Antique: A newly inaugurated PHP 5.4 million pumping station of the Sibalom Water District (SWD) is set to provide residents of the Sibalom municipality with a steady supply of potable water.

According to Philippines News Agency, SWD General Manager Jonathan De Gracia said in an interview on Thursday that the commissioning of their sixth pumping station on Aug. 12 came at an opportune time, with classes at the University of Antique (UA) main campus set to open next week, and in response to growing demand from households and businesses.

De Gracia emphasized that with the new facility, an additional 72,000 cubic meters of water can be supplied to boarding houses near UA and service areas in Sibalom's town proper, ensuring a reliable supply. Currently, SWD sources 200,000 cubic meters from its five existing pumping stations. However, with demand steadily rising, the agency aims to install at least one new pumping station each year.

The new facility will allow the SWD to serve about 6,000 service connections, including households and business establishments, up from the previous 4,000. De Gracia stated that water will now be available 24/7, enhancing the reliability of the water supply for the community.

In addition, SWD is actively scouting for another site for its future pumping station to further improve services, particularly in higher-elevation areas, such as Sibalom Poblacion District 4, Bari, Bongsod, and Daramukol.