By CESAR JOLITO III
Provincial officials will hold a second public hearing in Negros Occidental’s E.B. Magalona town regarding the proposed Negros bulk water supply project that seeks to utilize water resources from the Malogo River, amid continuing concerns from residents over its possible impact on agriculture and local water supply.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the upcoming consultation aims to make discussions more understandable to the public by simplifying technical explanations surrounding the project.
Lacson said the first public hearing was conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through its Environmental Management Bureau as part of mandatory environmental compliance procedures.
However, many attendees reportedly found the presentations too technical, prompting calls for a clearer and more accessible discussion.
“This next activity is designed to be different. We will still discuss technical matters, but they will be explained clearly and in simple terms so no one is left confused or uninformed,” Lacson said.
The governor added that if the project gains public approval, E.B. Magalona, being the host municipality, will receive priority access to the water supply generated by the development.
Meanwhile, E.B. Magalona Marvin Malacon said the municipal government will respect whatever position residents take on the project.
“Whatever the people decide or stand on regarding this project, that will also be the stand of our local government unit. We will move according to the will and welfare of our residents,” Malacon said.
Among the major concerns raised during earlier consultations were fears that extracting water from the Malogo River could affect irrigation, farming activities, and existing household water needs in nearby communities.
Provincial officials and project proponents are expected to address these issues during the second hearing as part of efforts to improve transparency, answer public concerns, and build community confidence before the project proceeds further./CJ, WDJ