Capitol eyes expansion of water operations

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government is preparing to expand its water operations, with the provincial bulk water office targeting nearly three times its current service connections by 2027 amid rising demand for reliable water supply.

The Cebu Provincial Inter-LGU Waterworks Systems Office (CPIWSO) currently has 5,365 connections and is aiming to reach 15,000 as the province moves to expand bulk water services to more communities.

The expansion forms part of the province’s efforts to increase water production, widen service coverage, and strengthen its capacity to operate additional waterworks systems, according to the CPIWSO status report presented to Gov. Pamela Baricuatro.

CPIWSO currently operates two bulk water systems: the Carmen Bulk Water System, with a production

capacity of three million liters per day (MLD), and the Moalboal Bulk Water System, with a capacity of six MLD.

From January to June 2026, the Carmen system generated P1.62 million in revenue, while the Moalboal system recorded P22.36 million.

At full capacity, the two systems are projected to generate annual revenues of P27 million for Carmen and P44 million for Moalboal.

The provincial government is also preparing additional bulk water systems in Oslob, Barili and Malabuyoc, with the projects targeted for completion between 2027 and 2028.

The proposed systems are expected to generate about P18 million annually in Oslob, P9 million in Barili, and P18 million in Malabuyoc once operational.

Aside from building new facilities, CPIWSO is pursuing improvements to its existing systems, including the Carmen and Moalboal facilities and the activation of Barili Cluster B.

The Barili project is expected to extend water services to additional barangays once the permits and installation requirements are completed.

With the planned expansion, CPIWSO is also looking to substantially increase its workforce to keep pace with the growing number of facilities and service areas.

The office currently has 26 personnel but proposes an increase in its manpower to 115, including technical and support personnel for both central office and field operations.

The additional manpower will be needed as CPIWSO expects to operate as many as seven waterworks systems by 2027.

The expansion is also projected to bring the province’s monthly water revenues to about P10 million by 2027, as more systems become operational and service connections increase.

For Baricuatro, however, expanding water infrastructure must be matched by efforts to protect the province’s water sources.

“You’re really the key sa atong success,” Baricuatro told waterworks officials, underscoring the importance of the sector to Cebu’s infrastructure and development.

Engr. Noel Tabasa also raised the proposed establishment or reconstitution of a Cebu Watershed Authority, including a mechanism that would allow the province to collect a water levy from water contractors operating in Cebu. –  (IHM) (CEBU NEWS)