The Municipality of Aloguinsan has authorized the Mactan Rock Industries, Inc. to extract and develop the town’s groundwater for 20 years.
Last June 25, Aloguinsan Mayor Cynthia Moreno approved the resolution of the council that authorized her to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with MRII.
The MOA to be signed with MRII President Antonio Tompar will allow MRII to develop and use the town’s surface and groundwater for 20 years.
Under the provisions embodied in the said agreement, the municipality will get a 25-percent share of the revenues from its use.
The main proponents of the resolution, municipal councilors Hipolito Mantalaba Sr. and Nacianzino Manigos, said the development and utilization of its groundwater resources will be advantageous to the town.
“The main purpose is to deliver sure potable water to the consumers at terms and conditions, which are most advantageous to the government,” the resolution said.
The councilors added that the only investments needed for the agreement —namely water facilities— are already there and MRII already agreed to shoulder other expenses and investments needed.
An arbitration committee will also be created, to be composed of one member nominated by the local government unit and one member from the MRII and one member nominated by both parties. The purpose of the committee is to settle disputes that may arise between MRII and the LGU.
The proposed resolution has been referred to Provincial Board member Victor Maambong, the committee chairman on environment. — Garry B. Lao/BRP