Lapid is new MCWD general manager

Local

LAWYER John DX Lapid has returned to the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) as its general manager, nearly two years after he briefly held the post during a turbulent leadership dispute at the water utility.

Lapid’s appointment follows the resignation of former general manager Edgar Donoso, which came days after the MCWD board elected veteran executive Ruben Almendras as its new chairperson.

The leadership change marks the latest development in the long-running management instability that has affected the region’s main water utility.

Lapid previously served as officer-in-charge (OIC) general manager of MCWD in April 2024 after the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) intervened in the agency’s leadership crisis.

At the time, LWUA temporarily took over the policy-making functions of MCWD for six months starting March 15, 2024, and installed an interim board following the suspension of Donoso.

However, Lapid resigned on April 16, 2024, just four days after assuming the role.

In announcing his resignation then, Lapid said he had been “caught in the crossfire” of the management dispute and felt “mentally tired” amid the intense conflict surrounding the water district’s leadership.

He also cited the toll the situation had taken on his family.

Following his resignation, the LWUA-installed interim board appointed lawyer Joselito Thomas Baena as officer-in-charge general manager.

Lapid’s return to MCWD leadership comes shortly after the utility’s board regained quorum and reorganized its leadership.

Earlier this week, the five-member board elected Almendras as chairperson during a meeting held after long-vacant seats were finally filled.

Almendras replaced Miguelito Pato, who previously chaired the board.

During the same meeting, Earl Bonachita was elected vice chairperson while Mariefel Resma Roble was chosen as board secretary.

Under Presidential Decree 198, the law governing local water districts, the board elects its chairperson from among its members.

The leadership changes follow months of governance challenges that left MCWD unable to conduct official business due to the lack of a quorum.

At least three sitting directors are required for the board to transact business under PD 198.

Quorum was restored earlier this year after the appointment of lawyer-engineer Mariefel Resma Roble as the professional sector representative.

Her appointment was made by Mayor Nestor Archival after delays in the nomination process for the seat.

Archival earlier warned that the prolonged vacancies could jeopardize water service delivery in Metro Cebu, where supply challenges persist.

With the latest appointments, all five seats on the MCWD board are now filled.

The board is composed of Miguelito Pato (business sector), Jodelyn May Seno (women’s sector), Ruben Almendras (civic sector), Mariefel Resma Roble (professional sector), and Earl Bonachita (education sector).(TGP)