The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) celebrated its 137th Anniversary with a simple gathering highlighted by a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Romy Tuazon on Monday, 23 February 2015 at the 5th Floor Bulwagang MWSS in Balara, Quezon City.
With the theme: “Challenges for Greater Service Delivery”, the said celebration was led by MWSS Corporate Office (MWSS-CO) Senior Deputy Administrator Nathaniel Santos and MWSS-CO Deputy Administrator (DA) for Operations Engr. Leonor Cleofas. Joining them were DA for Administrative Support Services Atty. Zoilo Andin, Jr. and Ms. Cecille Bautista, Chief of Staff of MWSS Administrator Gerardo A. I. Esquivel.
Also present in the event were high-ranking official of the MWSS Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO) led by Chief Regulator Joel Yu, DA for Technical Regulation Area Engr. Gerardo Sullano, DA for Customer Service Regulation Area (CSRA) Atty. Vincent Pepito Yambao, Jr., Atty. Mylene Joy Parras, OIC for Administration and Legal Affairs, and Atty. Kristin San Pedro, Head Technical Assistant, Office of the Chief Regulator.
Other members of the MWSS-RO Management Committee led by Financial Regulation Area Tariff Control and Monitoring Manager Christopher Chuegan, CSRA Metering Efficiency Manager Engr. Randolf Marcial, Acting Department Manager for Legal Affairs Department Atty. Crescenciano Minas, Jr., Manager for Administration and Legal Affairs Virginia Octa.
The MWSS holds the distinction of being one of the pioneers and most formidable government organizations in the Philippines. Its roots were traced to the first water system laid out in old Manila in 1878 from funds donated by Spanish philanthropist Francisco Carriedo y Peredo.
The Carriedo System evolved from the Manila Water Supply System in 1908 to Metropolitan Water District in 1919. Thirty-five years later, it became the National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA).
On 19 June 1971, Republic Act No. 6234 was enacted. It dissolved the NAWASA and created in its place the MWSS. The MWSS was given the mandate to ensure an uninterrupted and adequate supply and distribution of potable water for domestic and other purposes at just and equitable rates. The proper operation and maintenance of sewerage systems was likewise part of its mandate.
In March 1996, Executive Order No. 311 was implemented to encourage the private sector’s participation in the operation and facilities of MWSS.
In August 1997, the responsibility to operate and improve waterworks system was passed on to the two private concessionaires in conformity to the Concession Agreements (CAs).
MWSS RO was created by virtue of the CAs signed between the MWSS and the two concessionaires, Manila Water Company, Inc. for the West Zone and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. for the East Zone. This bold move was aimed at improving the water delivery and sewerage services in Metro Manila.
The MWSS-RO is the regulatory arm of the MWSS to provide adequate, safe, reliable, and affordable water and sewerage services to Metro Manila and its existing and future coverage areas, while ensuring the sustainability of its water resources and the intelligent and right use of water.