Negros occidental: Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos has urged stakeholders to engage in open discussions regarding the proposed bulk water supply projects by the provincial government.
According to Philippines News Agency, the projects include the Negros Bulk Water Supply Imbang Watershed-Hinalinan River Project in Silay City and the Negros Bulk Water Supply-Malogo River Project in E.B. Magalona town. These projects have recently undergone public hearings for the issuance of their environmental compliance certificates.
Bishop Alminaza encourages government agencies, project proponents, local leaders, scientists, civil society organizations, indigenous peoples, farmers, faith communities, and all stakeholders to engage in dialogue that emphasizes transparency, accountability, sound science, and a shared commitment to the common good. His appeal comes after Green Alert Network Inc., St. Joseph the Worker Parish in E.B. Magalona, and participants of the Panuba-suba Educational Journey issued a position paper. This paper urges Church leaders and government authorities to withhold approvals for the proposed PHP1.2 billion Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project until concerns surrounding watershed protection, environmental sustainability, and community welfare are fully addressed.
The position paper highlights issues related to the condition of the Northern Negros Natural Park and Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, the adequacy of the project's environmental impact assessment, the absence of studies on underground aquifers, and the potential for saltwater intrusion. It also calls for the restoration of degraded watersheds before large-scale water extraction proceeds. The paper stresses the need for priority access to clean water for host communities and for local residents to play a central role in protecting and managing the watersheds that sustain the island.
In the environmental impact statement summary released by the Environment Management Bureau-Negros Island Region, it is noted that the Negros Bulk Water Supply Imbang Watershed-Hinalinan River Project plans to extract raw water from Imbang River, specifically in Hinalinan River in Barangay Guimbala-on, Silay City. This project aims to meet the increasing water demand in Bacolod, Silay, and Talisay by improving access to clean, safe, and resilient water supply for approximately 50,000 households.
Similarly, the Negros Bulk Water Supply-Malogo River Project aims to address the rising water demand in E.B. Magalona, Manapla, and Victorias City. It plans to extract 16 million liters per day of raw water from the Malogo River, enhancing households' access to a reliable water supply. Both projects aim to shift from current groundwater abstraction to sustainable surface water utilization over a proposed 38-year period, with full operation set to commence in 2028.
