New water supply system for upland brgys now open

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Government and the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) have officially commissioned a new water supply system for the upland barangays, long plagued by limited access to potable water, especially during the dry season.

On Wednesday, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia led the commissioning ceremony, which marked the opening of water lines in Barangays Malubog, Budlaan, and Agsungot.

The project will benefit at least 1,253 households—equivalent to around 5,300 individuals—who now have access to a reliable water source.

During the same event, water siphon tanks were also deployed to Paril and Buot to further strengthen water distribution in the face of ongoing dry season.

Garcia emphasized that the success of the initiative was rooted in his diplomatic approach, which helped mend previously strained ties between the city government and MCWD. He recalled that one of his first actions as acting mayor was to address an administrative dispute by signing five excavation permits that had been long delayed.

“It is long overdue. Remember, had the permits been given during the time of the previous administration, then one year ago pa ta ni silang naay tubig,” Garcia said.

Also launched was the pipe-laying phase of the project, signaling the official start of water distribution to the identified barangays. Garcia noted the importance of the timing, with heat indices rising across Cebu due to the dry season.

The commissioning follows several groundbreaking ceremonies held in recent months as part of a broader push to secure water for the city’s upland areas.

Cebu City declared a water crisis last year due to El Niño, and Garcia said this new project is intended to prevent a repeat of that situation. At the height of the crisis, all 28 mountain barangays were placed under a state of calamity due to dwindling water supplies.

Garcia underscored that the progress made was a result of collaboration between the city and MCWD.

“Because of diplomacy and unity, we are able to give better service to our constituents,” he said.

In a separate interview, MCWD General Manager Edgar Donoso said the project represents only the beginning of wider efforts to improve water access in upland barangays. He emphasized the need to expand the distribution network, noting the logistical challenges posed by distance.

Donoso added that the agency is working toward extending water lines to fully serve upland areas, with Barangay Budlaan next in line for commissioning.

Residents may now begin applying for service connections to link their homes to the new water system.

“Sa pagkakaron, confident ang MCWD nga naa gyud tubig bisan mag-drought tungod sa atong desalination. Wala na gyud tay laing source actually—compromise man atong underground [water] tungod sa atong saltwater intrusion ug kanang nitrate nga natakod sa atong water,” Donoso explained. –/ FPL (FREEMAN)