Sapian upgrades public market, water system projects

By Felipe V. Celino

SAPIAN, Capiz — Construction of a new two-level public market and an upgraded potable water system is underway in Sapian as part of the priority infrastructure projects of Mayor Jose “Joe” Villanueva this year.

In an interview Tuesday, Jan. 20, Villanueva said a groundbreaking program was recently held for the new public market, which has an estimated cost of PHP 150 million funded through local government resources.

He said the market project will be implemented in phases and will rise on the site of the old and dilapidated public market.

Villanueva said the first level of the public market was funded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, making Sapian the only municipality in Capiz to have accessed the agency’s funding for such a project.

Meanwhile, an inauguration ceremony was held Jan. 14, 2026, for the upgrading of the municipality’s water system from Level II to Level III at Sitio Baybay in Poblacion.

He said the initial funding for the water system upgrade was provided by the DILG to improve access to potable water for residents.

Villanueva said DILG Region VI Director Juan Jovian Ingeniero attended the event and expressed appreciation for the quality of the municipality’s water source.

“The regional director was impressed by the source of water that could benefit hundreds of Sapian residents,” Villanueva said.

He added that a free-flowing water source from Sitio Perara is being considered as an alternative supply for the second phase of the project.

The mayor said the municipal government plans to establish a dedicated office to manage and maintain the water system.

Villanueva, a lawyer by profession, previously served as Capiz provincial administrator for nine years under former Gov. Victor Tanco Sr.

He was first elected mayor of Sapian in 2022.