By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental provincial government stressed the need for constant dialogue with the Silay City government to resolve concerns over water security in the province, amid the city’s opposition to its P1.1-billion bulk water supply project.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said negotiations with city officials will continue following Silay Mayor Joedith Gallego’s refusal to endorse a Resolution of No Objection for the project.

Gallego earlier raised fears that tapping Silay’s rivers for the bulk water project could compromise the supply needed by local residents and farmers.

Instead, he suggested that the provincial government could source water from the Malogo River.

“We cannot impose our views or priorities on local governments. We’re supposed to be a big brother to them. But, at the same time, we asked for trust because the project was based on national and international studies,” Diaz said.

The bulk water project, anchored in the Provincial Integrated Water Security Plan, aims to secure potable water for Negros Occidental in anticipation of “water stress” by 2030, as projected by the Philippine Water Supply and Sanitation Master Plan.

Diaz emphasized that the Imbang River, one of the project’s sources, has a water capacity of about 400 million liters per day (MLD).

The province is seeking only 24 MLD, while the Silay City Water District has also expressed interest in availing at least five MLD to address its own shortage.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson also clarified that aside from Silay, the project is designed to supply water to Talisay City, E.B. Magalona and capital Bacolod City at P14 per MLD.

Asked if politics is influencing Silay’s resistance, Diaz maintained that “water is beyond politics.”

Lacson did not endorse Gallego in the May 2025 elections.

Despite the differences, Diaz remained optimistic.

“I hope through constant dialogue, we can come up with a good solution sooner or later,” he said./CJ, WDJ