Diaz says it’s premature to assume Silaynons oppose bulk water plan

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said on Wednesday, Dec. 10, that it was “too premature” to conclude that Silay City residents were opposed to the proposed Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project.

Diaz stated in response to Silay City Vice Mayor Tom Ledesma’s remarks suggesting that public sentiment appeared to lean against the project following a recent hearing held in Barangay Guimbala-on.

During the hearing, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental emphasized that the bulk water project is entirely government-funded and does not involve loans or privatization.

Officials noted that Governor Eugenio Jose “Bong” Lacson earlier rejected a private partnership proposal that would have raised water rates to PHP 24 per cubic meter, opting instead for a low-cost, public service–driven, and sustainable water system.

More than a hundred residents, farmers, environmental organizations, and community leaders attended the dialogue to raise questions about the project’s financing structure, environmental safeguards, and long-term impact on Silay’s water supply.

The hearing was conducted by the Silay City Council Committees on Environment and Natural Resources and Utilities, chaired by Councilors Michael Thomas Velez, Lorenzo Locsin, and Michael Maravilla.

Officials from Barangay Guimbala-on, the Silay City Water District (SICIWA), the City Legal Office, and the Provincial Bulk Water Project Technical Working Group were also present.

SICIWA warned that Silay’s groundwater reserves could reach critical scarcity within the next 20 years if a new water source is not developed.

The utility reiterated its support for the Province’s long-term water security program and adherence to national standards.

Diaz encouraged stakeholders to allow the consultation process to continue, expressing confidence that the Provincial Government could address concerns and foster broader community support.

“We need to improve our water sources to ensure clean, potable, and sustainable water not just for this generation but for future generations,” he said.

Councilor Maravilla said a second public hearing will be scheduled to gather additional community input.

During the initial hearing, Provincial representatives responded to the questions and concerns raised by residents and various sectoral groups.