Kidapawan City – In a move to elevate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capabilities in the water utility sector, the Metro Kidapawan Water District – Regional Training Center (MKWD-RTC), in coordination with the Southern and Central Mindanao Water Information Council (SOCEMWIC), successfully conducted its first invitational training-workshop on Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) from August 26 to 28, 2025, at Sudapin Coffee Hotel, Brgy. Sudapin, Kidapawan City.
The three-day training, attended by 63 participants from 27 local water districts (LWDs) under SOCEMWIC, focused on strengthening the ICT planning and management capacities of LWDs through the crafting of their own Information Systems Strategic Plans. The program marks a milestone for MKWD having one of the RTCs nationwide that is accredited by LWUA and notably the first and only RTC in Region 12.
The workshop was led by Dr. Grace T. Amberong, a highly respected IT consultant with over 25 years of experience in the field. Dr. Amberong is a Career Executive Service (CES) eligible professional and a former OIC-Director of the ICT Department at the Securities and Exchange Commission. Her guidance provided participants with in-depth insights into information system strategies essential to the digital transformation of local water districts.
During the course of the training, participants engaged in a comprehensive series of sessions that tackled e-Government ICT frameworks, organizational profiling, ICT project conceptualization, and investment planning. The culmination of the training saw each water district group presenting their drafted ISSPs, followed by an open forum for knowledge exchange and feedback.
This training also served as a take off point for MKWD-RTC, whose organizational structure was formally approved on July 29, 2025, through MKWD Board Resolution No. 073, and later validated through a rigorous accreditation process conducted by LWUA’s Technical Assistance Department on July 30–31.
The establishment of the Regional Training Center was a realization of the vision of MKWD General Manager Atty. William M. Angos, whose proactive leadership accelerated the RTC’s accreditation by actively coordinating with LWUA to secure the center’s recognition. On the other hand, Training Director Jabines’ prior experience as Training Director of the Davao City Water District RTC along with the network she developed also contributed to mobilizing the support and securing the necessary documentation to meet LWUA’s requirements.
“We’re not here to compete with other RTCs,” Jabines clarified. “Our purpose is to support LWUA’s mission by building capacities and providing learning interventions especially among nearby water district through relevant, accessible, and high-quality training.”
Prior to the main event, MKWD-RTC also conducted a Gender Sensitivity Training on July 30, part of its pre-launch activities aimed at promoting inclusivity and deeper awareness of gender dynamics within the water service sector.
Initiatives like the ISSP training reflect a growing momentum across the country for digital innovation, ensuring that local utilities are equipped to respond to modern-day challenges with strategic, technology-based solutions.
With the successful conduct of its pre-inauguration and first training, and accreditation firmly secured, MKWD-RTC is poised to become a key regional center for capacity development ensuring that local water districts are not only operationally sound but ready to meet the evolving demands of public service. – jbo/PRU
For inquiries, please contact:
Metro Kidapawan Water District – Regional Training Center (MKWD-RTC)
Brgy. Manongol, Kidapawan City
