Apo Agua Uplifts Communities and Empowers Dreams with Education

Apo Agua recently celebrated the graduation of the pioneering batch of its college scholars from its host communities.

The scholars include Andy Bustamante, Jr. of Barangay Tambobong (BS Information Technology from DavaoVision Colleges), Janica Gierran of Barangay Tawantawan, (BS Political Science from Holy Cross of Davao College), Ronisa Orbeta of Barangay Tamugan (BS in Business Administration major in Marketing Management from St. Paul College of Davao), Prince Charles Mike A. Booc of Barangay Wines (BS in Business Administration major in Financial Management from Holy Cross College of Calinan Inc), and Jenny Flor Canubas of Barangay Gumalang (BS in Legal Management from University of Mindanao)
Launched in 2019, Apo Agua’s College Scholarship program is aimed at providing educational support to deserving Davaoeños as they pursue their college degrees and prepare for future employment.

To date, there are a total of twenty- five (25) Apo Agua scholars, of which five (5) from the pioneering batch have successfully completed their studies. Each year, qualified students from host communities who require financial assistance and have shown exceptional academic performance and a strong commitment to community service are selected to be part of this scholarship initiative.

“The support I got isn’t just financial but it’s a beacon of hope and affirmation of my potential. With Apo Agua’s assistance, I was able to jump one step of the ladder I am currently climbing to achieve my goals in life and fulfill my academic ambitions,” Janica Gierran, Apo Agua 2023 Scholar Graduate.

Aside from the full college scholarship program, Apo Agua also actively participates in the annual Brigada Eskwela program of the Department of Education. This year, the company donated paints and materials to various schools to help create a more conducive learning environment for students. They also distributed school supplies to five hundred (500) students under the School Needs Support Program, and provided Cash Assistance to twenty (20) high-achieving high school students, including those from the Indigenous Peoples communities.

“We are committed to helping students from all backgrounds, particularly the indigenous peoples members of our partner communities to achieve their educational goal. Our support to the Education Sector through our various programs is our way of helping the future leaders and mobilizers of change of our society. We strongly support students who have the potential to make a positive difference in their respective communities and chosen fields,” said May Che Capili, External Relations Officer of Apo Agua.

To celebrate the various milestones of its education projects and acknowledge the support of its partner schools, Apo Agua organized a Culminating Activity with the theme “Empowering Dreams through Education” last October 12, 2023. In attendance were the School Heads and Representatives from this year’s partner schools, Third District Congressman Isidro “Sid” Ungab, DepEd SGOD Chief Dr. Teresita del Valle, and Barangay Affairs Coordinator Ms. Carolina Domingo from the Office of Vice Mayor Atty. Jay Quitain.

“We really have a good partnership with Apo Agua. I am thankful that Apo Agua is working hard, even beyond what was promised. Through your Corporate Social Responsibility [efforts] of helping schools, our teachers, and our students, we are going a long way of helping our community,” Cong. Isidro Ungab said.

Through its educational programs in collaboration with their partner barangays, and schools Apo Agua affirms its commitment as an organization to empower communities and uplift the lives of Davaoeños. “We have the same goal that no learner should be left behind. You know there are students that said that they can’t continue going to school because of financial struggles. Hopefully with Apo Agua’s assistance, the participation rate of the learners will increase,” DepEd-Davao School Governance & Operations Division (SGOD) Chief Dr. Teresita Del Valle said.

Apo Agua’s 7th Annual Medical, Dental and Legal Outreach benefits more than 1,500 Davaoeños

Apo Agua representative assists in giving of Free Prescribed Medicines to the residents of Barangay Wines last July 14, 2023

Anchored in its mission of uplifting communities, Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) strengthens its support to the health and wellness of its five host communities through its annual Medical, Dental, and Legal Outreach program.

Now on its 7th year of implementation, Apo Agua, in collaboration with its government partners, provided free medical and dental consultations, as well as legal assistance to over 1,500 residents, particularly members of the Indigenous Peoples communities of Barangays Gumalang, Wines, Tawantawan, Tambobong, and Tamugan. These essential services were made available through the partnerships with the City Health Office (CHO), Baguio District Health Office, Marilog Health Office, National Commision on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI, Armed Forces of the Philippines 27th Infantry Battalion- Alpha Company, Davao City Police Office- Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (DCPPO-RPSB) Cluster 6 and 13, City Council Committee on Health, and District 3 Councilors.

City Health Office - Marilog District staff provides health screening to support the Medical Mission activities at Barangay Tamugan last July 28, 2023

 

Aside from the medical and dental checkups and legal consultations, the beneficiaries from the host barangays were also given free prescribed medicines and vitamins. Additionally, the community development program offered free circumcision for boys, which was conducted by volunteer doctors.

 

Government agencies are in full force as representatives from each department participates in the mission of providing free services to more than 300 residents of Barangay Tambobong 

“In collaboration with various city and national government agencies, we have joined forces with private organizations to extend healthcare services to rural communities. This partnership allows us to go beyond our regular programs offered by the District Health Offices and ensure that quality healthcare reaches those living in remote areas,” Dr. Thomas Miguel Ababon, acting City Health Officer remarked. 

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI provided medical and legal services to members of the communities particularly Obu- Manuvu and Bagobo- Klata indigenous peoples in the said five barangays.

National Commision on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI provides medical consultation on a resident from Barangay Gumalang, Baguio District

NCIP RXI Regional Director Mumar M. Mamukid shared that, “Aside from the medical services, the NCIP Team extends legal advice, legal documents for birth certificate registration, name correction and affidavit for both indigenous and non-indigenous peoples of the communities. This collaborative effort between government agencies and the private sector demonstrates a commitment to address healthcare and legal challenges faced by the indigenous peoples. This annual initiative spearheaded by Apo Agua is crucial in promoting health equity and improving health and well-being of indigenous cultural communities.”

Apo Agua President Anna Lu also emphasized how this program affirms the company’s commitment to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) namely SDG 3, focusing on good health and well-being, and SDG 6, centered on clean water and sanitation.

National Commision on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region XI conduct free legal services to a resident from Barangay Tawantawan

  

“Now in its seventh year, this annual initiative is a testament to our commitment in uplifting communities by improving access to primary health care for our communities, especially for mothers and children. We are thankful to all our volunteers, medical personnel, barangay council and functionaries, and our team members for their dedication to serve our partner communities. At Apo Agua, we are committed to  being part of the solution  in producing safe, reliable, and sustainable water to augment the growing water demand of Davao City. ” Lu said.   

 

WITCO on Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project Incident

The management of WITCO Construction & Development Corporation (WCDC) is deeply saddened by the tragic incident last April 21, 2023 involving four (4) of our workers conducting internal pipeline cleaning activities in Barangay Buhangin, Proper for the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP).

Three (3) were rushed to the hospital by the Davao City 911 rescue team after experiencing difficulty in breathing. One was retrieved inside the pipeline by emergency personnel but unfortunately was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Southern Philippines Medical Center due to suffocation. An investigation was immediately conducted to understand how this had happened, to determine those responsible and to provide immediate solutions to prevent a similar incident. Meanwhile, our Project Engineer and Safety officer supervising the activity when the incident happened have been suspended and have been permanently pulled out from the project. Should there be any finding of negligence on the part of our supervising and safety officers on-site, our company will take full responsibility. We have started to undertake a comprehensive re-orientation among our project leads and workers to ensure strict compliance to Occupational Safety and Health Standards, retraining of all our manpower and reinforcing full compliance to the work permit system, among others. We have reached out to the affected workers as well as to the family of the deceased and have started to provide them with the needed medical and financial support. The safety lapses that have been identified in our investigation are now being addressed. In the meantime, all works related to the DCBWSP have been temporarily suspended until such time that we are able to fully implement corrective measures. WCDC is committed to do all that is necessary to ensure that this incident will never happen again. Our sincere apologies to all those who have been affected by this regretful incident”.

Apo Agua Statement on Pipeline Incident

"It is with deep regret that we confirm the untimely death of our Contractor’s worker following an incident at the site last Friday, April 21, 2023."

WITCO Construction & Development Corporation, one of the contractors for the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project reported to us that four (4) workers conducting internal cleaning inside a pipeline in Barangay Buhangin Proper had difficulty breathing. Davao City 911 and the Barangay Buhangin Proper Community Emergency Response Team were immediately called for rescue and promptly pulled out three (3) workers from the pipeline and are now in stable condition. The remaining worker was later retrieved by an emergency crew and brought to Southern Philippines Medical Center but was unfortunately pronounced dead due to suffocation. We are cooperating with authorities to investigate the matter further as workplace safety is something we take very seriously. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and loved ones of the deceased in this difficult time. About the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) is one of the country’s largest bulk water supply infrastructure projects that will shift Davao City's dependence from groundwater wells as its main water supply to the more sustainably-sourced surface water from the Tamugan River. The DCBWSP involves two components: Part A component is handled by Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc (Apo Agua) that involves the construction of Raw Water Intake facilities, Water Treatment Plant, and Treated Water Pipelines; Part B is being handled by the DCWD, involves the tapping and interconnecting of pipes, installation of reservoirs and laying of distribution lines. The distribution of water to the consumers will remain solely with DCWD. ###

Event | Good News! Apo Agua, DCPO ease Paquibato residents’ water woes

Apo Agua representatives turn over the 1,500 meters of pipes to leaders of Sitio Panaga in Paquibato District led by Barangay Colosas Kagawad Merlinda Bacus, Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Datu Gilbert Sagoksok, and Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay personnel.

Village residents in Sitio Panaga, Paquibato District, Davao City, now have access to a basic water system installed in their community by Apo Agua Infrastuctura, Inc. (Apo Agua) in partnership with the Davao City Police Office’s Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB).
 
Apo Agua’s recent donation of 1,500 meters of pipes and construction materials to the DCPO in support of its RPSB’s small-scale water solution project in Barangay Colosas will benefit more than 350 households belonging to the Ata-Manobo indigenous peoples community in Sitio Panaga, Brgy. Council Complex and students of the Datu Libayao Elementary School.
 
Dubbed “Project Blue,” the small-scale water system aims to alleviate the persistent water inaccessibility problems of more communities that will not directly benefit from the Bulk Water Project.
 
It introduces sustainable small-scale water solutions, such as water catchment facilities and water pipelines in host communities, and encourages residents' engagement as active partners for a viable project.

Water now flows from the newly rehabilitated water reservoir of Sitio Panaga, Paquibato District

Residents of Barangay Colosas are grateful to Apo Agua and DCPO for addressing water scarcity.
 

“We are very thankful for Apo Agua's support for the RPSB programs. This water augmentation for the barangay would not have materialized without their support. The beneficiaries, our IP brothers and sisters, have long yearned for an improved water supply. As they say, water is life and the most basic need in any place,” said PLT. Gary Aldaba, team leader of RBSP Barangay Colosas.

 
“Project Blue” is a testament that the Filipinos’ most valued culture of “Bayanihan” is still very much alive – giving a hand to the community and accomplishing goals together as one.
 
As it strengthens the spirit of collaboration among local community stakeholders, Apo Agua hopes that these water solutions will bridge the gap in resource allocation and improve teamwork to guarantee that water supply sources will be safeguarded and sustained.
 
“Our goal is to provide small-scale water solutions in our immediate communities through Project Blue. Our team is equipped with engineers with the right technical expertise in water operations, and we can put our knowledge to use by working closely with the community and ensure these projects are effective and sustainable,” said Anna Lu, President of Apo Agua.
 
Meanwhile, Aboitiz-led Apo Agua vowed to be a longstanding partner of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) by helping mobilize the Water Truck initiative as an intermediary water solution for Davao City residents awaiting the near completion of the Bulk Water Project.
  

The door-to-door water delivery, particularly in areas with intermittent water supply, has served more than 5,000 households in the city’s Second District since June 2022.

About Apo Agua

Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. is building one of the Philippines’ largest private bulk water supply facilities that will supply over 300 million liters per day of safe and sustainable water to the Davao City Water District for the people of Davao City. The company entered into an agreement with DCWD to shift the dependence of Davao City’s main water supply from groundwater wells to the more sustainably sourced surface water of the Tamugan River.

Apo Agua Forges Ties with DENR, Farmers for Reforestation Program

Apo Agua Operations Head Shake A. Tuason, Department of Environment and Natural Resources XI Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco, and FARDECO Multipurpose Cooperative Chairman Nelson Tagud signed a memorandum of agreement on October 28, 2022.

Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) recently forged its partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XI and FARDECO Multipurpose Cooperative (FARDECO) through a five-year reforestation program for the rehabilitation of DENR’s 200-hectare site in Barangay Cadalian, Baguio District.

In line with its shared commitment of helping preserve the watershed and providing livelihood opportunities to the community, Apo Agua and DENR joined forces to raise awareness of watershed conservation and biodiversity in the community through a holistic Information, Education, and Communication campaign. Apart from multimedia materials such as posters and videos, metal signages will be put up in Baguio District barangays, highlighting local endemic species to promote wildlife conservation through the preservation and protection of animals, plants, and their habitats. “We've worked with Aboitiz on many projects, and this reforestation program is not just about planting trees; it's also about restoring and caring for our NGP area within the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. With this partnership, Apo Agua is helping us ensure the sustainability of our water table all the way to Davaoenos' homes. I hope it does not end here, and we will continue with our conservation efforts,” said Bagani Fidel Evasco, DENR 11 Regional Executive Director. Apo Agua also provided the Monitoring Team of DENR’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office with digital cameras and DENR-CENRO’s Lawin Patrollers with mobile devices, power banks, and raincoats to optimize their watershed monitoring activities. “It’s an honor to stand alongside DENR in protecting the Panigan-Tamugan watershed. At Aboitiz, we highly value environmental conservation as part of our strategy for advancing business and communities. We recognize the urgent need to protect the watershed as this will be the next water source of Davao City, and we are taking proactive steps to do so,” said Anna Lu, President of Apo Agua. A consistent advocate of environmental protection through various programs, Apo Agua, partnered with the Davao City Water District for its Adopt-a-Site Reforestation Program in 2019. It also conducted a watershed baseline study with ARUP, a renowned consultancy firm that outlined recommendations for the Davao City Watershed Management Council (WMC) to determine sustainable policies for the Panigan-Tamugan watershed. As it leads the construction of DCWD’s Bulk Water Supply Project construction works, Apo Agua is determined to expedite the project completion to provide safe and sustainable water supply to the consumers of Davao City Water District. Road restorations from pipelaying activities in multiple sites across 15 barangays in the Second and Third Districts of Davao City are also ongoing. About Apo Agua Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. is building one of the Philippines’ largest private bulk water supply facilities that will supply more than 300 million liters per day of safe and sustainable water to the Davao City Water District for the people of Davao City. The company entered into an agreement with DCWD to shift the dependence of Davao City’s main water supply from groundwater wells to the more sustainably sourced surface water of the Tamugan River. ###

Apo Agua Fast Tracks Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project

Apo Agua fast tracks Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project
Water delivery to DCWD targeted by first quarter of 2023

With Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) taking over and ramping up works for the construction of the P12-billion Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), Davao residents are expected to benefit from a new and sustainable water source by the first quarter of 2023. The DCBWSP of Davao City Water District (DCWD) is the first of its kind in the country. It is designed to follow the water-energy nexus concept, where renewable energy will be generated through an integrated hydroelectric power plant. With this state-of-the-art landmark project, Davao City will now have access to both surface water from the Tamugan river, and its current ground well sources. The DCBWSP encountered setbacks during the pandemic, compounded by other internal contributing factors. However, Apo Agua’s timely intervention by taking control over the construction activities was necessary to mitigate the effects of these. “Despite on-going difficulties in the transition, the project has resumed construction across civil, mechanical, and electrical works in all areas, including road restoration along the Treated Water Pipeline. We have spent the last month completing the takeover of the works from our previous contractor, gaining possession of critical materials and equipment, and mobilizing key construction contractors on site,” said Apo Agua President Anna Lu. Apo Agua has mobilized multiple seasoned contractors and works are expected to be at full capacity by October 2022. “The project is being fast-tracked by hiring a team of experienced construction management professionals. In addition to this, various contractors with credible track records in bulk water facilities and large-scale complex projects have been engaged in order to implement as many parallel activities as possible,” Lu said. Testing and commissioning to ensure water quality will be conducted simultaneously with the construction works to further expedite the project’s completion. A thorough test of every piece of equipment is required to ensure their durability and longevity in the provision of safe drinking water throughout its expected operation of about 30 years. Supply in District II will be significantly augmented by the DCBWSP which will deliver over two-thirds of its production to DCWD reservoirs in the area. Delivery of water to DCWD is expected to start in the first quarter of 2023 at Tugbok, subject to their acceptance, and will progressively ramp up to Cabantian, Mandug, Calinan, Talandang, Indangan, Panacan, and Dumoy, by the second quarter of 2023.

Apo Agua Donates Water Pipelines to Barangay Tawantawan

Present during the turnover of the water pipelines were (R-L) Congressman Isidro Ungab, Davao City Water District General Manager Mildred Aviles, Apo Agua Operations Head Shake A. Tuason, Apo Agua Project Manager Dorcas Ho, Tawantawan Barangay Kagawad Jimmy Enoch, and Davao City 3rd District Councilor Alberto “Abet” Ungab.

Further strengthening its long-term commitment to its host communities, Apo Agua Infrastuctura, Inc. (Apo Agua) recently turned over 2,220 meters of water pipelines to Barangay Tawantawan in Baguio District. The barangay will use the donated pipelines to expand its existing water system, which will help augment its water supply distribution.

These additional pipelines will complete Tawantawan’s second water pipeline system, which will tap their current water source to the barangay’s newly constructed water reservoir. In turn, this will help increase the barangay’s water supply, addressing the urgent need for ample water supply and improving the lives of over 600 households.

“This donation is such a big help to our community as this is one of our main problems in the barangay. We are already using the pipes, and it has served more water to 600 households. I hope to have more projects with Apo Agua that can help benefit the constituents of Barangay Tawantawan,” said Barangay Captain Ricardo Gierran.

Third District Representative Abet Ungab, Tawantawan Kagawad Jimmy Enoch, Apo Agua Operations Head Shake A. Tuason, and Third District Councilor Isidro Ungab pose with one out of the thirty-seven rolls of pipes donated to Barangay Tawantawan.

"Dako among pasalamat sa Apo Agua sa ilong kasing-kasing na paghatag ug pipes apan nadungagan og patubig ang among barangay. Pito ka purok ang nakabenepisyo sa proyekto. Nagtipon pud mi alang sa nakatabang na Water System Management nga seminar ni Apo Agua para sa paglambo sa among pagmentinar ug padagan sa among patubig sa barangay (We thank Apo Agua for providing us with additional pipes that increased our water distribution. Seven puroks from our barangay have benefited from this project. We also thank them for conducting an informative Water System Management that will help improve our water system maintenance and operations),” said Elma Casinillo, member of Tawantawan's Barangay Waterworks and Sanitation Association (BWASA).

“As we work towards completing the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBSWP) and delivering water across Davao City, we also continue to look at opportunities to further contribute to our host communities. While Tawantawan is one of the host communities that will not directly benefit from the DCBWSP, we hope that introducing smaller but sustainable water solutions in their area will help address their basic water needs," said Anna Lu, President of Apo Agua.

Delivery of 2,220m pipes and couplings endorsed by Apo Agua Representative, Bianca Gempesaw, and received by Barangay Captain Ricardo Gierran.

Apo Agua also extended its support to Davao City Water District by helping ramp up its water truck initiative to District II, while the DCBWSP is at its final stretch of completing its project construction. In addition, Apo Agua is currently conducting road restorations from its pipelaying activities at multiple sites across fourteen (14) barangays in the Second and Third Districts of Davao City.

Apo Agua recently announced that it is taking the lead role in the construction of Davao City Water District’s Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project to fast-track its completion that will provide 300 million liters of safe water daily to over one million Davaoeños.

With Apo Agua in the lead, it would aggressively pursue as many construction work streams as possible, in parallel with each other, as the main catch-up strategy. Despite a very tight timetable, Apo Agua targets start of operations by the end of 2022, considering a swift and seamless transition.

Apo Agua to Fast-Track Davao Bulk Water Project

Davao City is one of the highly-urbanized cities in the Philippines. That being said, water is one of the resources that should be sustained and delivered to the stakeholders. Apo Agua will speed up their project in Davao and serve to the people.

Here's the story of continued efforts by Apo Agua:

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Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. is taking the lead role in the construction of Davao City Water District’s Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project to fast-track its completion that will provide 300 million liters of safe water daily to over one million Davaoeños.

Apo Agua made the decision following setbacks in the timetable for the construction of the project due to complications brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and other contributing internal factors. Prior to this development, the project’s Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Contractor, J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation had full responsibility for the construction works. With Apo Agua in the lead, it would aggressively pursue as many construction work streams as possible, in parallel with each other, as the main catch-up strategy. Despite a very tight timetable, Apo Agua targets project completion by the end of 2022, considering a swift and seamless transition.

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With the completion of the project, Davao City can experience sustained water supply. This kind of projects will really benefit the people of Davao City as the city still is one of the premier gateways in the country. Basically, water is essential.

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