Water Resources Center celebrates 40 years of water eng’g in practice

The University of San Carlos-Water Resources Center Foundation Inc. (USC-WRCFI) celebrates its 40th anniversary as one of the leading water consulting centers for sustainable water in Central Visayas and the Philippines.

Four decades of water engineering in practice magnify a milestone of more than 1,000 water projects in the Philippines and over 50 various domestic and international linkages.

Formerly called the Hydrological Research and Training Unit (HRTU) of USC, the Water Resources Center began in 1975 when Fr. Herman van Engelen, a Dutch priest and physicist, grew concern over the increasing reports of freshwater wells in the downtown Cebu City area gradually becoming salty. This concern and passion for answers brought Fr. Engelen to seek out professional assistance locally and abroad.

In this three-month long anniversary celebration, the USC-WRCFI, in cooperation with Student Organizations, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers–USC Student Chapter and Civil Engineering Council promote camaraderie among other sectors to showcase intellect, creativity and positive reception.

In August, a film showing and quiz bowl competition were held at the Rigney Hall of Bunzel building, USC-Talamban campus for both high school and college students. In the same month, the USC students were also invited to participate in the poster making contest with the theme “Conserve Water, Serve the Future.”

In September, a ribbon cutting ceremony opened the week-long exhibit of participating posters and decadal milestones of the foundation. This highlighted the judging of the poster making contest in the lobby of the Bunzel building.

Last October 13, engineering students engaged in a lecture on hydropower development in the Philippines with the resource speaker, Engr. Ed Walag. On the next day, October 14, the culminating activity was celebrated in the evening with Holy Mass, dinner and the awarding for 30 years of service to Engr. Ma. Nenita Jumao-as.

The USC-WRCFI recognizes the support of various individuals, private and government institutions for the success of the celebration. These include Josephine Booth, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., Metropolitan Cebu Water District, Meadowlands Development Corporation, Pilipinas Water Resources Inc., Rio Verde Water Corporation, China Bank, Unihydro Inc., MRO Development Corporation, Abejo Waters Corporation, Abesamis Construction and Drilling Corporation and San Jose Supplies, Inc.