A community partner of the west zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. has been recently recognized by Go Negosyo as one of 2018's inspiring Filipina entrepreneurs.
The water concessionaire said it was no less than President Rodrigo Duterte, along with Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, who gave special recognition to Lydia Codiñera, president of the Samahang Tubig Maynilad, and 19 others.
Under the micro business category, Codiñera was awarded for pioneering the STM community in Tondo, Manila, which enabled some 1,000 urban poor residents to have water access and eventually establish a thriving business where Tondo mothers produce and sell home care products called “Kapwa."
“Our warmest congratulations go out to Aling Lydia, whose iron resolve and kind heart helped Maynilad to rally the urban poor of Tondo and establish a community water system. Aling Lydia’s accomplishment is proof that marginalized communities, if given the necessary support, can learn to help themselves and be a positive force for society,” Maynilad president and chief executive officer Ramoncito Fernandez said.
Maynilad launched STM in 2009 to provide informal settlers and low-income families in its concession area with safe, affordable water.