MCWD opens new water connection to hike supply

CEBU, Philippines — With a potentially strong El Niño expected to affect the country until mid-2027, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has established a new tapping point to help improve water distribution in three barangays in Mandaue City.

‎The new connection, commissioned along Batillier Road in Barangay Umapad on November 9, is expected to provide an additional 2,000 cubic meters of water daily to around 2,000 households in barangays Umapad, Opao, and Ibabao-Estancia.

‎The initiative is part of MCWD's efforts to improve water access in areas experiencing weak water pressure or limited supply as communities prepare for possible water shortages during the El Niño phenomenon.

‎MCWD General Manager Atty. John Dx Lapid said the new tapping point would allow water to reach the three barangays through a more direct distribution route.

‎“Sauna, mutuyok pa ang supply nato gikan didto sa layo-layo gyud nga lugar, but right now, direkta na ang supply nila,” Lapid said.

‎However, Lapid clarified that the tapping point is a temporary intervention while the water district prepares to undertake pipeline renewal works to further improve water distribution in the area.

‎The development follows an agreement between MCWD and the city government to gradually address water supply concerns in several barangays.

‎Mayor Thadeo Ouano welcomed the additional supply, saying the improvement in water pressure would allow more households, particularly those previously experiencing limited or no water service, to receive sufficient water.

‎“Dako kaayo mi og pasalamat sa MCWD sa ceremonial opening of the tapping point. Pasabot ana, mas kusog na ang pressure ug mas daghan pa nga households ang matagaan og water supply because everyone deserves clean and sufficient nga tubig,” Ouano said.

‎Ouano also said the city government would continue working with MCWD to extend similar interventions to other barangays to minimize the effects of possible water supply interruptions during the dry period.

‎“Kanunay ang siyudad sa Mandaue musuporta sa inyong mga programa ug future projects. Magtinabangay lang jud ta, kung ganahang ta makahatag og concrete nga mga program para sa atong mga konstituwente,” he added.

‎Barangay captains Reb Cortes of Umapad and Nixon Diaz of Opao, together with city and MCWD officials, witnessed the commissioning.

‎MCWD is expected to continue implementing measures to improve water distribution in other areas as preparations for the anticipated El Niño continue.