Cebu City Mayor Appoints Dual-Qualified Professional to Water District Board
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has taken decisive action to fill a critical vacancy on the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) Board of Directors. The mayor has officially appointed lawyer and licensed engineer Mariefel Resma Roble to represent the professional sector, aiming to strengthen the board's capacity to deliver reliable water services to the community.
Timely Appointment to Prevent Service Delays
Roble's term commenced on January 12, 2026, and is scheduled to continue through December 31, 2030. She assumes the position previously occupied by lawyer John Rey Saavedra, who represented the professional sector. This appointment follows a period of vacancy that began after the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) declared the seat open on November 4, 2025, and instructed the MCWD to initiate the search for a replacement.
In a letter obtained by SunStar Cebu, Mayor Archival explained his direct intervention was necessary to avoid potential disruptions in essential public services. The MCWD had failed to commence the nomination process within the legally mandated timeframe outlined in Presidential Decree 198. Despite a follow-up communication sent by the mayor on December 3, 2025, the water district did not take action. To ensure legal compliance and maintain the board's operational continuity, the City Government proceeded with Roble's appointment.
Roble's Unique Qualifications and Board Responsibilities
Mariefel Resma Roble brings a distinctive combination of legal and engineering expertise to the MCWD Board. Her nomination was formally endorsed by the Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (IECEP) through an official board resolution. This dual qualification positions her to contribute significantly to the board's critical decision-making processes.
The MCWD Board holds substantial authority over water management in Cebu, with responsibilities that directly impact daily life. These include:
- Establishing regulations for water supply distribution and billing systems.
- Approving annual budgets and overseeing major infrastructure development projects.
- Monitoring water loss rates and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
- Appointing the General Manager who oversees the district's day-to-day operations.
Current Board Composition and Future Implications
With Roble's appointment, four of the five seats on the MCWD Board are now occupied. The current board members represent various community sectors:
- Business Sector: Miguelito Pato
- Women Sector: Jodelyn May Seno
- Civic Sector: Ruben Almendras
- Professional Sector: Mariefel Resma Roble
The seat representing the education or religious sector remains vacant at this time. This strategic appointment represents a significant advancement in maintaining effective water governance for Cebu City. By installing a professional with both legal and technical credentials, the city ensures the board possesses the comprehensive expertise required to address the complex challenges of providing clean, dependable water to thousands of households and businesses throughout the metropolitan area.
