By CESAR JOLITO III
Molocaboc Island in Negros Occidental’s Sagay City has been selected as the pilot site for the proposed P8.5-million desalination project aimed at addressing chronic freshwater shortages in island communities.
The initiative will be led by the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) in coordination with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) under the Department of Agriculture.
Project implementation is expected within two years.
Under the proposal, a desalination facility with a production area of about 300 to 500 square meters will be constructed, marking the first pilot project of its kind in the country.
Aside from producing potable drinking water for residents, the facility will also generate rock salt as a secondary output, which may be developed into an alternative livelihood for the local community.
A technical team from NFRDI and BFAR paid a courtesy visit to the Sagay City government on February 24 to formally present the project and conduct an initial assessment.
The team met with Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva at the City Government Center, along with City Agriculturist Julie Delima.
Representatives from BFAR in the Negros Island Region also took part in the discussion.
Project proponents said Molocaboc Island was chosen due to the presence of organized local associations, which is seen as vital for community participation and effective implementation.
The Sagay City local government is expected to provide counterpart support, including electricity connection, water system construction, and other basic utilities.
Cueva expressed support for fast-tracking the project, noting its potential long-term impact on water security and livelihoods, especially following the island’s electrification late last year.
After the meeting, the technical team proceeded to Molocaboc Island for site validation and assessment with local officials and city engineers.
Once completed, the desalination facility is expected to serve as a model that could be replicated in other coastal and island communities nationwide./CJ, WDJ