By CESAR JOLITO III

A public hearing on the proposed Negros Bulk Water Supply Imbang Watershed – Hinalinan River Project is scheduled on Monday, April 27, in Negros Occidental’s Silay City, as stakeholders continue to weigh in on its potential environmental and social impacts.

The hearing, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau in the Negros Island Region (DENR-EMB NIR), will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the covered court of Barangay Guimbalaon.

The activity aims to gather input from all concerned parties, including project proponents, government agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders, particularly on issues related to the project’s environmental impact.

The consultation forms part of the process for securing an Environmental Compliance Certificate, a key requirement before the project can proceed.

Despite opposition from the Silay City council, which earlier declined to issue a resolution of no objection, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government remains committed to advancing the project.

Lacson emphasized that efforts have been made to address environmental concerns raised in earlier discussions, adding that the upcoming hearing would allow technical experts to directly respond to outstanding questions from the public.

The proposed bulk water supply system, with a projected capacity of 20 million liters per day, is being positioned as a flagship initiative of the provincial government.

It is expected to help address the growing demand for clean and potable water among residents across Negros Occidental.

The outcome of the public hearing is seen as a crucial step in determining whether the project will secure the necessary environmental clearance and move forward./CJ, WDJ