Water security plan presented, Negros situation critical – guv

A proposed Negros Occidental Integrated Water Security Plan was presented and officials signed “a pledge to act for a water secure future” for the province at a Provincial Water Summit at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City, Thursday, April 7.

The officials, that included Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, Rep. Francisco Benitez (Negros Occidental, 3rd District), board members and mayors, pledged “to protect, conserve and manage the use of water resources sustainably to preserve the resource for future generations , and to provide adequate safe water supply and sanitation services to every Negrense”.

They also committed to support the Negros Occidental Integrated Water Security Plan.

Lacson also signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Public-Private Partnership Center, which will help draw private investments for water management and supply projects in Negros Occidental.

The governor said the water security of Negros Occidental is at a critical point due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and water demand of agriculture. And such is further aggravated by water pollution, water borne diseases, and destruction of watersheds, he said.

“We have been reliant on our limited ground water resources and right now, the availability of our groundwater is at 8 percent. Thus, the urgent need to utilize other water sources, including our surface water resources, which at present, is at 92 percent availability,” he said.

“However, as we seek to utilize our surface waters to preserve and restore our remaining measly groundwater, we must also consciously and purposefully endeavor to restore our forests and manage our watersheds,” Lacson added.

This necessitates serious and concerted efforts of all sectors, said Lacson, who called for the active involvement of local governments and all stakeholders.

He thanked the USAID for its commitment “to our shared goal of a water-secure future and for the improved well being of Negrense families in water stressed communities.”

In June 2021 the Negros Occidental provincial government , in collaboration with USAID through its Safe Water Project, launched the Provincial Integrated Water Security Program.

Benitez said the Negros Occidental Integrated Water Security Plan presented at the summit aims to ensure the proper management and access to water supply, which has been taken for granted for a long time.

This will include finding the green financing in order to put together the appropriate infrastructure for water management, he said.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, who presented the highlights of the proposed Negros Occidental Integrated Water Security Plan, said local government units (LGUs) with completely deforested watersheds are Valladolid, San Enrique, Pulupandan and Bacolod City.

The top LGUs with least years before complete deforestation are Escalante City, Ilog, Binalbagan, Sagay City, Cauayan, Isabela, Hinigaran, Kabankalan City, Moises Padilla and Manapla.

The top 10 LGUs with most years before complete deforestation are Bago City, Talisay City, Silay City, La Carlota City, Murcia, La Castellana, EB Magalona, Cadiz City, Pontevedra and Victorias City, Diaz said.

He also said three out of ten Negrenses do not have access to safe and clean drinking water, and to safely managed sanitation.*

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