Negros Occidental renews push for bulk water project

By Dolly Yasa

SILAY CITY, Negros Occidental — The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has again presented its proposed Bulk Water Supply Project to the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Silay City, marking the third time the initiative has been brought before the council for deliberation.

The presentation forms part of the province’s request for a Resolution of No Objection (RONO) from the Silay City Government—an essential step toward implementing a project aimed at securing a clean, reliable, and long-term water supply for the province.

Leading the provincial delegation was Provincial Administrator and Project Manager Atty. Rayfrando P. Diaz II, accompanied by Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Alberto P. Nellas Jr. and members of the Technical Working Group: Atty. Jessa G. Genteroles-Suelo, Atty. Arman Davis Pehid, Angelee Therese Alayon, Jeremiah Diaz, Justin Briones, and Leslie Azuelo.

The regular session, attended by all members of the Silay City Council, also brought together various stakeholders, including residents and barangay officials from Barangay Guimbalaon—the proposed site of the intake facility—alongside farmers from upstream and downstream areas and local environmental advocates.

During the presentation, Diaz underscored the province’s commitment to transparency and partnership with local governments in addressing the escalating issue of water scarcity.

“We come here as a gesture of open dialogue and consultation with the Silay City Government,” Diaz said.

“A USAID study warns that Negros Occidental may experience a water crisis by 2030. Our groundwater is unreliable and often contaminated, resulting in waterborne diseases. Through this project, the province is answering the call to that challenge,” he added.

He also noted that the Bulk Water Project is guided by USAID hydrologic studies and Asian Development Bank (ADB) feasibility reports to ensure scientific and technical soundness.

According to Diaz, the Silay City Water District (SICIWA) has committed to five million liters per day, projected to benefit around 50,000 Silaynons with direct access to treated, potable water.

The session opened the floor to questions and clarifications from councilors and members of the public.

Among the key points discussed was project coverage, with Diaz explaining that the first phase will draw water from the Imbang-Hinalinan River to supply Bacolod, Talisay, and Silay.

The second phase, which will follow the successful implementation of the first, will utilize the Malogo River to supply E.B. Magalona, Victorias, and Manapla.

When asked why Silay and the Imbang River were selected, Diaz said the decision was based on recommendations from ADB and USAID-contracted experts.

“Imbang River was found to have favorable turbidity levels and minimal pollutants, with natural riverbanks that help protect water quality,” he said.

On concerns about water availability during dry seasons, Diaz assured that the system includes a weir to conserve water during droughts.

Residents and farmers from Barangay Guimbalaon expressed concerns about water shortages in dry months, to which Diaz responded that the project aims to promote balance and shared benefits.

“Ang aton ya nga tuyo, indi mag-inagaway,” he said. “We want to strengthen our water resources, not deplete them. The National Water Resources Board confirmed that there is excess water flowing unused to the sea. Through the weir, we can store this and make it available when needed.”

The Silay City Council formally referred the matter to its committees on environment and utilities, which will hold a public hearing to further evaluate the project and consult affected stakeholders before acting on the province’s RONO request.

For the provincial government, Diaz stressed that the project is more than an infrastructure investment—it represents a commitment to a sustainable future where every Negrense can rely on clean and secure water for generations to come.