Iloilo City Forms Task Force for ‘Water Crisis’

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Acting Iloilo City Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon announced the creation of an Emergency Water Task Force in response to ongoing water service interruptions affecting the city from October 14 to 21. The interruptions are due to preventive maintenance by Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) and one of its bulk water suppliers.

“As Acting Mayor of Iloilo City, I share your concerns and fully recognize the challenges this shortage has brought. On our part, I have directed all City Government units to act swiftly and provide relief in the hardest-hit areas. We also formed an Emergency Water Task Force to work with MPIW. We are also in talks with national agencies and private partners to find additional water sources to help meet demand,” Ganzon said in a statement.

The task force, formed in partnership with MPIW, will oversee relief efforts, including the deployment of water tankers to ensure that affected barangays receive immediate water supply.

The acting mayor assured the public that the local government is committed to minimizing the impact of the water shortage and restoring regular supply as soon as possible.

He reiterated the administration’s dedication to acting in the best interest of the Ilonggos, alongside Mayor Jerry Treñas and the entire City Government.

The temporary water supply schedule rolled out by MPIW affects various areas of Iloilo City, including:

• Everyday Schedule (5:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Santa Barbara, Pavia East, portions of Pavia West, Mandurriao West, Leganes, Jaro North, portions of Jaro South.
• Alternate Schedule (5:00 PM – 2:00 AM – Day 1): Jaro South, La Paz, Lapuz.
• Alternate Schedule (5:00 PM – 2:00 AM – Day 2): Mandurriao East, Mandurriao South, Molo, Arevalo, Iloilo City Proper.

MPIW stated that its operations team is conducting network adjustments to improve water availability during designated supply windows.

Chief Operating Officer Angelo David Berba explained that the ongoing maintenance aims to optimize operations and improve water delivery efficiency.

He noted that 26 water tankers would be deployed across Iloilo City and neighboring towns to support affected communities.

FloWater Resources, one of MPIW’s bulk suppliers, has temporarily shut down its water treatment plant for essential repairs, reducing MPIW’s bulk supply by nearly 40%, equivalent to a loss of 30 million liters of water per day.

Meanwhile, Metro Iloilo Bulk Water (MIBW) will continue supplying 45 to 50 million liters of water per day to maintain distribution during the service interruption.

MPIW pledged to restore services as soon as the preventive maintenance is completed.

The utility currently serves 30,000 connections in Iloilo City, supplying water to at least 150,000 residents.

Affected residents are advised to store enough water in preparation for intermittent supply.

MPIW will provide daily updates, and those with concerns can reach out via Facebook or call their hotline at (0917) 172-6749.