PPCWD achieves ‘no water stress’ recognition, sets model for

sustainable water management

On August 21, 2023 the Puerto Princesa City Water District (PPCWD) has earned the
distinction of being the sole water district in the nation to achieve a state of “no water
stress.”

The water utility services office said this recognition was accorded by the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID) as a result of the city’s strategic
approach to water conservation and efficient utilization, marked by a contrast between
water demand and supply.

General manager Walter Laurel shared that the PPCWD has emerged as one of the
country’s fastest-growing water districts.
Distinguished by its unique water sourcing approach, Puerto Princesa draws 70 percent
of its water supply from surface water, mainly rivers, while the remaining 30 percent is
derived from underground sources.

This innovative strategy allows the city to efficiently utilize its resources, with a goal of
eventually relying fully on surface water during the rainy season to preserve
underground reserves for future generations.

The PPCWD’s success story is partially attributed to the successful rehabilitation of key
water sources like Campo Uno and San Rafael, which were severely damaged by
typhoons Odette and Egay, respectively. These rehabilitation efforts have not only
ensured water availability but have also contributed to resolving water pressure issues
in various barangays.
Currently serving 50 out of 66 barangays, the PPCWD aims to expand its coverage to
53 barangays this year, having already built reservoirs in Brgy. Bacungan and Brgy.
Mangingisda, with ongoing pipeline establishment in Brgy. Maruyugon.
PPCWD Hosts Migrating to Automated Billing and Collection System
for Water Districts Workshop

The Migrating to Automated Billing and Collection System for Water Districts Workshop
hosted by PPCWD successfully concluded on July 26, 2023.

The workshop discussed the features of the Advanced Billing and Collection Utility
System (ABACUS), and it assessed the capability and status of other water districts that
are planning to migrate from their existing billing system to this newly developed in-
house system of PPCWD. The ABACUS was launched in February 2023 and has been
in use in PPCWD since then.

The Migrating to Automated Billing and Collection System for Water Districts Free
Workshop was made possible through the initiative and support of General Manager
Walter J. Laurel and through the expertise of PPCWD’s MIS Section headed by Mr.
Hadrian Villarosa.

The initiative is in part of PPCWD’s commitment to providing assistance to developing

water districts in line with the President’s mandate to improve water services for all
Filipinos.