PEWUP

Strengthening Water Meter Management Across Cebu Water Districts

From March 10-28, 2026, STE Roel Van Der Aart from Vitens of the Netherlands has completed the Water Meter Management Mission and Workshop conducted in Toledo, Balamban, and Dalaguete Water Districts.

This initiative focused on improving meter accuracy, data reliability, and operational efficiency—key foundations in reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and ensuring sustainable water service delivery.

Key Highlights:
1. Assessment of production and customer metering systems
2. Identification of gaps in meter accuracy, data management, and policy implementation
3. Field validations and technical evaluations
4. Strengthening of water balance and NRW monitoring practices

Major Insights:
1. Reliable metering is essential for financial sustainability and network stability
2. Many systems face challenges such as aging meters, data inconsistencies, and a lack of calibration
3. Improved meter management can significantly reduce water losses and unlock additional supply

Moving Forward:
The water districts are set to implement priority actions, including:
1. Full inventory and validation of meters
2. Adoption of standardized meter management policies
3. Introduction of smart and real-time monitoring systems
4. Strengthened data-driven decision-making

Together, we are taking vital steps toward efficient, reliable, and sustainable water services for our communities.

On March 18, 2026, a successful Steering Committee meeting was held in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental hosted by Ms. Mireia Tutusaus, Regional Project Manager for Asia and Latin America of VEI in the Netherlands. She was joined by Max Paarlberg, Project Trainee from Vitens, Ms. Rodora Gamboa, the new Strategic Advisor of PEWUP–VEI, and representatives from the six (6) focus partner water districts: Bayawan, Ayungon, Carcar, Toledo City, Balamban, and Dalaguete.

The meeting brought together partners to review project progress, especially the Water for Life, discuss ongoing challenges, and map out the next phase of the program, highlighting strong collaboration and a shared commitment to improving water services in local communities.

Key updates included significant achievements in 2025, such as the successful implementation of water access projects, capacity-building initiatives, and innovative solar-powered solutions. Challenges encountered, ranging from natural disruptions to technical and operational constraints, were also carefully addressed, with strategies identified to mitigate their impacts.

Looking ahead, the committee focused on preparations for Phase 3 (2027 onwards), emphasizing strategic planning, efficient resource allocation, and sustained technical support to ensure long-term and sustainable water solutions. To date, 72,264 beneficiaries across focus partner communities continue to benefit from these initiatives.

Together, these efforts reinforce the importance of partnership, innovation, and shared responsibility in building resilient and water-secure communities.

PEWUP joins the PAWD Convention 2026!

From February 24-26, 2026 the Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) 2026 Convention is being held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, Manila with the theme: "Acting Today for a Water-Secure Tomorrow"

Come visit our booth and chat with the PEWUP team!

On February 19, 2026. PEWUP officially launched its Community of Practice (COP) on Pro-Poor at the newly established office building of the Balamban Water District. The event was jointly hosted by the Toledo City Water District (TCWD) and Balamban Water District (BWD), bringing together representatives from Bayawan, Balamban, Carcar, Dalaguete, and Toledo City Water Districts that are committed to inclusive and equitable water service delivery.

The program was co-facilitated by Mr. Mike Lester Carreon and Ms. April Raine Lavides, Pro-poor coordinators, who guided the participants through a day of learning exchanges, reflection, and community immersion.

The COP on Pro-poor builds a collaborative space where partner water districts can share knowledge and best practices that advance inclusive WASH services, especially for low-income communities. The initiative reinforces the principle of “leaving no one behind” in service delivery. COP serves as an avenue to learn from each other’s experiences, celebrating successes, identifying challenges, and exploring strategies that improve the reach and quality of pro-poor services across their districts.

The workshop utilized Appreciative Inquiry, a strengths-focused facilitation approach that encouraged participants to reflect on their significant achievements in pursuing pro-poor initiatives, the values that guided their work, the best practices they developed through experience, and their collective dreams and aspirations for Pro-poor.

Toledo City Water District Pro-People Project Management Team presented their journey in implementing pro-poor water supply projects. The group later conducted a field visit to Barangay Sto. Niño (Mainggit), a community that once relied on a spring source far from homes. The participants witnessed the difficulties residents faced in accessing water while seeing the former spring source the community depended on. The visit presented the impact of the Pro-poor project as it significantly transformed the community through improved access to water and a strong engagement with barangay leaders and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Balamban Water District also shared its resilience story during Typhoon Tino, highlighting the values of solidarity, commitment, dedication, gratitude, and teamwork which guided them through the crisis.

In all, the activity affirmed purpose and appreciation for Pro-poor work. Participants recognized that working with underserved communities demands not only technical expertise but also empathy, patience, and a strong sense of purpose. Despite the challenges, many expressed that pro-poor work is life-giving, offering a profound sense of fulfillment and meaning.