A round 16 million Filipinos still do not have access to clean water. We should all feel good to be part of a company that is at the forefront of addressing this problem.
Aside from providing thousands of communities with clean water, we are also committed to serving those who still rely on unsafe water sources for their daily supply because this is the heart of our business.
In this issue of Ripples , we will highlight some of the company policies, Corporate
Social Responsibility initiatives and infrastructure projects that we have undertaken so that more Filipinos could have access to safe, reliable and affordable water.
May these stories motivate every Maynilad employee to strive even harder and contribute to addressing the water problem in our country.
Cheers!
FEATURES
4 Helping communities through STM
This is the story of how Maynilad overcomes all odds to bring potable water to urban poor communities in the West Zone.
6 Assisting our lessprivileged customers
Water should be accessible to all, which is why Maynilad grants discounts for its lifeline customers.
7 Estero de Paco project helps revitalize Pasig River
Maynilad’s new sewer system along Estero de Paco has been designed to treat wastewater in the area and, ultimately, protect the Pasig River.
NEWS
10 To the beat of 6B
Maynilad employees are encouraged to achieve excellence through these six values.
REGULAR SECTIONS
15 NRW Watch
NRW Management in 2010
16 Stars of Maynilad
Marissa Bernardo: Winning over life’s challenges
13 Maynilad champions
‘Philippines Walks for Water’
Thousands of people gathered at the SM Mall of Asia during World
Water Day to join Maynilad in highlighting the needs of 16 million waterless Filipinos.
Editorial Director : Cherubim G. Ocampo-Mojica
Editor in Chief : Jennifer R. Casipit-Rufo
Managing Editor : Karmina M. Alejandro
Associate Editors : Mitchie M. Arcaina / Reggie M. Indon
Circulation Manager : Grace A. Laxa
Correspondents: Paulo M. Catibayan, Gian Carlo L. Reyes, Sisenando
T. Lampa, Yolanda C. Lucas, Ma. Ana E. Tria, Elizabeth S. David, Roan
M. Cortez, Lolit M. Lota, Tess M. Artiaga, Victorino M. Gamboa, Ryan B.
Jamora, Sherwin DC. Mendoza, Christian Marx G. Villa
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: jennifer.casipit@ mayniladwater.com.ph and mayniladcapr@gmail.com
Design & Layout : Houseblend Design
2 Ripples March 2011
By Karmina Alejandro
As a company that enhances the living conditions of its customers, Maynilad knows there is more to business than profits. The measure of any corporation’s success considers the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit.
C orporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is often considered as the business conscience. It addresses how a company behaves in the conduct of its business and caters to the needs of its various stakeholders.
According to Maynilad CSR head Nerissa Jose, CSR is simply “giving back by paying forward.”
Here are some of the ways Maynilad gives back to West
Zone communities: Children ultimately benefit from the livelihood programs created by Maynilad’s STM-Tondo pilot community.
Lingkod Eskwela Program.
About 46 public schools in the West Zone now enjoy safe and reliable drinking water from the drink-and-wash areas installed by
Maynilad inside their campus, free of charge.
As a testament to the program’s success in developing people, its pilot community in Tondo has ventured into a livelihood project to generate additional income for residents in the area. STM-Tondo now produces hand towels, soaps, dishwashing gels and fabric softeners, as well as recycled products such as bags from old tarpaulins.
Twinning Partnerships.
CSR is also about building stronger partnerships for improved service to communities. Maynilad fulfills this by sharing its best practices and experiences through various Twinning
Programs.
“This not only broadened our network in the Asian region but also strengthened our position as an effective
Water Operator Partner internationally,” Jose said.
Through Maynilad’s Lingkod Eskuwela, kids from Toro Hills
Elementary School can now keep their hands clean after a day of playing.
At present, Maynilad has partnerships with local water districts such as the Bacolod City Water District, Leyte
Metro Water District and San Pedro Water District.
Along with the United States Agency for International
Development-Environmental Cooperation Asia
(USAID-ECOASIA), the company has also been working with countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
Besides providing these drink-and-wash areas,
Maynilad also enriches the learning of the students through study tours and discussions that develop their hygienic practices and raise their awareness of environmental preservation.
Samahang Tubig Maynilad (STM).
This community development program provides marginalized communities with access to clean water.
It forms communities into cooperatives that will, in turn, work on issues that prevent them from getting a
Maynilad connection, such as right-of-way conflicts, land disputes, limited finances, and prevalence of water retailer syndicates. The program develops the residents’ capacities to run their own distribution system.
Maynilad’s CSR department is also involved in activities such as Lingkod Ginhawa (disaster relief programs),
Lingkod Kalikasan (pro-environment initiatives), and the Maynilad Volunteer Program (MVP), which encourages employees to participate in various CSR initiatives.
This year, CSR promises to create projects that reach out to more communities and excite Maynilad employees to participate. “We want to send the message that together, we can make a difference, not just in our lives but in those who depend on us for potable water,”
Jose said.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
3

By Jen Casipit
Informal settlers generally have no access to safe drinking water mainly because they lack land titles, right-of-way approvals for pipelines from the land owners, and insufficient income to pay the individual water service connection fee of P7,000. This situation forces poor communities to rely on expensive and unsafe water from illegal vendors, who get their supply from dubious sources.
I n some cases, residents pay as much as
P35 per drum—a rate that is three to four times more than what regular Maynilad customers pay.
Believing that potable water should be accessible to all, Maynilad developed a program that will help address the water supply requirements of the poor communities in its concession area.
Where it all began
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) initiative, Maynilad chose as its pilot STM community the stretch of waterless households from Zaragoza to Pochero St. in Barangay 123,
Tondo, Manila. For many years, residents in the area were plagued with poor hygiene and sanitation.
Residents were distrustful of their neighbors and a syndicate ran the illegal water supply operations in the area.
House chores are a cinch because STM-Tondo’s aguadors bring potable water door-to-door in the community.
Maynilad’s CSR Department and Tondo Business Area started formation work in the area in March 2009 with the help of non-government organization Urban Poor
Associates.
The program rationale was simple: Residents of urban poor communities would be formed into cooperatives, which would be given training on efficient water management before they handle water distribution in their area. This was meant to address the problems of water inaccessibility and irresponsible water use. At the same time, it would empower the residents, whose full participation would be an integral part of the program’s success.
Once this idea was broached to the community, there was no turning back. Formerly indifferent residents banded together for their common need to have clean and affordable water.
Ripples March 2011
How STM helps
Since the STM-Tondo Chapter was formed in May
2009, its original 46 members soon grew to over 300 as more residents began to recognize the value they brought to the community.
Much has already been accomplished with the profits that this cooperative earned from selling water at the affordable price of P10 per drum. Besides providing potable water to some 1,000 households, the STM has entered into other endeavors—micro-lending, tutorial sessions and a feeding program for kids in the area, and livelihood opportunities such as the production of liquid soaps, detergents and fabric softeners, among others.
Through STM-Tondo, children living along R10 enjoy potable water and better living conditions.
Maynilad’s public faucet for the STM community benefits hundreds of households along R10 in Tondo.
The program rationale was simple: Residents of urban poor communities would be formed into cooperatives, which would be given training on efficient water management before they handle water distribution in their area.
Owing to the program’s success in Tondo, Maynilad has since implemented it in other areas of the concession.
As of the end of 2010, five STMs have been established in North Caloocan benefitting almost 600 households; one in Pasay benefitting 212 households; and another one at Commonwealth in Quezon City benefitting 150 households.
Maynilad is working non-stop to locate other possible
STM areas, thus helping more urban poor communities to have access to potable water.
—With reports from
Lourdes Didith Rivera
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
5

Recognizing its role as a vital contributor in nation building, Maynilad has undertaken significant measures to make water more affordable for its lessprivileged customers.
M aynilad provides substantial discounts to its disadvantaged customers. Lifeline customers, or those whose consumption does not exceed 10 cubic meters (cu.m.) per month, receive a 38% discount from
Maynilad. Lifeline customers constitute roughly 20% of
Maynilad’s residential customers.
Apart from this, Maynilad senior citizen customers can also avail of a 5% discount. This reduction is on top of the discount enjoyed by lifeline customers. Moreover, government-owned/non-profit senior citizen centers and homes can also get a 50% markdown.
It is not just the marginalized that enjoy Maynilad’s preferential prices but small enterprises as well.
Understanding the needs of small entrepreneurs for affordable water, Maynilad also provides discounts to its semi-business customers—usually small enterprises that operate out of home such as sari-sari stores, repair shops, and small cottage industries. These enterprises pay residential charges for the first 10 cu.m. of water that they consume, which is lower than the semibusiness rate.
Furthermore, establishments such as public preparatory, elementary, secondary and tertiary schools managed and operated by local government units (LGUs), public hospitals managed and operated by LGUs, and jails (excluding detention centers within police stations and military camps) enjoy rate
Lifeline customers, senior citizens, and government institutions enjoy discounted rates from Maynilad.
reclassification from Commercial to Semi-Business.
These allowances highlight Maynilad’s commitment of supporting institutions that provide vital services to the public.
All these underscore Maynilad’s commitment and willingness to meet the needs of its customers, big and small alike. Through its efforts, Maynilad hopes to bring safe and clean water and sanitation services within the reach of more Filipinos.
A 38% discount is given to “lifeline customers” of Maynilad.
Senior Citizen customers can avail of a 5% discount on their Basic Charge.
Government-owned/non-profit senior citizen centers and homes get a 50% markdown.
Small enterprises pay only residential charges, instead of semi-business rates, for the first 10 cu.m. water consumption
Lower water rates are given to jails and
LGU-operated schools and hospitals.
Access to clean water is made easier with Maynilad’s propoor policies.
6 Ripples March 2011
By Mark Isaiah David
Until about a year ago, residents of Paco, Manila had to live with the stench and filth of a neglected estero .
Not caring that it was a waterway that empties into the Pasig River, people regarded the estero as their own garbage dump, throwing their refuse into its dirty waters.
T o Paco residents, their estero would have remained a trash heap forever. “Sobrang dumi, puro burak at basura ang nasa estero. Wala ka nang makikitang tubig,” recalled Brgy. Kagawad Arturo Raquizan.
The estero would have remained dead until River
Warriors, led by Kapit-bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig, began the task of reviving the Pasig River—a task that required cleaning not just the river but the tributaries that flowed into it, among them the Estero de Paco.
Turning Estero de Paco into a waterway free of debris would have been a monumental mission, but when
Maynilad started to construct a pipe system that would catch the wastewater that drains into the estero , people knew that change was at hand—not only for the waterway but also in their lives.
Maynilad’s P40-million interceptor pipe system would help clean up the tributary, improve sanitation by catching wastewater from the area, and prevent it from reaching the estero . The collected wastewater will then be diverted to Maynilad’s nearest sewage treatment plant, benefiting around 4,000 households.
The River Warriors have been organized to protect Estero de Paco, which has been cleaned up through Maynilad’s partnership with Kapit-bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig.
Maynilad will also develop a 410 cu.m/day wastewater treatment plant in the Paco area by May 2011 to serve those who are not located along the interceptor pipe system.
Maynilad has joined hands with stakeholders in its efforts to clean up Estero de Paco, which includes
NGOs, companies, and members of the community.
Most importantly, River Warriors, consisting of community residents and volunteers, have been organized to clean up the estero and care for the environment. Working alongside the barangay officials, these River Warriors embrace the responsibility of caring for the estero by enforcing environment rules and ensuring that people do not throw their trash into the waters again.
Today, residents living near Estero de Paco no longer live surrounded by trash, and they are proud of it.
“Hindi na mabaho. Malinis na. Napakaganda na nito, parang park na talaga, kaya excited ang mga tao,” said resident and River Warrior Judy Sualog.
After a complete facelift and the building of Maynilad’s interceptor pipe system, Estero de Paco has been transformed from garbage dump to park.
The Estero de Paco project is part of Maynilad’s comprehensive plan to help clean Pasig River and its tributaries. “We would like to be partners of the community in finding and ensuring sustainable ways of providing for their water and sanitation needs,” said
Maynilad Sewerage and Sanitation head Antonio Garcia.
“We will be there to help find long-lasting solutions to better serve the needs of the community.”
Maynilad’s initiatives to help rehabilitate the Pasig
River complement the company’s aggressive goal of providing 100% sewerage coverage by the end of its concession. Maynilad has earmarked nearly P79 billion for its sewerage and sanitation projects.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
7

Maynilad COO Herbert Consunji.
By Karmina Alejandro
President Benigno S. Aquino III highlighted Maynilad’s vital role in nation building during the formal inauguration of the Putatan Water Treatment Plant
(WTP) last February 3 at Brgy. Putatan, Muntinlupa
City.
I n his address, Aquino noted that the development of a new water source in Putatan is a huge step in the country’s effort to ensure water sustainability for future generations.
an alternative water source to Angat Dam. Being the largest membrane-based water treatment plant in the
Philippines, it is also the first of its kind in the country to use large-scale microfiltration and reverse osmosis.
The facility currently supplies 100 million liters per day
(MLD) of potable water to nearly 1.2 million Maynilad customers in the South.
“Naipahayag na natin ang kahalagahan ng pangangalaga ng ating watershed , at ng pagpapanatili sa maayos at tuloy-tuloy na supply ng tubig sa komunidad. Ang pinapasinayaan natin ngayon, ang unang 100 million liters per day na water treatment plant ng Maynilad , ay nagpapa-alala na buhay na buhay ang adhikain nating ito at mas lalo pa natin itong pinag-iigting,” he said.
Maynilad’s Putatan Water Treatment Plant is the first water treatment facility that taps into Laguna Lake as
“Isa itong susi sa pagkakaloob ng ligtas at malinis na tubig sa mga pamayanan sa Muntinlupa, Las Piñas at ilang bahagi ng Cavite. Wala na po yatang aabangan ang mga mamamayan natin dito kundi kaginhawaan.
Ang tagumpay pong tinatamasa natin sa araw na ito ay tagumpay hindi lamang ng inyong kumpanya, hindi lamang ng ating gobyerno, ngunit higit sa lahat, ay tagumpay ng maraming Pilipinong mabibiyayaan ng inyong serbisyong patubig,” Aquino said.
Private-public sector partnership
The Chief Executive thanked Maynilad for its continued investment in improving water services for its
8 Ripples March 2011 customers. “Maraming salamat sa paglalahad ninyo ng halos 27 bilyong piso upang iangat ang antas ng serbisyong inihahatid ninyo sa MWSS at taumbayan.
Sa 2011, dahil sa inyong pagpupursige, naniniwala akong mabibigyan natin ng magdamagang serbisyo ang 96% ng inyong napaglilingkuran sa West Zone.”
“Muli nating pinatunayan sa inisyatibong ito ang kakayahan ng pribadong sektor na makibalikat sa pangangalaga—hindi lamang para as kapakanan ng mga Pilipino—kundi maging ng ating likas-yaman.”
According to Maynilad chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, the Putatan WTP is a symbol of what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together for the public good. Pangilinan mentioned
Maynilad’s projects that aim to further benefit West
Consunji, Aquino and Singson viewing the microfiltration assemblies.
for this country. After all, that is what private-public sector partnership is all about.”
The inauguration of the Putatan WTP was graced by
Department of Public Works and Highways secretary
Rogelio Singson, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources secretary Ramon Paje, Muntinlupa congressman Rodolfo Biazon, Muntinlupa mayor
Aldrin San Pedro, Parañaque mayor Florencio Bernabe
Jr., and officials from the Metropolitan Waterworks
(L-R) DPWH Sec. Rogelio L. Singson, H.E. Benigno S. Aquino
III, and Maynilad Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan celebrate the inauguration of Maynilad’s 100MLD Putatan WTP.
Zone residents, including the P2.5-billion Putatan WTP expansion project, the P8-billion investment for water distribution and sewerage projects, and the movement to seek and develop alternative water sources. These projects, he said, would give the government an additional P2-billion in concession fees.
Pangilinan said that Maynilad is in the business of ensuring development and improving living conditions.
“Putatan is much more than being about business. It is about sustaining and improving lives. We at Maynilad might be business people, but we are also patriots.
We’re happy with what we are doing for the greater good, and we hope to be given the chance to do more
The presidential party touring the Putatan facility.
and Sewerage System, Laguna Lake Development
Authority, National Water Resources Board, Philippine
National Railways, and the National Irrigation
Administration. Also present were representatives from the US Embassy, and the Board of Directors of
Maynilad.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
9

By Yang Villa
It was hardly believable that after last year’s
Christmas party extravaganza, Maynilad can outdo itself by staging an even bigger event. Yet this it did through the “6B Customer Service Rally” held last
January 31, 2011 at the SMX.
A s a set of values, 6B is a guiding principle to the people of Maynilad to build not only financial wealth but also character and attitude.
6B
1. Bilis - prompt delivery of output that saves
time for customers and co-workers.
2. Bihasa - efficiency in carrying out the job.
Inspirational speaker Bo Sanchez explained the six B’s that the Maynilad organization must take to heart: Bilis is the prompt delivery of output that saves time for customers and co-workers. Not to sacrifice efficiency for speed, employees must be Bihasa in carrying out their jobs. By being Bigay-todo , employees do not hold back in dispensing their duties with passion and gusto.
3. Bigay-todo - carry out duties with
passion and gusto.
4. Bayanihan
5. Bilib
- willingness to help.
- belief in one’s capabilities
6. ‘Bah, Galing!
- the ultimate compliment
The spirit of Bayanihan is alive in a company where people are always willing to help. And if we are to have Bilib both in ourselves and in others, there is no standing between us and the ultimate compliment, ‘Bah,
Galing!
Atty. Bebette Espiritu of Legal and Regulatory Affairs called for a higher standard of customer service through teamwork: “Huwag nating biguin ang ating mga kasamahan na umaasa sa atin. Ating pagbutihin at pagtibayin ang ating teamwork para makamit ang
6B !”
Appreciating his team’s efforts in bringing water to
Muntinlupa and Parañaque the previous year, Chris
Lichauco of Business Area Operations has high hopes that in 2011, “we will make more families happy.”
Stressing the same point, COO Herbert Consunji said,
“Ang ibig sabihin ng 6B ay mas maraming tao ang mabibigyan natin ng magandang serbisyo. Malaking
VPV completes the pipe puzzle symbolizing Maynilad’s commitment to 6B.
Division pledges
Equipped with these principles, the Top Management
Team pledged with their respective divisions to achieve 6B in 2011. CFO Randy Estrellado said: “Kung magkakaisa tayo at magta-trabaho tungo sa isang direksyon, wala tayong hindi kakayanin.”
Proudly holding up the certificate of Maynilad’s new world record are (from left) Jorge Consunji, Herbert Consunji, Manuel
Pangilinan, Victorico Vargas, and Christopher Lichauco.
10 Ripples March 2011
The Aqua Drummers bring color and music to the conference.
customer na tayo sa Maynilad , may dating, may galing, at masayang naglilingkod!”
BA Operations head Christopher Lichauco and Guinness World
Records™ adjudicator Kimberley Dennis applaud employees for setting a new record.
responsibilidad ang nakapatong sa ating balikat; gampanan natin ito ng may magandang kalooban.”
Maynilad president Ricky Vargas said to his Maynilad family, “We face a year of hope, and we have a goal that only we can achieve. Ipakita natin sa ating mga
Setting a record
As if this wasn’t enough to bring the organization together,
Maynilad employees rocked their way to the Guinness
World Records™ by using water pipes to play a rhythm in unison, making them the largest ever pipe drum ensemble.
London-based Guinness World Records™ adjudicator
Kimberley Dennis witnessed the activity.
No less than Maynilad officers led by Chairman
Manuel Pangilinan and Board Member Jorge Consunji participated in this record-setting event.
At the end of the rally, employees took souvenirs home: the pin certifying our new world record, the special event ID, and the many photos and videos we took of the night’s celebration. But of the many things we can remember of event, the 6B values stand to last the longest.
To the beat of 6B, Maynilad marches forth to 2011 and beyond!
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
11

By Olet D. Bautista
Twenty-eight young and vibrant engineers from the most reputable schools in the country marched down the aisle of Juan Luna Hall last January 14,
2011 to mark the end of their six-month cadetship program with Maynilad.
T he graduation of the Maynilad Cadet Engineers
Batch 7 was witnessed by Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Rogelio L.
Singson, members of the Maynilad Top Management
Team, heads of the different departments, cadet mentors, and former graduates of the cadetship program from batches 1 to 6.
In his speech, Singson stressed that the cadets should consider themselves a part of the Maynilad team who can contribute and share their ideas, skills and talents for the betterment of the company.
Lessons learned
Four cadet engineers shared with the audience their experiences during the cadetship program. Noel
Benjie Ona, an Industrial Engineering Graduate from
University of the Philippines (UP), said their training helped them understand the need to become catalysts for positive change in the company.
A graduate receives his hard hat during the commencement rites at the Juan Luna Hall.
DPWH secretary Rogelio Singson and Maynilad officials led by
Maynilad president Ricky Vargas pose with the 7th graduating class of the Maynilad Cadet Engineer Program.
St. Louis University of Baguio Chemical Engineering graduate John Emmanuel Martinez, for his part, summarized his learning through his mnemonic for
CADET (Communication, Assertiveness, Dedication,
Excellence and Teamwork), saying that these are the attributes that the cadets should always display.
Also from St. Louis University, Civil Engineering graduate Filipina Carambas reminisced about the good and hard times during their tour-of-duty in the company. She narrated how People Program activities such as “variety shows” served as a tool to discover not only their talents but also their resourcefulness.
Elaine Rae Chang, Industrial Engineering graduate from De La Salle University, said that cadets should learn as much as they can. She quoted Antoine de Saint
Exupery: “Each man must look to himself to teach him the meaning of life. It is not something discovered: it is something molded.”
Top of the class
The 7th Graduating Class had three top graduates: Kris
Catangcatang (Gold Medalist), Chemical Engineering graduate from UP; John Emmanuel Martinez (Silver
Medalist), Chemical Engineering graduate from St.
Louis University; and Brenmme Mendoza (Bronze
Medalist), Mechanical Engineering graduate from
University of Santo Tomas.
In his valedictory speech, Kris challenged his co-cadets to exceed the company’s expectations, work hard, and prove themselves worthy to become the future leaders of Maynilad.
12 Ripples March 2011
By Mark Isaiah David
Maynilad was at the forefront of the national celebration of the 2011 Philippines Walks for Water held last March 22 at the SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA).
“T he Philippines Walks for Water” is the local counterpart of the “World Walks for Water” global event that took place from March 19 to 22.
Thousands of Filipinos converged and walked for two kilometers around the SM MOA to raise awareness of the current water and sanitation crisis, and demand strong government action to stop the needless deaths of children every day due to the lack of access to clean water.
Players from the Talk ‘n Text basketball team get a good workout carrying five-gallon water jugs along the two-kilometer route.
“The Philippines Walks for Water is a key component of the country’s first celebration of World Water Week, which brings to light the plight of 16 million Filipinos who do not have access to clean and safe water.
Maynilad is championing this global campaign,” said
Maynilad president Ricky Vargas.
With the help of the Millennium Development Goal
Fund 1919, which is a three-year joint program of the
National Economic and Development Authority, the
Department of Interior and Local Government, the
United Nations Development Programme, and the
United Nations Children’s Fund, Maynilad is working on a campaign that aims to enhance the sustainable delivery of clean and safe water to about 122,000 households in five regions of the Philippines.
President Aquino takes sips of water while delivering his speech for the World Water Day celebration.
Some of the walkers even carried containers filled with water to experience the plight of thousands of people— many of whom are children—who have to walk for several kilometers just to get water.
After the walk, the country’s leaders and water stakeholders met at the SM MOA Music Hall where
President Benigno Aquino III listened to the stories of children telling him about how clean water has improved the quality of their lives. A Water Declaration from the National Executive-Legislative dialogue that transpired in Congress was also given to the President.
A similar event was staged in Bicol and Cagayan de
Oro, and their activities were beamed live to the Manila event via Smart Communications, Inc.
The Maynilad delegation as they prepare for their walk around
SM Mall of Asia.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
13

By Ricardo Jose Miranda, M.D.
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 Doc Ric:
My work keeps me very busy all the time. This worries me since our family has a history of heart disease.
What should I do to get healthier?—Busy bee
Dear Busy Bee:
You can start by taking a closer look at your work habits.
Many of the causes of heart disease could be averted by changing your habits and replacing them with new, healthier ones. Bad habits are learned behaviors that are repeated often and, over time, become automatic.
D
Let’s explore some of the habits that are common in the workplace and are bad for the heart:
Procrastinating . Putting off difficult tasks for later is a bad habit because it piles up workloads and creates a high pressure situation. A lot of us work best under pressure but it causes our heart to beat faster and work harder. Undue stress is one of the factors for declining health.
Eating junk food.
Those unhealthy finger foods placed in neat little jars on top of your desk can wreak havoc on your health. Coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, this can lead to obesity, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Taking cigarette breaks. Puffing on one to two sticks during your daily break time adds to your existing smoking history. A long accumulated smoking history is also a proven risk factor for heart disease.
Not using Personal Protective Equipment.
Presence of hazards in the workplace, such as noise exposure, has been associated with raised blood pressure and increased rates of coronary artery disease.
Too much caffeine.
More than two cups per day increases our heart rate and makes our heart work faster.
Skipping meals. This indirectly affects the heart because it increases cravings for more food during the next meal. Hence, you gain weight.
Being overweight puts you at risk for heart disease and diabetes.
C To develop heart-friendly habits, one should start making better choices.
If you sit in an office chair for prolonged periods, try to get some exercise after work—perhaps a visit to the gym or a round of badminton. Try also to move around more. Stand up when answering phone calls, use the stairs, or park your car farther out so you’re forced to walk.
We all get stressed; it’s unavoidable. Manage your time well by following a schedule that allows for contingencies.
No other “healthy heart tip” is as powerful as quitting smoking today. If you quit now, you will literally add years to your life.
Instead of junk food, why not nibble on fruits or nuts in between meals? Frequent but small meals will help boost your metabolism.
Reduce blood pressure through regular sessions of meditation.
Take time to nap during lunch breaks. Some studies showed that it reduces the risk of death from heart disease.
14 Ripples March 2011
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 Ryan Jamora
In the year 2010, El Niño phenomenon caused significant reduction in the water supply, triggering the need to accelerate supply optimization measures. Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reduction and management became a more pressing concern as Maynilad saw the need to speed up water loss recovery.
P hysical losses comprise almost 80% of total NRW and also contribute to low pressure and limited water availability. Hence, the Central NRW Division focused on addressing physical leaks in the system. Leak detection and repair activities were intensified.
The use of Sahara® in the West Zone marks its first implementation in Asia. The Maynilad-Sahara® inspection teams are also the first certified operators who do inspection without supervision from the equipment owner.
Owing to the advancement in Maynilad’s primary leak detection, the number of located and repaired leaks in the primary distribution lines increased dramatically, as shown in the graph below:
Leaks on primary mains
The use of leak noise correlators and acoustic noise detection equipment are limited to pipes with relatively smaller diameters. In large pipes, leak noise dissipates fast so it is more difficult to detect.
This problem is now in the past. The advanced primary leak detection system of Sahara® makes possible better and more accurate leak detection because it allows sensors to be inserted directly inside the pipeline.
250
200
150
100
50
0
400
350
300
50
2008
71
2009
354
2010
Maynilad CNRW engineers using the Sahara® leak detection equipment.
Active leakage control
Leaks in the secondary and tertiary distribution lines make up 99% of total leaks in our system. Of the
40,000 total leak repairs implemented in 2010, only
354 were on primary mains.
To help boost company efforts in leak detection, CNRW increased the number of its leak detection teams (LDT).
To date, a total of 22 LDTs have been spread out in strategic areas of the network.
Leak repairs increased by 123%—up from 18,149 in
2009 to 40,392 in 2010. The dedication of Maynilad’s
Construction and contractor teams made this accomplishment possible.
Meanwhile, other relevant programs implemented in
2010 that contributed to overall NRW reduction include the establishment of District Metered Areas (DMA), construction of Pressure Monitoring Points, and commissioning of Pressure Regulating Valves in DMAs.
As a result of the concerted effort of the entire Maynilad organization, NRW level as of the end of December
2010 was at 51%. This puts us well within reach of our
NRW target of 48% by 2011.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
15

Do you have commendable 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.
Say “woman of strength” and
Teodosia “Marissa” Bernardo immediately comes to mind.
Life has dealt her a tragic blow, yet she ably weathers every storm that is thrown her way.
W hen her husband
Ferdinand passed away three years ago, Marissa’s world seemed to have collapsed around her. He was her pillar of strength, and she found it difficult to continue life without him.
But with three kids to support, Marissa had to push aside her grief and focus her energy on caring for them.
She knew that she had to be strong for her children—
Miguel Angelo, 19, Ma. Micaella, 16, and Marianella, 5— because they needed her more than ever.
To her children, Marissa is superwoman—a father, mother, friend, teacher, protector and guardian rolled into one. She loves her kids unconditionally and is dedicated to giving them the best that life has to offer.
Marissa exhibits the same kind of dedication at work.
She brings her same brand of efficiency at home to her job of handling checks for third-party claimants, which involves receiving vouchers and encoding these in preparation for check payment. She also prepares transmittals to the Accounting Department of all paid vouchers.
I see her as “an efficient performer.” Despite her problems at home, she manages to work well and stay focused on her duties and responsibilities.
Taking on the dual roles of mother and father is no easy task. Marissa wakes up early every day to see to her kids’ daily needs. After sending them off to school, she goes to
Maynilad where she works as Treasury Specialist under the Disbursement Unit of Cash Management-Treasury.
Her job is not without its share of challenges. The tough part of her daily assignments includes handling inquiries from customers who are following up their claims. Some customers can be harsh, rude and annoying, but Marissa handles them gracefully because knows how to deal with people. Her bosses and colleagues see her as an asset to the team.
Marissa’s story shows triumph over life’s adversities.
Despite her loss, she never lost hope and, for that, she is a good model for other employees.
With her husband gone, Marissa knows she has to work doubly hard to ensure a bright future for her kids. So after getting home from work, she makes sure that she finds time to help with their assignments—all this while making dinner, keeping the house clean, setting aside money for the bills, and lending a sympathetic ear to her children’s woes. She does what two parents should be doing together.
This essay was written by Helen V. Hernal, supervisor under the Treasury Department,
Finance Division.
Maynilad distributed water jugs with clean water to around 400 families living along A. Leongson
St., San Roque, Navotas City, after they lost their homes to a fire last
January 30, 2011. A Maynilad tanker was also stationed in the area to fill their jugs with potable water.
Maynilad gave assistance to victims in another relief activity for some 350 families who have been displaced by two separate fire incidents in Tondo, Manila. The fires hit Brgy. 158 and Brgy. 330 last February 3,
2011.
a kabila ng sakuna ay nakakagaan ng loob ang patuloy na pagdating ng tulong mula sa mga kumpanya gaya ng Maynilad ,” 46-year-old resident Marilyn
Esquillo shared.
Maynilad president Ricky Vargas affirmed the company’s commitment to help its customers. “We understand how vital clean water is, especially in times of trial. We are here not just to give them commendable service, but to help them in their time of need.”
Maynilad employees led by Tony Uy and
Bang Manalang give out jugs of potable water to residents.
16 Ripples March 2011
By Mark Isaiah David
To protect the water supply of its costumers and combat water loss, Maynilad is launching the Sugpuin ang Ilegal na
Koneksyon AgaD (SIKAD) program, which aims to eradicate illegal connections in the West Zone.
M aynilad’s SIKAD program encourages the public to report illegal connections of commercial and industrial establishments. For each confirmed illegal connection, a concerned citizen who made the report can earn a minimum of P15,000 or go as high as P120,000 as reward. The incentive is determined by the amount of the under-collection charge of the reported illegal connection.
Christopher J. Lichauco, Maynilad’s Head of Business
Area Operations, said that SIKAD is the latest initiative under Maynilad’s intensified campaign against Non-
Revenue Water (NRW).
“We want to tap into the Filipino’s sense of heroism.
Water is a precious resource. We need to make sure it is utilized efficiently and managed in an optimal manner. The campaign to eradicate illegal connections plays a big part in making sure this happens,” said
Lichauco.
The campaign will run for six months, from April 1 to September 30, 2011. It will cover commercial and industrial establishments having any of these illegality types: tampered meters, by-pass connections, double tapping, and unregistered connections.
For more information about the SIKAD program,
Maynilad encourages the public to call its Customer
Service Department at 981-3485 or
0928-5011926.
By Mark Isaiah David
Maynilad recently won two Merit Awards at the 46th
Anvil Awards held at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in
Mandaluyong City.
Maynilad was given noteworthy distinction for its crisis communication efforts on “Water Discoloration in The
West Zone” (Specialized Public Relations Projects – one time basis: Crisis/Disaster and Risk Communications) and for its company publication, “Ripples, the official Maynilad newsletter” (Public Relations Tools –
Internal Publications: Newsletter).
The Anvil Awards, conducted by the Public Relations Society of the
Philippines (PRSP), is to Philippine public relations what the Academy
Awards is to Hollywood. It is the symbol of excellence in public relations in the country, awarded by a distinguished multi-sectoral jury to outstanding public relations programs and tools designed and implemented in the past year.
Maynilad’s winning Communications team composed of
(L-R) Mark Isaiah David (Head, External Communications),
Jennifer Casipit (Head, Internal Communications), Grace
Laxa (Government and Media Relations Supervisor), Karmina
Alejandro (Advertising and Promotions Specialist), and Mark
Ferdinand Pasion (Visual Communication Specialist). The team is led by Cherubim Ocampo, Head of Maynilad’s Corporate
Affairs and Public Relations Department (not in photo).
This triumph comes after
Maynilad’s Communications team received five merit awards at the 2010 Philippine Quill
Awards, which was given by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) last November 15,
2010.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
17

By Karmina Alejandro
To enrich the company’s relationship with its construction partners, the Program Management
Group (PMG) awarded Maynilad’s top-performing contractors during the first Vendor Awards and
CapEx Roadshow held last January 28 at the Juan
Luna Hall.
T he event recognized contractors based on the quality of their work, timeliness of completion, and compliance with Maynilad’s communication, safety and documentation policies.
Maynilad officials led by President Vargas pose with the topperforming contractors.
Out of Maynilad’s
80 contractors, eight were given the award of top contractors.
These awardees are: Dragonhart
Construction Enterprise,
Inc., A.C. Cunanan
Construction and
Trilex Builders for secondary and tertiary pipelaying; C.M. Pancho
Construction, Inc. for primary pipelaying;
D.M. Consunji, Inc. for major facilities; Clinton
Julius Iglesia presents the details of Maynilad’s Five-Year
Business Plan.
Builders for small and medium facilities;
Garuda Construction
Corporation for
Business Area (BA) – All Works; and Arenar Builders,
Co. for Non-Revenue Water – All Works.
Maynilad because you are doing it for Maynilad and you are the frontliners of Maynilad,” Vargas appealed to the contractors.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of Maynilad’s Capital Expenditure projects from
2011 to 2016. Head of PMG-Engineering Julius
Iglesia presented Maynilad’s Five-Year Business
Plan and invited contractors to bid for projects for water distribution, water sources development and wastewater management.
Three contactors were also given commendations, namely, D.M. Consunji, Inc., E.C. Mallari Construction, and F.G. Guintu Construction & Trading.
“We feel honored to have been chosen to receive this award,” C.M. Pancho Vice President for Engineering
Clemente Pancho said. “By motivating contractors to excel through this recognition, the award has encouraged us to strive harder and continually improve our performance in terms of finishing the projects ahead of schedule given Maynilad’s high standards.”
In his speech during the event, Maynilad president
Victorico Vargas said that strengthening partnerships with contractors will not only benefit Maynilad but the contractors as well.
“My only wish is that when you’re out there, you not only wear the uniform of the company you represent but deep in your hearts, you also wear the uniform of
VPV congratulating the representative of E.C. Mallari
Construction.
18 Ripples March 2011
Central A Business District belle Editha Christine
“Posh” Ortega took home the 1st Ms. Maynilad crown last March 11 at the Juan Luna Hall. Besting nine other candidates, Ortega will be Maynilad’s official muse in the 2011 MVP Olympics.
“I feel overwhelmed that I was able to give my best and showcase my talent to our fellow employees.
I feel so privileged at having been recognized, as Ms.
Maynilad gave me the chance to represent our company in the upcoming MVP Olympics, making my division— the Business Operations—so proud of bringing home the title,” Ortega said.
“Karen is also the official trainer of Bb. Pilipinas representatives to the Ms. Universe pageant. So Posh is getting the same training that our Bb. Pilipinas winners are getting,” revealed CHCOD’s Joedi Jalandoni. “The training specializes on catwalks and beauty pageant
Question-and-Answer.”
(L-R) Maynilad COO Herbert Consunji, former Ginebra cager and
Pasig City congressman Robert Jaworski Jr., Second runner-up
Marie Hilario, 2011 Ms. Maynilad Editha Ortega, First runnerup Jenny Palomo, Maynilad president Ricky Vargas, 2002 Bb.
Pilipinas-Universe Karen Loren Agustin, and former Ginebra hotshot Vince Hizon.
Past modeling stints gave Ortega an edge during the
Ms. Maynilad beauty pageant. “I think my experience in fashion shows helped me to present myself well, overcome stage fright and gain confidence.”
Ms. Maynilad beauty pageant judges are awardwinning amateur photographer Mark Stanley Cleto,
Maynilad Sewerage and Sanitation head Antonio
Garcia, former Ginebra hotshot Vince Hizon, former
Ginebra cager and Pasig City congressman Robert
Jaworski Jr., Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2002 Karen
Agustin-Ostrea, and Maynilad Chief Operating Officer
Herbert Consunji.
As titleholder, Ortega will represent Maynilad in the
MVP Olympics competition for Best Muse where she will face off with beauties from other MVP companies.
Helping her to earn a Gold for this event is Karen
Agustin-Ostrea.
Maynilad Water Services, Inc.
19

Theirs are the friendly faces we see when we visit the offices of our executives. Without these ladies, the work of our top management team would be in complete chaos.
T hese ladies have the required skills and personality to manage the schedules of Maynilad’s busy executives so that, ultimately, the company’s deliverables are met. It’s a position that calls for toughness, diplomacy, excellent organization skills, and a pleasant demeanor when dealing with different people.
According to Iya Gustilo, secretary of Corporate Logistics head Eric
Dumancas, her job is to ensure that her boss can work efficiently.
“I am responsible for organizing his calendar, acting as a frontliner when receiving his guests and screening calls, maintaining an organized and accessible record system for his documents, and monitoring the division’s budget. The tasks are simple, yet it calls for a high level of confidentiality.”
Managing voluminous data and correspondence for company
CFO Randy Estrellado is an exciting challenge for Lolit Lota. “As long as I do my job effectively and efficiently,
I feel happy at the end of a busy workday.”
(L-R) Cora Cadorna, Araceli Guda, Lolita Lota, Katrina de Quintos, Rosini Dawal, Lydia Landayan, Bernadette
Malabanan, Fe Parrameo, and Jenny Palomo. Not in the photo are Josephine Datu, Rhea Marie Gustilo, Mylene
Sanga, and Kristina Jose. administrative support services for engineers, she has had to familiarize herself with the highly technical function of CNRW.
“My boss allows me to make decisions when faced with problems encountered at work. But when I have doubts, I consult with him and he’s always there to help. The fact that I am allowed to express what
I am thinking gives me satisfaction because I love to find solutions to problems,” Rosini shares.
Rosini Dawal, who assists Central Non-
Revenue Water head Rene Dimaano, describes herself as the “older sister” of the young people that make up their Division. Since she fulfills
Whatever the nature of their division’s function, it’s clear that these trusty assistants keep their bosses—and the entire organization—in perfect working order. —Jen Casipit