By CESAR JOLITO III

Residents of Barangay San Isidro in Negros Occidental’s E.B. Magalona town voiced concerns over a proposed bulk water supply project of the provincial government during a public consultation conducted by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) on Wednesday, May 20.

Vicente Losbañes, EMB – Negros Island Region director, said several residents raised questions regarding the possible impact of the project on the water supply of the Malogo River, which has been identified as the primary source for the proposed development.

The provincial government is seeking approval to draw up to 16 million liters of water per day from the river as part of the bulk water supply project.

Residents expressed fears that the extraction could eventually lead to water shortages, especially during dry months, prompting calls for clearer scientific studies and more detailed explanations from authorities.

Losbañes said additional consultations would likely be conducted as many concerns raised during the initial public hearing remain unresolved.

He added that based on EMB’s assessment and existing studies, the agency believes the Malogo River is unlikely to experience a water shortage if the project proceeds.

However, he acknowledged the need to further explain the findings to affected communities.

The public consultation forms part of the process required before the EMB can issue an environmental compliance certificate for the project.

Barangay San Isidro is also expected to issue a Resolution of No Objection, a key requirement for the application.

Meanwhile, E.B. Magalona Vice Mayor Marvin Malacon said the local government is requesting a second public consultation to ensure residents’ concerns are fully addressed.

Malacon noted that many questions from residents were left unanswered during the consultation, particularly regarding the long-term sustainability of the water source and the possible disadvantages of the project.

He stressed that the municipal government is neither openly supporting nor opposing the proposal at this stage, saying the town’s position would largely depend on the sentiment of the affected communities.

“The people deserve to know both the advantages and disadvantages of the project before any decision is made,” Malacon said.

The proposed bulk water project is part of the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen water supply systems in Negros Occidental, but opposition and concerns from host communities continue to surface as consultations move forward./CJ, WDJ