Bacolod lawmaker seeks standby generators for Baciwa stations

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod City Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito has filed an ordinance mandating Baciwa-PrimeWater to install standby generators in all its pumping stations across the city to ensure uninterrupted water supply during power outages.

The proposed measure, titled “Permanent Power Generators on Pumping Stations Ordinance of Bacolod City,” recently passed first reading before the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Distrito said the ordinance seeks to address recurring water interruptions caused by brownouts, which affect thousands of households, schools, hospitals, and businesses.

“Every time there is a power outage, thousands of families, hospitals, schools, and businesses suffer because there is no water. With this ordinance, we want to put an end to this recurring problem,” he said.

Under the proposal, Baciwa-PrimeWater will be required to install standby generators with automatic switching capability in all pumping stations within 60 days from the effectivity of the ordinance, with full compliance expected within six months.

The Bacolod City Water Monitoring Committee, under the Office of the Mayor, will oversee implementation and compliance.

Violations will incur a penalty of PHP5,000 per day of noncompliance, and the case may be referred to the Local Water Utilities Administration for possible regulatory sanctions.

Distrito emphasized that the measure upholds the right to safe and adequate water, describing it as a “basic human right.”

“This ordinance is pro-people. It will ensure that Bacolodnons will no longer be deprived of water whenever electricity fails. It protects our health, sanitation, and daily living,” he said.