The Dagupan City Water District (DCWD) traces its origins to a time when it was known as the Dagupan Waterworks and Sewerage Administration (DAWASA)—a city-managed entity operating from offices located at the rear of the Dagupan City Hall. Established to oversee the city’s water supply system, DAWASA initially operated with only twelve (12) turbine pumps and provided water service primarily to the downtown area.
A significant institutional transformation took place in 1987, when DAWASA evolved into the Dagupan City Water District (DCWD) pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 198, which authorized local government units to establish autonomous water districts. This transition marked the beginning of improved governance, operational autonomy, and long-term planning for the city’s water utility.
DCWD formally commenced operations on July 28, 1987, under the leadership of Engineer Silverio C. Coquia, operating from a modest facility beside the city’s main water tank—fondly referred to as the “tangke.” From these humble beginnings, the District steadily expanded its infrastructure and service coverage. In 1992, DCWD attained the status of a Government-Owned and/or Controlled Corporation (GOCC). Its growth, however, was tested by major challenges, most notably the 1990 Luzon earthquake, which caused widespread damage to water facilities.
The appointment of Ramon C. Reyna as General Manager during this critical period marked a turning point for the District. By 1994, DCWD successfully rehabilitated and expanded its water system, including the construction of a 2,450-cubic-meter ground reservoir and the development of three (3) new deep wells with a combined capacity of 25 to 30 liters per second (lps). Pipeline networks expanded to 28,512 lineal meters, with diameters ranging from 50 to 600 millimeters. This era signaled the beginning of sustained reform and development, as DCWD recorded an average annual increase of 15–20% in both concessionaires and pump output. It was also during this period that the peak-hour pump house and the 2,500-cubic-meter water reservoir commenced operations. By 1999, DCWD operated 15 deep wells, and all turbine pumps had been replaced with modern submersible pumps and motors.
Following the retirement of General Manager Reyna in 2013, Adelfo B. Valle assumed leadership and continued a series of expansion and system improvement initiatives. In 2020, Rizaldy T. Mandap succeeded him and steered the District through the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, while ensuring the continuity of improvement projects and essential water services.
A major institutional milestone occurred on December 16, 2020, when DCWD entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with Pamana Water Corporation (PAMANA). Under this partnership, the financing, development, rehabilitation, expansion, operation, and maintenance of the water distribution system were delegated to PAMANA, while DCWD retained its regulatory, policy-setting, monitoring, and governance functions.
On July 10, 2024, Gretchen G. Buena was appointed as the first female General Manager of DCWD, ushering in a renewed focus on organizational strengthening, governance reforms, and sustainability. Under her leadership, DCWD has implemented significant workforce-centered initiatives, including enhancements in employee benefits and compensation through promotions, the intensification of awards and incentive systems, and the institutionalization of coaching and mentoring programs to foster professional growth and performance excellence.
The current management has also achieved notable gains in governance and financial management, including the reduction of Audit Observation Memoranda (AOMs) issued by the Commission on Audit (COA), the elimination of disallowances, and the conduct of proper disposal of unserviceable materials. DCWD has maintained strict compliance with the requirements and reporting obligations of regulatory bodies such as the CSC, COA, DBM, and LWUA, while actively participating in the performance review and monitoring of the Joint Venture, ensuring PAMANA’s compliance with service obligations and operational targets.
Financial sustainability remains a priority, with DCWD recording an increase in income to address rising operational needs and expenses. Customer service and relations have likewise been strengthened through the validation of customer complaints addressed by PAMANA, the conduct of independent customer satisfaction surveys covering JVA operations and services, and the enhancement of DCWD’s own customer assistance mechanisms.
Looking ahead, the current management is proactively exploring other income-generating ventures aligned with water supply and wastewater management, outside the scope of the JVA, to ensure the long-term financial viability and sustainability of the Dagupan City Water District.
