BACOLOD CITY: The deadline for the submission of bid documents for the proposed P1.2 billion Negros Occidental Bulk Water Supply Project (NBWSP) has been rescheduled to December 11. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced in an interview on Tuesday that the date was moved following a request from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center. He mentioned, "They requested to move it, but it still falls within the year. It's more on the documentation on the part of the bidders we're giving them (more time) again. Hopefully, this is the last extension." According to Philippines News Agency, the previous submission deadline was set for November 22, following an earlier postponement from October 28, which itself was a deferral from the initial deadline set for the last week of June. The extensions were made in response to requests from multiple bidders to extend the bidding timeline and to allow additional prospective bidders the opportunity to participate in the project. At least 12 prospective bidders have shown interest in joining the bidding. The successful bidder will engage in a 38-year contractual joint venture with the provincial government. This venture will cover the financing, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a bulk water supply system with a minimum capacity of 34.5 million liters per day, sourced from the Imbang River and/or the Malogo River. The construction phase of the project is expected to span three years. The treated bulk water supply is set to benefit six water service providers in the cities of Silay, Talisay, Victorias, and Bacolod, as well as in the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Manapla. The project was proposed due to growing concerns about the sustainability of water supply service sources in Negros Occidental, which are currently mainly reliant on groundwater sources, as stated by the provincial government.