BWD, DSWD-FOCAR Seal Agreement to Secure Potable Water Supply in Times of Calamity
By: Mark Pasagoy, photo courtesy of BWD
WATER SECURITY. Baguio Water District (BWD) General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca and Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-FOCAR) Regional Director Maria Catbagan-Aplaten (2nd and 3rd from left, respectively) lead the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to prioritize the sale and delivery of potable water to the Department during calamities at the BWD Main Office on August 11, 2025. Also in the photo are DSWD Regional Executive Assistant Joebelle Cariño Anselmo-Batanes (rightmost) and BWD Production and Distribution Division Manager Engr. Noriel C. Calpito (leftmost). -BWD File Photo
In a bid to safeguard access to clean water during calamities and crises, the Baguio Water District (BWD) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-FOCAR) have sealed an agreement to guarantee the timely and reliable delivery of safe drinking water to disaster-affected communities and families.
BWD General Manager Engr. Salvador M. Royeca and DSWD-FOCAR Regional Director Maria Catbagan-Aplaten signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on August 11, 2025, at the BWD Office located at 003 Utility Road, Barangay Marcoville, Baguio City.
Under the agreement, BWD will prioritize the sale of potable water to DSWD during calamities, disasters, and other emergencies at the lowest prevailing rate. The supply will be free from metering and installation fees, environmental and/or sewer charges, late payment penalties, and other operational costs – ensuring equitable and timely distribution to affected residents.
This initiative supports DSWD’s mandate under Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, to coordinate and monitor the provision of relief goods. It also aligns with National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Memorandum Circular No. 02, s. 2020, which authorizes the inclusion of potable water in relief assistance alongside family food packs.
“Access to safe and clean drinking water is not just a basic necessity—it is a lifeline, especially during times of crisis.” GM Royeca stressed. “Through this partnership, the Baguio Water District reaffirms its commitment to go beyond regular operations to serve our communities. This MOA ensures that when calamities strike, water will be the last thing our people will have to worry about.”
While Baguio City will be the primary beneficiary, the agreement allows the extension of support to nearby local government units once the city’s water supply has stabilized. All water provided under the MOA will be strictly for relief purposes.
“We are prepared to respond swiftly to DSWD’s requests to make sure that affected families – here in Baguio and, when possible, in neighboring areas, receive the clean water they need to survive and recover.” GM Royeca added.
The partnership will be in effect for five years, providing disaster-affected communities the assurance of reliable access to one of life’s most vital resources during emergencies. -BWD
