Just like any other organization the Local Water Utilities Administration, commonly known as LWUA, also has vast and deep history especially when it comes to its leaders.
The campaign started with the so-called Formative Years. It took place when Carlos C. Leaño started as a General Manager in 1973 and ended in 1986. It is safe to say that the institution was founded during these years but the concept of being a newbie does not apply to this organization as the new ideas for improving water quality were developed during this time.
Porthos P. Alma Jose served as the first Administrator for two years and two months. He prioritized social commitment and responsibility. Rafael T. Apostol succeeded him and served more rural and smaller communities during his five-month tenure as Officer-in-Charge. The third leader during this period was Ricardo T. Quebral who was Administrator for more than two years, substantially increasing the number of WDs in his time.
Armando C. Lizaso worked as Acting Administrator from April 1989 to July 1991 before becoming an Administrator in September 1991-March 1992. He led the granting of financial assistance amounting to P2.269 billion.
Antonio R. De Vera (1992-1998) emphasized various ways to strengthen the finances of the institution. The agency prioritized water system rehabilitation and reconstruction, especially in Luzon areas.
“Lingap Para sa Mahihirap” was initiated during Prudencio M. Reyes Jr.’s administration intended for the people under the poverty line. On the other hand, the “Buhay KYUT” program in 2001, which stands for Kalusugang Yaman Ugnay sa Tubig was initiated under the direction of Jose F. Mabanta, Jr. The project, adopted today, is intended for children and women to teach them about health, hygiene, and water conservation.
Administrators Lorenzo H. Jamora and Orlando C. Hondrade led the so-called “Viability for Sustained Service” period from 2001 to 2010. During the time of Jamora, the agency achieved various notable achievements while Hondrade contributed to the Water Act of 2004.
From 2010 to 2017, Daniel I. Landingin, Salvador C. Ner, and Eduardo C. Santos focused their efforts on corporate governance with accountability in water service.
Empowering Filipinos through safe water supply was the goal of Jeci A. Lapus as Acting Administrator during his term from August 2017 to July 2021. He prioritized universal access to water, sanitation, and sewerage management.
Guiling “Gene” A. Mamondiong served as administrator from August 2021 to March 2022 with the purpose of providing safe, clean, and affordable water for every Filipino. His goal for LWUA was to form at least 1,600 water districts in the next nine years.
