By CESAR JOLITO III
The Negros Occidental provincial government has decided not to pursue sourcing supply from the rivers of Silay City for the proposed P1.1 billion bulk water project after the Silay City council denied Capitol’s request for a Resolution of No Objection (RONO), which was triggered by strong opposition from local barangays.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday that the project, which aimed to source water from the Imbang and Hinalinan Rivers in Silay, will be discontinued at the current sites.
“We will just outright stop the project as far as that water source in Silay is concerned,” Lacson said.
The provincial government is now reviewing smaller-scale projects or other water sources, though planning remains preliminary.
Lacson said the Capitol will find ways to increase water supply in the province, but “no hard feelings” despite Silay’s disapproval.
“Maybe they feel that it will be to their advantage,” Lacson added, saying that the province respects Silay’s decision and will not reconsider the current site.
Despite the setback, Lacson emphasized cooperation with Silay officials moving forward.
“We explained that Silay would benefit from the project, but after multiple public hearings, they remained unconvinced,” he said.
Coordination with the E.B. Magalona municipal government will also be necessary if the Malogo River option is pursued.
Disapproved
The move follows resolutions passed by Barangays Bagtic and Guimbalaon earlier this month.
Bagtic’s resolution cited fears of water shortages, displacement and environmental risks, while Guimbalaon’s measure raised concerns over potential privatization and higher water rates.
Earlier, Silay Vice Mayor Thomas Maynard Ledesma and the Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously disapproved the project, denying the province the required RONO.
Ledesma said the decision reflects both barangay opposition and the mayor’s preference to source water from the Malogo River instead.
“Silay City Mayor Joedith Gallego believes the Hinalinan River cannot sustain supply based on local studies and experience,” Ledesma said.
He added that the council’s resolution includes a provision allowing the province to submit future applications using alternative rivers, such as the Malogo River, which forms part of Silay’s boundary with E.B. Magalona.
Silay City’s decision was formalized through Resolution No. 26-055 (A), which disapproved the province’s request for RONO for the project.
Citing the resolution, he said the city’s evaluation considered environmental, social and economic impacts, including:
* Insufficient clarity on final project details, particularly on pricing, distribution and host-community benefits.
* Material concerns over environmental sustainability, watershed protection and long-term water resource impacts.
* Lack of full interagency technical alignment with local offices.
* Documented opposition from directly affected stakeholders, including farmers’ associations submitting over 400 signatures against the project.
* The availability of local water systems and expansion plans that offer viable alternatives are not fully explored in the provincial proposal.
The resolution also noted that no prior formal approval or documented acceptance from affected communities had been secured before the province’s RONO request.
This prompted the city council to formally consult barangays and weigh their official positions before acting.
The provincial government has previously warned that Negros Occidental could face a water crisis by 2030 if supply needs are not addressed.
Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II cited concerns over unreliable and contaminated underground sources, which have contributed to waterborne diseases in the region./CJ, WDJ