First Pillars
Period was when water supply development was measured in terms of the physical structures it generated: ground reservoirs, pumping facilities, transmission/distribution lines and the like. But as these same structures deteriorated and became dilapidated, they would later become symbols of the neglect by those operating the water systems, the indifference of the very populace for which the systems were built and the attitude of mendicancy and dependence spawned among people.
Henceforth, following these extensive and arduous years in the funding of the cumulative demands of the growing population and the subsequent deterioration of the piping system, the opportunity for the improvement of the water supply system was seen and understood with the introduction of Presidential Decree 198 on May 25, 1973. This decision was to become the basis for the creation or formation of all Water Districts in the Philippines on a local option basis, independent, locally controlled institutional structure whereby facilities and personnel of the then existing local government water system were to be transferred to newly formed Water District and considered as a quasi-public corporation performing public service and supplying public needs.
Taking into consideration the value of adhering to P.D 198, the then Provincial Waterworks Engineer Eladio J. Alcala conferred with the late Governor Anacleto C. Alcala regarding the possibility of having a Water District which could solve the various problems besetting the water supply systems of Lucena City and the municipalities of Pagbilao and Tayabas. For this purpose, the Governor instructed the Provincial Engineer then, Engr. Abelardo S. Radovan to have consultation meeting with LWUA management. The LWUA management proposed to start a feasibility study regarding the water supply system spread over the areas of Lucena, Pagbilao and Tayabas which was later on approved.
The Governor of the Province convened the officials of the concerned municipalities to secure their approval to the Resolution of the Quezon Provincial Board intended and necessary to form the water district. This Provincial Board Resolution No. 19 of January 20, 1975 was approved and subsequently filed with the Secretariat of LWUA in Philippine Communication Center, Pasig, Metro Manila on January 29, 1975. It was LWUA’s officials led by Engr. Arador R. Sambo and Phil Palaganas who played the major role in the formation of LUPATA Water District. The proponent government officials were Gov. Anacleto C. Alcala of the Province of Quezon as the appointing power, Mayor Carmelo Nadera of Tayabas while the district personnel led by then General Manager Eladio Alcala, Mrs. Rosalia D. Gonzales, Engr. Reynaldo G. Cadavillo and Mr. Vertino Alcantara helped in the preparation and drafting of the documents relative thereto. On May16, 1975, the QMWD which was known today has obtained the Local Water Utilities Administration’s (LWUA) Conditional Certificate of Conformance No.017.
Officers of the Water District
On the same year that the water district was formed, then governor of Quezon province Anacleto C. Alcala appointed Engr. Eladio Alcala as Lupata’s first general manager while the earliest set of board of directors are as follows:
1. Engr. Abelardo S. Radovan – representing Educational Sector
2. Mr. Roland O. Carlos – representing Business Sector
3. Mrs. Enrica L. Pandy – representing Women’s Sector
4. Atty. Wilfredo B. Zubrano – representing Civic-oriented Sector
5. Dr. Jose A. Lopez – representing Professional Sector
Upon its operation, all the assets and liabilities of the LUPATA (QMWD) which were owned, operated and maintained by the Provincial Government of Quezon were transferred to LUPATA Water District.
The following listed officials have served the Quezon Metropolitan Water District (formerly LUPATA WD), and have shared their opinions and views that contributed to the success of the Water District.
General Managers
Engr. Eladio Alcala – from formation of the district to February 18, 1976
Engr. Rodolfo Faller – from 1976 to October 1990
Engr. Reynaldo G. Cadavillo – from October 1990 to June 1998
Mr. Enrico Pasumbal – from July 1998 to December 2019
Ms. Maria Carina Pacita L. De Asis - from February 2020 to date
Board of Directors
Educational Sector:
1975-1982 : Engr. Abelardo S. Radovan
1983-1986 : Ms. Clarita R. Fuentes
1987-1988 : Mr. Aristedes R. Yumul
1989-1992 : Atty. Ismael T. Portes
1990-1992 : Mr. Ben A. Juntereal
1993-2010 : Atty. Jose S. Laureles
2011 to date : Ms. Asuncion J. Alcala
Professional Sector
1975-1978 : Atty. Hilberto R. Zurbano
1979-1990 : Dr. Avelino A. Obispo
1991-1993 : Mr. Felipe A. Berroya
1994-1996 : Engr. Abelardo S. Radovan
1997-2005 : Atty. Gilbert C. Camaligan
2006-2008 : Engr. Guillermo M. Rago, Jr.
2009-2014 : Atty. Walfredo J. Sumilang
2015 to date : Engr. Juan H. Zaporteza
Business Oriented Sector
1975-1988 : Mr. Rolando O. Carlos
1989-2001 : Mr. Bert F. Buenafe
2001-2006 : Mrs. Barbara Ruby C. Talaga
2007-2012 : Atty. Gilbert D. Camaligan
2013 to date : Atty. Vicente M. Joyas Civic Sector
1975-1978 : Dr. Jose A. Lopez
1979-1982 : Atty. Ernesto J. Lavado
1983-1990 : Atty. Luis Viscocho
1991-1996 : Mr. German V. Alzate
1997-2002 : Engr. Abelardo S. Radovan
2003-2005 : Atty. Antonio P. Acyatan
2006-2008 : Dr. Ciriano A. Caraos
2009-2014 : Mr. Avelino L. Andal
2015 to date : Atty. Vicente M. Joyas
Women Sector
1975-1976 : Dr. Enrica L. Pandy
1977-1994 : Dr. Julio A Alzona
1995-2006 : Mrs. Amelia G. de Castro
2007-2010 : Mrs. Barbara Ruby C. Talaga
2010-2012 : Mrs. Amelia G. de Castro
2013-2014 : Atty. Gilbert d. Camaligan
2015 to date : Mrs. Barbara Ruby C. Talaga
In-Lieu Share In the beginning, all the facilities were turned over to LUPATA by the Provincial Government without any stipulation on its cost. However, on October 13, 1980, the Provincial Board pegged the value of this facilities at Php 2,111, 052.92 when the former passed Resolution No. 210. The board also ruled that while LUPATA was not yet in the position to pay the amount in full, the 3% of the gross income of the Water District will prevail as stipulated in P.D. 198.
Sometime in 1986, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan requested that projects of the provincial government concerning water supply be charged to in-lieu share. Today, this in-lieu share has been fully paid by the water district to the Provincial Government of Quezon and this government entity has been paying water bills to the district.
Change of Name
It was January 9, 1991 Board of Directors meeting that Resolution No. 91-01 was enacted regarding the changing of name of the Water District from Lucena-Pagbilao-Tayabas Water District (LPTWD) to Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD), since it was not only for the three (3) areas that the water supply services was to be converged, but it will also be intended for the whole province of Quezon.
HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT QMWD
I. Tayabas Provincial Resolutions
1) Tayabas Provincial Board Resolution No. 387 (July 22, 1918) - A resolution granting Municipality of Lucena a loan of P56,000.00 for the installation of a water supply system;
2) Tayabas Provincial Board Resolution No. 463 (August 19, 1918) - A resolution granting Municipality of Tayabas a loan of P26,000.00 for the installation of a water supply system;
3) Tayabas Provincial Board Resolution No. 386 (July 28, 1919) - The Municipal Council of Tayabas in its Res. No. 156, in compliance with the recommendation of the District Engineer Lucena, request that it be granted an authorization by the Honorable, the Secretary of the Interior, to exercise its right of eminent domain over the real properties described for the purpose of laying thereon the pipes of the Lucena-Tayabas Waterworks System under construction.
4) Tayabas Provincial Board Resolution No. 34 (July 28, 1919) – The Municipal Council of Lucena in its Res. No. 100 has requested that the Lucena-Tayabas Waterworks System be named “Quezon Water System” and that Mrs. M.L. Quezon be the godmother in its christening.
5) Tayabas Provincial Board Resolution No. 60 (January 21, 1920) – The Municipal Council of Tayabas in its Res. No. 13 Series of 1920 approving the consignation of funds amounting P5,000.00 to meet part of the construction cost of pipes and fire hydrants and the allotment of P10,000.00 be requested of the Honorable. . .;
6) Tayabas Provincial Board Resolution No. 179 (March 17, 1920) – The Lucena-Tayabas Waterworks System is a work planned out by the province, hence a nameplate be placed on the construction inscribing Quezon Water Works System, etc….;
7) Tayabas Provincial Board Resolution No. 194 (March 31, 1920) – In a joint meeting at Tayabas on February 2, 1920, the Municipal Council of Lucena and Tayabas have adopted a resolution to the effect that it be christened Quezon Waterworks to perpetuate the memory of the works of the Hon. M.L. Quezon towards the realization of said project.
After the completion of the Quezon Waterworks in 1920, the following are to be noted:
The sources of water supply were from 7 springs and 1 river.
- Lalo Pequeno now both supplying Tayabas
- Lalo Grande
- Ibia spring connected to Dapdap now both supplying Tayabas
- Ibia spring connected to Lalo
- Dapdap Spring A,B and C now both supplying Pagbilao
- Dapdap Spring D and E
- May-it spring, now supplying Lucena and Pagbilao
- River - Dumacaa
8) Tayabas Provincial Board Resolution No. 36 (April 25-26, 1923) – In Res. No. 36, the Municipal Council of Pagbilao was granted a loan amounting P6,000.00 by the Provincial Treasurer.
II. Other Important Dates
1923 - Lalo Grande spring supplies Lucena and Tayabas. A reservoir in Tongko, Tayabas was later constructed.
1925 - Another reservoir was constructed to supply Pagbilao.
1929 - Lalo Pequeno was connected to Lalo Grande and a separate line to Tongko reservoir.
1938 - Ibia spring was connected to Lalo Grande.
1946 - As per Res. No. 48, the Municipal Council of Tayabas requested the province that the management of Quezon Waterworks System be transferred to the Municipality of Tayabas. Congressman Fortunato Suarez in Res. No. 59 asked that a law be passed to this effect.
1954 - Dapdap spring transmission line was connected to another reservoir in Tongko. In a related action, the Municipal Council of Tayabas requested Congressman Manuel S. Enverga to make a law ratifying the transfer of the management of Quezon Waterworks System to the Municipality of Tayabas (Res. 129)
III. NAWASA LAW (National Waterworks and Sewerage Authority)
1955 - In June 18, 1955, RA 1383 otherwise known as NAWASA Law was passed consolidating all water works system in the Philippines will be under its supervision, management and control.
1959 - May-it spring flows to intake box and transmission pipes to Tayabas proper.
1958-1971 - During this period, Tayabas concessionaires pay more or less P20.00/annum as this was collected by the Quezon Waterworks System and remitted to the Provincial Treasurer. Meanwhile, during the implementation of the NAWASA law of 1955, under which all water system in the Philippines were being supervised, managed and controlled, cases were filed against it.
IV. MWSS (Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System Law)
1971 - The Abolition of NAWASA and the Creation of MWSS
On June 19, 1971, Republic Act 6234, also known as the MWSS Law, was passed. This law abolished the NAWASA Law, leading to the reversion of all waterworks systems outside Metro Manila to their original owners—municipalities, cities, and provinces. However, some water systems opted to remain under the supervision and control of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS).
As a result of this abolition, the Quezon Metropolitan Waterworks System (formerly known as the Quezon Province Water System after World War II) reverted to the ownership and management of the Province of Quezon. The provincial government installed a river inlet, filtration gallery, and pump in Lucena City, utilizing the Dumacaa River as the primary water source.
1973 - Presidential Decree 198 and the Formation of Water Districts
On May 25, 1973, Presidential Decree 198 became the basis for creating water districts in the Philippines. The law established a locally controlled institutional structure on a local option basis. Existing government-owned and controlled water systems were transferred to newly formed water districts, which were considered quasi-public corporations providing essential public services.
Amendments to PD 198 were later introduced through PD 768 (August 15, 1975) and PD 1479 (June 11, 1978). Key statistics during this period included:
Number of Concessionaires: 4,000
Water Rates: Approximately ₱20.00 annually
Number of Employees: 5
Daily Water Supply: 5–10 hours
Fire Hydrants: Mostly inoperable
1975 - The Establishment of Lucena-Pagbilao-Tayabas Water District (LUPATA WD)
On January 20, 1975, Quezon Provincial Board Resolution No. 19 was approved during a meeting held at City Antigua Restaurant in Lucena City. This resolution initiated the formation of the Lucena-Pagbilao-Tayabas Water District (LUPATA WD). Present at the meeting were Governor Anacleto Alcala, Lucena City Mayor Mario L. Tagarao, Pagbilao Mayor Rosauro S. Radovan, and Tayabas Mayor Carmelo Nadera. The resolution was filed with LWUA on January 29, 1975, and LUPATA WD received its Conditional Certificate of Conformance (CCC No. 17) on May 16, 1975.
The first board of directors appointed by Governor Alcala included:
Engr. Abelardo S. Radovan (Education Sector)
Mr. Rolando O. Carlos (Business Sector)
Dr. Enrica L. Pandy (Women’s Sector)
Atty. Wilberto B. Zurbano (Professional Sector)
Dr. Jose A. Lopez (Civic-Oriented Sector)
Major Projects and Developments
1976: The feasibility study for LUPATA WD’s water supply project was completed by Camp Dresser and McKee International, involving six American engineers and 35 Filipino personnel.
1977: Resolution No. 34 authorized a ₱48,240,000 loan from LWUA for a five-year expansion program to add 5,000 new taps.
1978: Construction of the integrated water supply system began, aiming to expand service coverage from 6,000 concessionaires in 1975 to 12,000 by 1989, a target achieved by 1985.
1983 - 1995: Key Initiatives and Rebranding1983: The LUPATA Water Supply System Improvement Project (Phase I) was implemented.
1987-1989: The Operation Maintenance and Assistance Program (OMAP) rehabilitated 7,000 lm of distribution pipes, repaired water meters, detected leaks and illegal connections, and transferred 1,250 service lines.
1991: By Board Resolution No. 91-1, LUPATA WD was renamed Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD) to reflect anticipated growth and service expansion.
1994 - LWUA/OECF Funded Projects 1994-1997: Phase II Early Action Improvement Project expanded water supply to outlying barangays and suburban areas.
1995: A loan agreement between LWUA and OECF funded the QMWD water supply expansion project, including assessment, construction, and distribution improvements, with an estimated cost of ₱240.5 million.
Modern QMWD System
The Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD) now serves Lucena City, Tayabas City, and the Municipality of Pagbilao. Its key infrastructure includes:
Pipelines: Transmission Lines (97.594 km), Distribution Mains (289.078 km)
Storage Facilities: Seven reservoirs with capacities ranging from 50 to 4,250 cubic meters
Water Sources: Six springs and 16 deep wells with a combined rated capacity of 18.3 million cubic meters annually.
By 2015, QMWD maintained an average consumption of 23.33 cubic meters per connection monthly and a 75.6% accounted water use rate, with non-revenue water at 25%.