By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The board of directors of the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) has appointed Valerie Ann Hollero as the new general manager of the water district, House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said.

Hollero, a former regional vice president of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation for Western Visayas, replaced acting General Manager Engineer Michael Soliva.

Soliva, who concurrently serves as head of the Environment, Water Resources, Sewerage, and Sanitation Management Office, assumed the position in August 2025 following the removal of Mona Dia Jardin due to a “loss of confidence.”

Baciwa’s officers are separate from those which previously took over the operation and management of the water district.

In 2020, Baciwa entered into a 25-year joint venture agreement with PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp. for the management and development of the water district.

Former owner Villar Group said last year that Crystal Bridges Holding Corp. owned by tycoon Lucio Co, had acquired 100 percent of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.

Benitez said the new management of PrimeWater will meet with Baciwa officials on June 16 to discuss the company’s proposed modernization program.

“The new owner of PrimeWater will present its modernization plan for the water system, including complete data on the installation of pipes and the equipment needed to achieve a 24/7 supply of high-pressure, quality water,” Benitez said.

The lawmaker added that during a meeting with Baciwa officials on June 9, discussions included the installation of data loggers on all household water meters to monitor whether consumers have a water supply.

“Through this, we can more accurately determine whether we are achieving a 24/7 water supply. We will once again utilize modern technology as part of our system to help ensure the reliable delivery of water services,” Benitez said./MAP, WDJ