In the aim of improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of the operations at Santa Maria Water District (SMWD), an in-house seminar titled “Technical Operation & Maintenance and Water Leakage Detection & Control” was held from October 15 to 17, 2024. As part of this improvement, the Human Resource invited Engr. Ramon L. Dela Torre as the subject matter expert, a Civil Engineer and a Water Supply Specialist.
The in-house seminar was conducted to formally educate the employees on the operations of SMWD waterworks systems in relation to meeting the concessionaires’ growing needs for safe drinking water and sanitation. The SMWD Human Resource Section previously organized similar seminars in 2015 and 2020, and this session was specifically designed for the newly hired personnel.
On October 15, Engr. Carlos N. Santos, Jr., the General Manager, graced the start of the seminar by giving an impactful welcoming remark. In total, there were 39 participants, including Senior Engineers and Field Personnel from Operations Department, and some from the Commercial Department of SMWD.
The first part of the seminar focused on the discussion of water systems in a public utility aspect. The speaker also highlighted the prerequisites to properly and effectively operate a water utility. While the latter part of the seminar focused on the introduction of IWA International’s best approaches for water audit or balance calculations.
While on October 16, Engr. Angelo A. Reyes, a Senior Engineer from the Construction and Maintenance Division, visited the seminar as a guest speaker to add insights about the Basic Construction Ethics and Safety Measures. The discussions on the continuation of the seminar module resumed on October 17, and was closed by Ms. Mary Diana S. Dela Cruz with a motivating message to the speaker and the participants in general.
By the end of the seminar, participants were equipped with a deeper understanding of operational techniques and strategies for managing water leakage. Certainly, this seminar contributed to improve service delivery and resource management of Santa Maria Water District.
Written by:
Jon Mar Cruz
