DATE: APRIL 3–4, 2025

General Managers from 20 water districts across the Southern Tagalog Region gathered at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo City for the STAWD Leadership Training, Strategic Planning, and Team Building—a two-day program aimed at sharpening leadership skills, strengthening regional collaboration, and setting a clear, united direction for the year ahead.

As the STAWD Secretary, General Manager Edith Joyce Sagaral-Geba attended this event which featured a dynamic mix of leadership workshops, strategy sessions, and team-building activities designed to help participants reconnect with their purpose, enhance inter-district cooperation, and explore innovative ways to deliver better services to their communities. Attendees included General Managers from water districts in Calamba, Quezon Metro, Siniloan, Alitagtag, General Mariano Alvarez (GMA), Lobo, Candelaria, Alaminos, Infanta, San Pablo City, San Pedro, Lian, Tanauan, Amadeo, Dasmariñas, Calauag, Tiaong, Gumaca, and Carmona and of course, San Juan represented both seasoned and rising leaders in the sector.

The program kicked off with a “Getting to Know the Officers” session, providing a relaxed and open space to build camaraderie, break down silos, and foster a spirit of collaboration. This was followed by intensive sessions on transformational leadership, navigating uncertainty, and leading innovation in public service. A key highlight was the strategic planning session, where GMs identified shared priorities and explored ways to work together on pressing challenges such as non-revenue water reduction, infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and climate resilience.

STAWD President GM Mary Ann Alvarez underscored the deeper purpose of the gathering, saying:
“This isn’t just about developing skills—it’s about recommitting ourselves to lead with integrity, to collaborate boldly, and to serve our communities with excellence.” As the event wrapped up, participants left with not only fresh insights and strategic clarity but also a stronger sense of unity—ready to return to their respective districts more inspired, more capable, and more connected than ever before.