director received her 20-year service award in
recognition of her dedicated service to MTWD thereby contributing to effective policy making towards
further development of water service to the community.

Indeed, said convention served a big help to water industries as they commit to continually provide
quality potable water to its customers

THE MTWD CORE VALUES

SERVICE

We are committed to provide quality water supply for the community

CUSTOMER FOCUS

Our customers are our reason of our existence.

PROFESSIONALISM

We develop and maintain our employees into a more responsive, service-oriented,

effective, productive and honest public servants.

EMPOWERED HUMAN RESOURCE

We consider and develop individual strengths and abilities to fulfill the public trust

FAIRNESS AND EQUITY

Our policies, procedures and actions will be fair to all.

PRODUCTIVITY

We are motivated by the work we do and demonstrate our commitment through the

results we achieve.

INTEGRITY

We pledge individually and collectively that we will be responsible and accountable

for our words, actions and principles.

:MTWD AGENCY MANDATE

The Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District was established by virtue of Presidential Decree 198, as
amended, otherwise known as the Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973. It is the law which declared as
an objective of national policy of high priority the creation, operation, maintenance and expansion of
reliable and economically viable and sound water supply and wastewater disposal system for the
population centers of the Philippines.

The Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District (MTWD) was created to serve the

water needs of every customer within its area of coverage. Since its formation, MTWD

continuously strived to deliver the best service that its customers deserve.

As a result of its efforts, MTWD has been given several awards and citations by
various institutions. Among these are the LWUA Hall of Fame (2004) for being an

Outstanding Water District for the years 1997, 1998, and 2000; National CSC Pag-asa

Award – Group Category (2006); Regional CSC Seal of Frontline Service Excellence

(2008); and Regional CSC “The Best Brigada Ahensya” Award (2009).

Behind its success today, MTWD had its share of humble beginnings. Prior to the

Water District’s birth, Tuguegarao was served by a water system originally built by the

Bureau of Public Works in 1924. The original system included three spring sources and a

reservoir. Other sources developed were two infiltration wells in 1953 and in 1962, and a

deep well in 1964. Several years later, these well sources went out of service when their

pumping facilities broke down. Within this period, the management and operation of the

water system has already been transferred to the National Waterworks and Sewerage

Authority, popularly known as NAWASA on November 18, 1957. In 1963, it was

transferred to the provincial government. Ten years later, the municipal government of

Tuguegarao took over.

Despite these changes in the management and operation of the water system, the

need to provide adequate and potable water in the municipality never ceased. With this

goal and by virtue of Municipal Resolution No. 46 on April 6, 1977, the Tuguegarao

Water District was born. More than a year later, or on August 1, 1978, Tuguegarao Water

District acquired ownership and management over the water system from the municipal

government, pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 198, otherwise known as the Provincial

Water Utilities Act of 1973. The Local Water Utilities Administration then awarded the

TWD with a Conditional Certificate of Conformance on October 4, 1978. This entitled

the TWD the rights and privileges of a water district. In its first year of operation, TWD

started with 323 water service connections. It continuously grew since then. With all the

necessary facilities and infrastructure in place, service connections increased to over

25,000 today.

TWD has gone a long way since its formation. It has not only limited its services in

the City of Tuguegarao, but to nearby municipalities as well. It merged with then Solana
Water District in August 2002, annexed with the Piat Waterworks System in December

2003, and is now known as the Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District.

MTWD takes pride in its capability of financing its continuing expansion and

improvement programs with its internally generated funds. This is effected by its efficient

collection of revenues and fiscal management. With a 24-hour water service, more water

is consumed, more connections are made, and so more revenues are realized.

The present status of the MTWD is indicative of its stability. Behind that stability is

a management and staff whose morale is sustained at a level that results in the efficient

performance of duties through attendance to trainings, seminars and conferences, both

here and abroad.

MTWD owes its existence to the people it serves. With its Board of Directors,

management, and staff who are dedicated to serve the best interest of the public, MTWD

will continue to be a potent force in the growth and development of the City of

Tuguegarao, and its neighboring municipalities.