This year started with a loss for the GTZ -DILG WatSan Program. In February, Ulrike Lipkow left after more than five years with the Program. In a moving event in Dumaguete, NegOr Vice Gov. Jose “Petit” Baldado sang a farewell song for Ulrike, who was celebrated by many friends. Guests had come from far and wide, among them were colleagues from DED and GTZ, from national and provincial partner agencies, personal and professional friends. Ulrike, who had been successfully surprised, surely had a farewell to remember. Thanks to all participants, especially those who danced, performed and presented their shared memories. Ulrike starts her new position with CIM supporting the South East Asian Water Utilities Network in Hanoi, VietNam in May.
In March, Claudia Wölk left her desk in DILG, heeding a call from BMZ who were searching for an Adviser for Water and Energy in Near and Middle East. Claudia had headed the Program’s national sanitation component as well as successfully managed the Raw Water Pricing Project with NWRB. Naturally, NWRB Director Ramon Alikpala came to see her off, joining a surprise lunch attended by colleagues from GTZ, CIM, DILG and personal friends. She was also given a farewell toast by the fellow GTZ-AVs the day before she left.
Luckily, their departure does not mean our work with the partners ends here. The program keeps on working in the Provinces of Negros and Bohol, where the numerous activities will be coordinated by Bernard Agawin and Vince Delector, Jr.
