CAMIGUIN (PIA)--Displaying resilience and adaptability, the Camiguin Water Company (CWC) took the spotlight at the 29th Philippine Water Works Association (PWWA) International Conference and Exhibition, held at the Henann Convention Center in Panglao, Bohol, on October 6.
With the theme "Overcoming Global Challenges in Water and Wastewater," the event provided a crucial platform for CWC to share its inspiring journey of building a water supply system amid the pandemic.
The conference, a convergence of experts and stakeholders in water and wastewater management, served as a fertile ground for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Delving into the challenges faced by CWC during the pandemic and the innovative strategies employed to overcome them, Engr. Daniel Estacio, AVP for planning and engineering of Mizu Resources, said, "We officially started in Camiguin in November 2019. At that time, we initiated due diligence activities to validate our business plan and plan the construction of our first water system. However, in March, the pandemic struck, and despite the expected delays due to the pandemic, we decided to take the risk and awarded the project to a local contractor."
He added that restrictions have become increasingly stringent, leaving them with no choice but to wait for them to ease and for health protocols governing general assemblies and public hearings to be in place. During this waiting period, CWC has been in continuous coordination with the LGUs to plan out the activities.
Despite the expected delays, Mizu took the risk and awarded the project to a local contractor, navigating through stringent restrictions and health protocols.
Doing business as Camiguin Water Company
CWC, a specialized company in water supply, distribution, and wastewater treatment, targets to develop, improve, operate, and maintain efficient water supply services in Camiguin over the next 30 years. Currently serving four out of five municipalities in Camiguin, CWC has already invested P60 million and envisions spending around P1 billion.
Since officially starting operations in November 2022, CWC has served four out of five municipalities in Camiguin. Established partnerships with local manufacturers and shipping companies have enhanced efficiency, resulting in reduction in project costs.
Operational milestones include the implementation of the Read and Bill System, the Territory Officer Program, and a Facebook page for customer service announcements.
Moreover, CWC's proactive stakeholder engagement played a pivotal role in gaining support and buy-in from local communities, regulatory bodies, and other relevant entities.
Bracing for the future
Reflecting on the journey, CWC emphasized the importance of remaining adaptive, seeking improvement, maintaining good relationships with local government units, and ensuring knowledge transfer for the sustainability of water supply systems.
"We have to be adaptive; kailangan, marami tayong alternatives [we need to have a lot of alternatives]," Estacio said.
Looking forward, Estacio said Mizu remains dedicated to its mission, continually striving for improvement and evaluating potential new technologies.
He further stressed that the success of Camiguin Water Company amid the pandemic stands as a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and innovation of the water industry. By fostering collaborative relationships, harnessing local expertise, and capitalizing on efficient logistics, CWC not only navigated challenges but thrived in its mission to provide essential water services.
CWC's inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and local capacity building in the face of adversity. With its feats, the company has emerged as a beacon of success, demonstrating that overcoming global challenges in water and wastewater management is not only possible but achievable with dedication and innovation. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
