Senator Allots PHP100M More for Kabankalan Water Upgrade

By Glazyl M. Jopson

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has announced an additional PHP100 million for the second phase of the Kabankalan City Water District (KCWD) rehabilitation project in Negros Occidental.

This brings the total investment to PHP150 million, following the PHP50 million earlier allocated for the initial phase.

Zubiri, joined by KCWD Board Chairman Luis Azcona, led the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday in Kabankalan City.

The event was also attended by Sugar Regulatory Administration chief Pablo Luis Azcona, 5th District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo III and other local officials.

In a press briefing, Zubiri emphasized the urgency of modernizing Kabankalan’s water infrastructure, noting its importance in attracting investors.

He recalled that during his past business ventures in the city, water costs often exceeded electricity rates, discouraging investments.

“One of the main reasons investors pulled out here is due to water supply issues and high costs of basic utilities,” Zubiri said.

“That’s why we are pushing this rehabilitation forward.”

The second phase includes pipe-laying and water system expansion to resolve inefficiencies caused by infrastructure dating back to the 1940s.

Zubiri said aging pipes lead to leakage and high operational costs.

A comprehensive program of works has been laid out to lower water rates and improve supply efficiency.

Zubiri also expressed a personal commitment to the project, noting his family roots in Barangay Talubangi, Kabankalan City.

“This will be my legacy project for the city where my father was born,” he said.

He shared that KCWD first reached out to him years ago to address the worsening water situation.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, covering nearly all barangays and benefiting thousands of residents.

“This is for our kasimanwa in Kabankalan—to ensure they have clean, safe, reliable and cost-efficient water,” Zubiri said.

In a statement, KCWD described the project as a major step in upgrading the city’s water infrastructure.

“This initiative is a transformative move for our community, resolving long-standing water supply problems,” the district said.