MCWD hosts 36th convention of country’s water districts
THE Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) hosted the 36th Philippine Association of Water Districts (PAWD) annual convention last Feb. 3 to 5 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.
At least 1,500 delegates from the more than 500 water districts in the country gathered for the annual event. There were also more than 70 international and local companies that joined the two-day exhibit.
With this year’s theme, “Acting Now Towards the Future of Local Water Districts,” the gathering gave emphasis on the crucial role of local water districts (LWDs) in making sure that Filipinos in the countryside have access to safe water supply and sanitation facilities.
In a press conference, Arturo Villasan, PAWD spokesman, revealed that the bill exempting water districts from paying income taxes and condoning previous assessments issued by the Bureau of In- ternal Revenue was passed by the Lower House and is scheduled for second reading in the Senate.
The bill in Congress is sponsored by Rep. Romero Quimbo (second district, Marikina City) while the Senate version is authored by Senators Juan Edgardo Angara and Ralph Recto.
Villasan explained that six years ago, Congress passed a law exempting water districts from paying income taxes but there were conditions set before tax dues could be condoned.
The recent bill will remove all tax dues without any conditions.
The awarding and closing ceremonies, which highlighted the giving of awards to general managers and board of directors who have served their respective water districts from 10 years up to 40 years, capped the three-day event.
Rep. Quimbo was the guest speaker of the program.