Who We Are
Formerly called the Hydrological Research and Training Unit (HRTU) of the University of San Carlos, the Water Resources Center (WRC) has grown to become Cebu’s leading consulting Center in hydrology, geo-hydrology and water resources planning, engineering and management.
WRC is a development unit of USC. The Center started in 1975 when a Dutch priest and physicist, Fr. Herman van Engelen, SVD, grew concern over increasing reports of freshwater wells in the downtown Cebu area gradually becoming salty. This concern and passion for answers brought Fr. Engelen to seek out professional assistance locally and abroad. He touched base then with one of the hydrology professors of the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.
The events that followed were providential but not laid on a silver platter. Difficulties were not few, yet inspiring milestones are too outstanding to escape the minds of many. Fr. Engelen’s efforts pooled together the basic expertise and the workforce that was motivated by a common passion for knowledge to help improve the water supply situation of Cebu. A solid amount of baseline data was collected. Foundational analyses and interpretations were formulated. Indeed, the initial works led to some answers which, however, brought even more and more questions. The task was bigger than anyone could have imagined! And so has been WRC’s determination to seek for answers.
50 Years of Advancing Water Sustainability
Our Vision
USCWRCFI is a sustainable, credible and competent water consulting firm so that water resources in the Philippines become accessible, reliable and sustainable to the community, government units and businesses.
Our Mission
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Provide accurate, reliable and long term series of hydrological data and expertise that can be used in the development, management and utilization of water resources.
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Strengthen partnerships and linkages in water-related issues and science-based research, development and extension services.
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Disseminate information and raise community awareness on water issues and conservation.
Our Goals
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Maintain effective collaboration, partnerships, and cooperation with stakeholders like USC, HNU and other HEIs, LGUs, NGOs, business and industry.
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Provide immediate and concrete solutions to the existing problems of communities through reports and data series analysis concerning the risks and benefits of water resources.
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Educate communities through training for water system maintenance and services and water system organizational formation.
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Conduct trainings and workshops for water professionals in the Philippines.
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Provide continuing professional education among all WRC experts.
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Strive for professional excellence and continuous quality improvement.
Over the Years
A Legacy of Protecting and Preserving Our Most Precious Resource
1975
HRTU Founded
Hydrological Research and Training Unit (HRTU) started with Dr. Fr. Herman van Engelen with a Mission of spreading the word through the science of water. The first groundwater salinity study for Cebu City and Mandaue for 5000 wells was funded by NEDA.
1976
NUFFIC funded graduate training for hydrology, hydrogeology, water supply, and sanitary engineering
1978-2020
Hydrometric network was established with MCWD
1979
HRTU renamed WRC
Hydrological Research and Training Unit (HRTU) renamed to Water Resource Center (WRC)
1980-1984
Level 1 rural water supply were developed for the entire Cebu resulting to a total of 400 wells and rainwater systems.
1982-1983
Drainage feasibility studies for Metro Cebu, Dumaguete, and Tagbilaran were conducted through a World Bank fund.
1986-1988
Pilot Water Information Center for Region 7
WRC became the Pilot Water Information Center for Region 7, facilitating access to hydrological data for local water users with support from a USAID grant.
1989-1990
Well inventory was conducted for Cebu province & Islands
1995-2022
Partnership was established with the Municipality of Maria, Siquijor to conduct hydrologic monitoring.
1998-2000
Water Resources & Socio-economic Profiling funded by DENR was conducted for the four protected areas in Cebu island.
2003-2006
WaterRemind Project
The WaterRemind Project was conducted to create the Water Resources Management Action Plan for Central Cebu ( 2005 — 2030 ) which was funded by the Royal Netherlands Embassy
2018 - 2019
Water Resources Study and Development was conducted for the Siquijor Island.
1995 - 2019
Municipal level III piped water supply systems were designed for local government units in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar.
1980 - present
Salinity & GWL Monitoring in cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay has been conducted and reported for public knowledge and action.