By CESAR JOLITO III
The Negros Occidental provincial government has once again appeared before the Silay City council to push for the approval of its landmark bulk water supply project, a multi-billion-peso initiative meant to secure the province’s long-term water supply amid mounting threats of scarcity.
Led by provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, the provincial government presented detailed updates and clarifications to Silay City officials, local stakeholders and residents of Barangay Guimbalaon — site of the proposed intake facility along the Imbang-Hinalinan River.
The session marked the third appearance of the project proponents before the Sangguniang Panlungsod as the province seeks a Resolution of No Objection from Silay, a prerequisite before construction can proceed.
In his presentation, Diaz underscored the urgency of the project, citing findings from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that predict a potential water crisis in Negros Occidental by 2030 if no large-scale intervention is made.
“We are here as partners and as concerned Negrenses,” Diaz told the council.
“Our groundwater is unreliable and in some areas already contaminated. This project is designed to provide clean, safe and stable water to households and communities across the province,” he added.
The provincial government maintained that the project is a “collaborative solution” rather than an imposition, assuring Silay leaders that the province remains open to refining plans based on community feedback.
“This is not about taking water from Silay — it’s about strengthening our shared future,” Diaz said.
“We want a province where no family or farmer will have to worry about running out of clean water,” he added.
Concerns from local stakeholders
Despite assurances, some residents and farmers from Barangay Guimbalaon raised concerns about potential water depletion during dry seasons, fearing the project could affect irrigation and community water sources.
Diaz addressed the issue, explaining that the design includes a weir structure to collect and regulate water flow without disrupting downstream supply.
“The weir will elevate water levels to improve storage while allowing the river to flow naturally,” he said.
“We are mandated under our Environmental Compliance Certificate to reforest and protect the watershed, ensuring the river’s health and sustainability,” the provincial administrator explained.
He also emphasized that the National Water Resources Board had certified sufficient surface water availability, noting that much of it currently “flows unused to the sea.”
Backed by feasibility studies from the Asian Development Bank and hydrologic research from USAID, the first phase of the bulk water project will draw from the Imbang-Hinalinan River, supplying the cities of Bacolod, Talisay and Silay.
Once operational, it will deliver up to five million liters of potable water daily to Silay City alone, benefiting around 50,000 residents through the Silay City Water District.
The second phase is planned to extend supply to Victorias City, as well as the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Manapla, using the Malogo River as an additional source./CJ, WDJ