The Oroquieta City Water District (OCWD) is a local corporate entity that operates and maintains a water supply system in Oroquieta City and neighboring municipalities. It was created upon de-annexation from Misamis Occidental Water District (MOWD) by virtue of Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 2009-08-537 and is classified as a government-owned and/or controlled corporation or GOCC.
Please be mindful of the “and/or” because contextually, OCWD is NOT a government-owned but rather a government-controlled corporation. Controlled in the sense that local water districts (LWD), being a public utility, should be supervised to ensure delivery of service. The supervision of Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and Civil Service Commission (CSC); guarantee that all operations and procedure of OCWD are within the government guidelines.
OCWD is DIFFERENT from government-owned and controlled corporations (i.e. GSIS, SSS, NAPOCOR) because it does not receive any government "subsidies" to cover the day-to-day operations nor have “program funds” when revenues are insufficient. Unlike other GOCCs, the national and/or local government have no capital infusions or investments with OCWD hence they cannot benefit from each other.
This means that OCWD is an autonomous agency INDEPENDENT of local governments. It is subject to provisions of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 198, as amended and not under the jurisdiction of any political subdivision. That said, OCWD is operating without the least hindrance and interference from the local officials but with maximum support and assistance. We therefore advise the public to address any concerns directly to our office to properly resolve any inquiries or complaints. Our Customer Service Section will be happy to serve you.
(References: Section 6 of PD 198, DILG Memorandum Circular No. 88-15 dated 01 March 1988, DILG Memorandum Circular No. 87-78 dated April 14, 1997, DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2005-21 dated March 4, 2005, and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2016-146 dated October 18, 2016).
