Daluz is new chair of MCWD Board

CEBU, Philippines — Three of the five newly-appointed members of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) Board took their oath yesterday to formally assume their post.

Former Cebu City councilor Jose Daluz III, lawyer Francisco “Frank” Malilong Jr., and Miguelito “Mike” Pato are now officially declared members of the MCWD board of directors after their appointments were confirmed by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).

"I have made a very bold decision. It was not easy for me to fire the MCWD board, but I had to do it because I felt that there was a need for a drastic change. Otherwise, the status quo would continue," Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said after swearing in his new appointees into office.

Immediately after taking their oath of office, the new members of the board elected Daluz as the new chairman with Malilong as vice-chairman. Pato is also the MCWD Board’s new secretary.

Daluz promised to do his best to improve the water district’s service.

"I will not fail you," Daluz assured Labella.

The new MCWD chairman thanked the mayor for his trust. Daluz addressed the great responsibility being bestowed upon the new members of MCWD Board and accepted the challenge in providing a solution to the water crisis.

The remaining two members who are yet to take their oath are former Cebu City mayor Alvin Garcia and lawyer Manolette Dinsay.

In his turnover speech, Atty. Roberto San Andres, chairman of the interim board, said the remaining two still need to be evaluated.

"Talagang matindi ang bubunuin ng regular board. Nasa kanilang mga kamay po talaga," said San Andres.

On January 6, Labella appointed the new members of the MCWD Board after firing all previous members because of alleged failure to solve the water crisis in Metro Cebu. (FREEMAN)