The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Silay City, together with the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental (PGNO), held a public hearing on the Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project at the Barangay Guimbala-on Covered Court Gym in Silay City, on Wednesday, Dec. 3.
More than a hundred participants including farmers, residents from upstream and downstream communities, local leaders, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens, attended to hear the project presentation and raise their questions, concerns, and recommendations, a press release from the provincial government said.
The public hearing was convened by the Silay City Council’s Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) and the Committee on Utilities.
The dialog focused on water security, watershed rehabilitation, environmental concerns, and the long-term sustainability of Silay City’s water supply, the press release said.
A major highlight of the hearing was the confirmation from the Silay City Water District (SICIWA ) regarding the city’s long-term water security.
When asked about Silay’s groundwater lifespan, SICIWA said that there is no exact answer, but current estimates and monitoring show that in about 20 years, Silay’s groundwater will become critically scarce and insufficient if no action is taken now.
Father Ernie Larida, a resident of Barangay Guimbala-on, highlighted the community’s moral responsibility to protect shared resources.
“Everything God created is for all of us: water, land, plants. We should not be selfish with water when it comes to our brothers and sisters in Bacolod. But the water crisis began years ago. What are the tree-planting programs of the Province and the City?” he asked.
The provincial government confirmed that watershed rehabilitation has already begun in Talisay, where land is owned by the provincial government. For Silay, coordination with private landowners is needed.
The provincial government also expressed its willingness to shoulder the expenses for establishing the Imbang Watershed Council and its management plan.
DOWNSTREAM FARMERS
Farmers asked how the project would affect water availability for irrigation.
The provincial government explained that it has four small water-impounding projects that may be implemented for downstream farmers, subject to coordination with local farmer groups.
PROJECT FUNDING
The provincial government clarified that the Bulk Water Project is not a loan, not privatized, and not implemented through a private concessionaire.
A private partner was previously considered but proposed a rate of ₱24 per cubic meter, which Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson found too expensive.
“What the governor wants is public service, not a business, to provide the lowest-cost water that is safe and sustainable for everyone. That is why the entire project will now be financed by the government”, the press release said.
NEXT STEPS
The Silay City Council will conduct an ocular inspection of the proposed intake site at the Hinalinan River in Barangay Guimbala-on. A Committee Hearing at the Silay City SP will follow, during which the Committees on Environment and Utilities will consolidate findings and recommendations.
The provincial government reiterated that the Bulk Water Project is not merely an infrastructure undertaking, but a flagship initiative of the governor to securing a safe, clean, and sustainable water for every Negrense.*