Tanay Water District (TanWD) signed on Nov. 22, 2024 the historic usufruct agreement with DOST-PAGASA, which would allow the District to use a portion of PAGASA’s Tanay Synoptic and Upper Air Station property as a new water source.
Among those present during the signing rites held at Cafe Katerina in So. Mayagay I, Brgy. Sampaloc were TanWD General Manager Mr. Emmanuel Catolos, DOST-PAGASA Administrator Dr. Nathaniel Servando, DOST-Pagasa NCR-PRSD Chief Engr. Lorenzo Moron, and Tanay Synoptic and Upper Air Station Chief Meteorological Officer Mr. Alejandro Jesuitas.
TanWD BOD Chairperson Engr. Wilson Santos, Engineering and Operations Department Manager Engr. Armando Bongat, Administrative Services Division Manager Ms. Vickyflor Catapusan, Commercial Services Division Manager Mr. Emmanuel Penada, and Water Resources Division Manager Engr. Teodulo Custodio were likewise present.
Councilor Allan Sacramento also attended the event on behalf of Tanay Mayor Rafael Tanjuatco, who played a key role in realizing the agreement.
Councilor Bong Ocampo, Brgy. Sampaloc officials, other key TanWD managers and supervisors, and DOST-PAGASA personnel likewise witnessed the signing ceremonies.
‘Safe Drinking Water is a Basic Human Need’
In his speech, Administrator Servando said that just as how their agency helps prevent the ill effects of unfavorable weather conditions on the public, they could also do their part in allocating a portion of their property to serve as a potable water source.
It was the main factor why the DOST-PAGASA leadership fully supported TanWD’s bid to establish a new water source in the Sampaloc area.
Importantly, Dr. Servando stressed that safe drinking water is a basic human need, which TanWD has been providing to Tanayan concessionaires since Day One.
Road to Usufruct Agreement
The road to the historic agreement began in 2018, during negotiations for the Mayagay area and commercial establishments for potential water sources.
DOST-Pagasa and TanWD key personnel first conducted a series of meetings to flesh out key details of the usufruct agreement. PAGASA administration then allowed TanWD to survey the former’s Synoptic and Upper Air Station property to check if there is a potential water source available, which turned out positive.
Critically, Mayor Tanjuatco discussed with DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. TanWD’s request for the use of a portion of PAGASA’s property during an official event in Ilocos. Secretary Solidum agreed, which greenlit the crafting of the usufruct agreement.
The agreement granted TanWD a 25-year access to a 600-square-meter portion of PAGASA’s lot, where it would develop the new water source and establish the needed water facilities for operation and distribution.
The usufruct agreement is subject to renewal and termination based on identified premises.
Program Flow
Mr. Emmanuel Peñada opened the event with a prayer, while GM Catolos delivered the welcome remarks. Engr. Custodio discussed the purpose and project description, followed by Ms. Catapusan’s reading of the usufruct content with Engr. Moron.
Engr. Santos and Dr. Servando rendered their insights on the agreement, noting its importance in improving the public’s potable drinking water access.
Meanwhile, Councilor Sacramento delivered Mayor Tanjuatco’s message. Engr. Bongat ended the program with his message.
Ms. Rowena Custodio and Engr. Eduardo Solano served as masters of ceremonies.
