Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) has assured consumers of sufficient water supply despite the threat of a strong El Niño phenomenon this year.
Engr. Robert Cabiles, MDW chief operating officer, said Monday that the water utility continues to monitor its resources and has so far not recorded critical declines in water levels.
“Actually, up until now, we are monitoring our water resources and so far, it has not dropped to a critical level,” Cabiles said in an interview.
“Right now, there is no need to panic. But we cannot be complacent about this and we need to prepare for the upcoming El Niño,” he added.
Cabiles said the company expects water levels to remain above critical levels in the coming months but acknowledged that the effects of El Niño cannot be predicted with certainty.
“But, nevertheless, we cannot predict the future, especially the effects of the El Niño. We already have in place mitigation factors,” he said.
Among these measures is the operation of Pumping Station 22, inaugurated last year, which added three million liters per day (MLD) to the city’s water supply.
MDW has also intensified leak detection activities to allow immediate repairs and prevent water losses.
Cabiles urged consumers to promptly report leaks in their homes to help conserve water and ensure more supply remains available to the community.
He said MDW is also closely monitoring its distribution system to maintain equitable water pressure among consumers.
Meanwhile, MDW is set to inaugurate this month Pumping Station 23 in Barangay Cadawinonan, which is expected to become operational early next year.
The facility is projected to provide an additional three MLD of water to the city, further strengthening Dumaguete’s water supply amid possible effects of El Niño.
Meanwhile, MDW has reached 1 million safe man-hours without a lost-time injury (LTI), reflecting its continuing commitment to workplace safety and occupational health.
The company achieved the milestone in August 2026 and formally recognized it during a ceremony here Monday attended by employees, representatives of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City Water District, and local media.
MDW’s Health and Safety team attributed the achievement to its Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Program, compliance with DOLE Department Order No. 252-25 and Republic Act No. 11058, and the collective efforts of employees, contractors, and partners.
Engr. Kim G. Cortes, DOLE-Negros Oriental senior labor and employment officer, urged workers not to become complacent.
“As we celebrate the 1 million safe man hours, I hope magpadayon ni na mudaghan pa og pila pa ka milyon. I hope also nga dili ta maging complacent sa atung pag implement diha sa atung pag-trabaho,” Cortes said.
MDW COO Cabiles said the milestone represents the collective commitment of workers to workplace and community safety.
“One million safe man-hours is more than a number. It represents one million hours of people looking out for themselves, their colleagues, and the communities we serve,” Cabiles said.
MDW also launched a Safety Pledge Wall as part of its campaign to reach its next target of 2 million safe man-hours.*PNA
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