Catbalogan: The city government of Catbalogan in Samar has suspended face-to-face classes and implemented work-from-home arrangements for most local government employees as the city's water supply crisis continues to worsen following days of heavy rainfall.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Dexter Uy expressed concern that several areas in Catbalogan remain without adequate water supply despite the rains having subsided several days ago. Flooding reportedly damaged the city's water system. The days of face-to-face classes and work suspension took effect July 6. The city government will issue another directive to resume the regular activities in campuses and workplaces.
The city mayor's office and the Sangguniang Panlungsod have repeatedly sought a detailed explanation from the Tubig Catbalogan Corporation (TCC) and the Catbalogan Water District (CWD) regarding the persistent water shortage. Uy stated residents have heard numerous explanations, promises, and assurances that the problem would soon be resolved, but the situation has instead worsened. "The lack of water is no longer an ordinary inconvenience but a major public concern affecting the daily lives of the people of Catbalogan," he said.
The shortage has disrupted basic household needs, including food preparation, sanitation, and the daily routines of students and workers. Aside from the suspension of classes and work-from-home setup, the city government also ordered TCC and CWD to present comprehensive reports on the current water supply situation and outline concrete measures to address the crisis. This includes intensified water rationing, resolving operational issues caused by power outages, and high water turbidity affecting the water supply system.
Uy also directed a review by the city legal office of the existing agreement between TCC and CWD to determine whether the contract should be continued, amended, or terminated, with appropriate recommendations to the concerned authorities. The city government also seeks consideration of appropriate relief measures for consumers affected by the prolonged water crisis, including possible adjustments to their water service charges.
Uy underscored the need for immediate and decisive action, saying residents deserve a reliable and uninterrupted water supply. They also called on the concerned water service providers to present concrete solutions and restore normal operations as soon as possible. Exempted from this work arrangement are those assigned to peace and order, disaster risk management, health and sanitation, and traffic management. Other public and private offices are likewise encouraged to adopt similar arrangements.
