Two barangays in Silay City have formally voiced their resistance to the proposed bulk water supply project of the Negros Occidental provincial government.
The proposed P1.2 billion Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project aims to tap bulk water from the Ibang and Malogo rivers in Silay City.
Citing fears regarding resource depletion and community welfare, the councils of Barangay Bagtic and Barangay Guimbala-on passed separate resolutions in early February “to protect their local water security”.
The Bagtic Sangguniang Barangay on February 3 passed a resolution that formally disapproves of the project.
The council said its decision followed a series of consultations where residents expressed overwhelming opposition due to fears of water shortages, displacement, and negative environmental impacts.
The resolution emphasized the council’s primary duty to protect the interests and general welfare of its constituents against potential land use issues and reduced water accessibility.
Two days later on February 5 the Barangay Guimbala-on council also passed a resolution
While the council members acknowledged the province’s intent to improve water security by reducing reliance on deep wells, they ultimately sided with a community that remains unconvinced.
Their resolution detailed a long history of public scoping and consultations dating back to 2024, noting that despite multiple attempts by provincial technical working groups and the LGU Silay Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, they failed to “successfully win the interest and support of the people”.
Residents of Guimbala-on specifically raised alarms over potential privatization, fears that their barangay would not be prioritized for water access once the project is operational, and the sheer complexity of involving a third-party water provider.
Both barangays have made it clear that while they do not outright reject development, any future project must be redesigned or relocated to ensure it has the full consent and confidence of the people it intends to serve.*
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