THE leadership dispute at the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) remains unresolved as Interim General Manager Fermin Jarales asserts that operations will continue under the Interim Board appointed by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).
Jarales emphasized that the previous Board of Directors, which was set aside, cannot intervene in COWD’s operations as long as the LWUA retains authority over the Interim Board.
“Gapadayon ta sa atong pag discharge sa atong function, wala tay nakita nga buluhaton nga dili mahimo nga sukwahi sa balaod sa Lwua. It’s a normal day for me,” Jarales told Gold Star Daily.
His statement follows the announcement of Assistant General Manager Engr. Edna Najeal, who claims she is now the acting General Manager based on a resolution approved by the previous Board of Directors.
The previous Board appointed Najeal after questioning the validity of LWUA’s authority, arguing that a secretary’s certificate alone was insufficient without a supporting board resolution from LWUA.
“They only presented the secretary’s certificate, but we requested a copy of the board resolution from LWUA, and we haven’t received it,” Najeal said.
She also asserted that the Board of Directors that appointed her had the authority granted by City Mayor Rolando Uy.
Citing Board Resolution No. 131, Series of 2025, Najeal issued directives to COWD employees and notified concerned agencies and banks of her appointment.
“This morning, nag conduct ko ug convocation and I announced their that I am the acting General Manager with approved board resolution number 131 by the board of directors, series of 2025,” said Najeal.
Despite her claims, Jarales rejected Najeal’s appointment.
“Naay legal consequence ana. I will not be recognizing that,” he said.
Meanwhile, a group of individuals attempted to stage a prayer rally outside COWD in protest of the Interim Board and an alleged 40% water rate increase.
However, the rally did not push through due to the lack of a permit.
