The Virac Water District is a Government-owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC) formed through a Conditional Certificate of Conformance (CCC) No. 181, issued by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) in1982. Its core business is the production and distribution of potable water for the entire population of the municipality of Virac.

MANDATE

The Virac Water District was created by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 198 otherwise known as “The Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973” through Municipal Resolution No. 26-81, converting to a public utility mandated to provide the Municipality of Virac safe, sufficient, affordable and potable water supply.

INTRODUCTION

Not many households in Catanduanes are served by level III or level II water supply systems, given that there are only six (6) water districts and three (3) municipal waterworks in operation, which are located primarily in urban areas in order to achieve better financial viability. Level II systems are operated by a few barangay-based Barangay Water and Sanitation Associations (BWSAs), organized in selected locations through national agency programs. The proliferation of bore wells in many rural areas, including some parts of the service in urban Virac, was brought about by the DPWH and private efforts, which are basically unsafe and prone to contamination from surface runoffs and individual household septic contraptions.

VISION-MISSION-GOALS

Vision: “By Calendar year 2021-2026, VIWAD envisioned to be an ISO 9001 certified water district”

Mission: “To continuously deliver cost-effective safe and reliable water and sanitation services in its entire area of influence through the adaption of modern technology, competent and committed management and staff, proper environmental care and excellent community relationships”.

STRATEGIC GOALS & OBJECTIVES:

  1. Sustainable financial capability
  2. Operational viability
  3. Complete franchise coverage by 2025
  4. Low Non-Revenue Water
  5. Provision of safe and affordable water and sanitary services
  6. Maintenance of a holistic source of water supply, and
  7. Supportive to Watershed Management Program

CHALLENGES

  • Maintaining financial liquidity with affordable water tariffs
  • Sustaining safe and potable water supply
  • Financing the upgrading and expansion of water and sanitation services program
  • Finding new water sources

THE BOD, MANAGEMENT & STAFF

The governing body is the Board of Directors composed of five (5) citizens of the Philippines who are of voting age and residents within the district. One member is a representative of civic-oriented service clubs, one member a representative of professional associations, one member a representative of business, commercial, or financial organizations, one member a representative of educational institutions and one member a representative of women’s organizations. (Chapter III, Directors, Section 8 of PD 198). Together, they provide the development direction of the LWD and thus, have the responsibility to steer management accordingly with the District’s vision, mission and goals.

In 2015, VIWAD was re-categorized as LWD “C” with its new organizational set up duly approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Currently, it employs 32 permanent employees and 8 casuals supported by 18 job orders.