GM Walter J. Laurel recently represented the PPCWD as one of the panel reactors in the session “Embracing Digital Transformation of Water Districts” during the 46th PAWD National Convention held in Bacolod City.
GM Abraham J. de Dios Jr. from Victorias City WD moderated the session, and the session featured keynote speaker Hon. Jocelle E. Bata-Sigue, Undersecretary for ICT Industry Development, who underscored the importance of technological advancements in water districts, taking the lead in digital transformation to enhance effective operations and customer service. GM Ruel D. Tabada of Dipolog City WD and John Januszczak, CEO and President of UBX Philippines, joined GM Laurel as panel of reactors.
PPCWD has implemented digital solutions in streamlining work transactions and processes, optimizing operations, and enhancing consumer experience. This includes automated billing systems with integrated GIS-based mapping for consumers, pipeline network, and stubout locations, SCADA system for water treatment operations, in-house developed software systems, a mobile application, and others; all of which contributed to improved efficiency and service delivery.
The MIS
The Management Information Systems (MIS) Section was established upon GM Laurel’s assumption of the position. GM Laurel envisioned the trajectory of the agency’s transition into the digital era. This includes in-house developed systems for human resources, inventory management, fuel management, and automated billing and collection system.
The Advanced Billing and Collection Utility System (ABACUS) has been at the forefront of PPCWD’s innovation in the digitalization of the billing and collection system. The in-house developed system has served its purpose in streamlining the overall operations of customer service in the agency, eliminating the tedious manual process in worksheets and collection, linking all water accounts in one software system.
Integrating with ABACUS is the Electronic Billing System, allowing consumers to receive their water bills through their email.
The ABACUS has improved over the years, with integrated GIS-based mapping, the location of stubouts and connections can be easily identified in providing emergency repairs, such as leaks and maintenance, in our operations.
Support to other Local Water Districts
The PPCWD continues to support the transition to digitalization by providing free software to developing water districts in the transition of digitalization in our industry. The PPCWD initiated the Migration to the Automated Billing and Collection System (MACS) workshop that started last 2023, and was made to assist Southern Tagalog Water Districts and neighboring water districts inside Palawan.
The MACS has successfully catered to more than ten (10) water districts in the first batch of the MACS workshop, and has since deployed the billing and collection system with interested agencies.
Paperless Billing
PPCWD has launched paperless billing this April 2025. Consumers can now receive their water bills through text message, email, and through our in-house developed PPCWD mobile application, all of which are integrated to the ABACUS.
Read more about the FAQs of paperless billing: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18jtgcUv22/
PPCWD currently aims to improve existing digital services such as the PPCWD mobile application, targets to enhance real-time updates, consumption history, and other features, and other enhancements on the in-house developed information systems, becoming a beacon and forefront of digitalization among water districts.
