Almendras back in MCWD

Local

SEEKING to break the deadlock that has left the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) legally paralyzed for weeks, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has appointed former MCWD chairman Ruben Almendras as the new civic sector representative to the utility’s board of directors.

The appointment, effective December 9, 2025, comes after MCWD failed to submit its list of nominees within the reglementary period required under Presidential Decree (PD) 198, prompting the mayor to exercise his authority as appointing power.

In his letter to MCWD board chairperson Miguelito Pato, Archival said the water district’s inability to transmit the required nominations compelled City Hall to step in to prevent further disruption to public service.

“In view of Metropolitan Cebu Water District’s failure to submit a list of nominees for the civic sector representative… the Office of the Mayor has appointed Mr. Ruben D. Almendras,” Archival wrote.

Almendras will serve until December 31, 2028, unless removed for cause or if he resigns.

His appointment follows mounting pressure on MCWD to restore its quorum. The board has been unable to convene legally after multiple vacancies left only two recognized members—Pato and Jodelyn May Seno—short of the three required for official action under PD 198.

Almendras, 80, is no stranger to the water district, having previously served as director from 1993 to 1995 and chairman from 1995 to 2004, a period marked by significant expansion and infrastructure investment.

With over five decades of experience in finance, banking, utilities management, and civic leadership, his extensive résumé includes key positions such as chairman of Hyundai Motors Cebu from 2005 to 2024, chairman of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management from 2013 to 2016, and president and director of Cebu International Finance Corp. since 1998.

He currently chairs the Dumaguete City Development Bank and held the role of chairman of the Philippine Association of Water Districts in 2004.

Almendras also held senior executive roles at RCBC between 1971 and 1977 and has been an associate editor of The Freeman since 2004. His expertise is further supported by advanced international training in infrastructure economics, project finance, and water resource management, including programs at Harvard University and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

He was nominated by the Rotary Club of Cebu West, which submitted a board resolution, certification of good standing and a sworn statement affirming his civic sector credentials.

MCWD has been unable to pass resolutions, award contracts or approve emergency repairs following Typhoon Tino, which disrupted water supply across Metro Cebu.

The governance paralysis stems from several unresolved board seats.

The civic sector seat has been vacant since Danilo Ortiz resigned, while the professional sector seat was declared invalid after the LWUA voided the appointment of John Rey Saavedra.

Additionally, the education sector seat remains inactive due to director Earl Bonachita’s continued absence from meetings since 2023.

LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga earlier ordered MCWD to initiate formal solicitation processes for the vacant seats, but delays brought the agency to a standstill.

City Hall warned last week that the leadership void was hampering disaster recovery and delaying procurement of materials needed to stabilize water service.(TGP)