MANILA, Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday inaugurated the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, one of the country’s largest private bulk water supply facilities.
In his speech during the inauguration of the project in Davao City, the President emphasized the significance of this state-of-the-art facility in reducing the region’s reliance on limited groundwater. By tapping into the Tamugan River as a sustainable water source, the project takes a concrete step towards ensuring a consistent and clean water supply for the people.
“It is not just about supplying Davao City with bulk water, it is also about ensuring that its people are provided with clean water and improving their quality of life. Currently, the facility delivers an impressive 300 million liters of water per day to over one million households in Davao City,” Marcos said.
The President further highlighted the importance of this project due to the changing policies regarding water sourcing. The over-reliance on well-digging has started to deplete aquifers, which are not being replenished adequately. This situation is ironic considering the abundance of surface water in the Philippines.
President Marcos expressed his gratitude to the teams of Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., Aboitiz InfraCapital, the Davao City Water District (DCWD), and the local government of Davao City for their unwavering dedication to bringing this project to fruition. Their efforts in protecting and conserving the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed, as well as rehabilitating the surrounding areas, demonstrate that development can be pursued without compromising the environment.
“Thank you for showing us the deep well of potential that public-private partnerships hold, not just in securing water supply, but also in paving the way for enhanced economic growth, job creation, and an improved standard of living for all Filipinos,” he added.
The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project is a collaboration between the DCWD and Apo Agua, aiming to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable water to the people of Davao City. At full capacity, the facility can deliver 300 million liters of treated water per day from the Tamugan River to the DCWD, benefiting over a million people.
This project is crucial for the DCWD as it allows them to recharge the majority of their wells, ensuring they are ready to be reactivated to meet the demands of Davao City’s rapid growth. Additionally, this initiative safeguards the region from environmental degradation, land subsidence, and saltwater intrusion.
The treated water produced by Apo Agua will be distributed to the DCWD’s Water Supply Systems in Calinan, Tugbok, Riverside, Dumoy (Panorama), Cabantian, and Panacan, ensuring that various areas within Davao City have access to clean and sustainable water.
President Marcos’ inauguration of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project marks a significant milestone in the region’s journey towards water sustainability. This initiative not only addresses the immediate water needs of the people but also sets an example for other regions to pursue similar projects that prioritize environmental conservation and public-private partnerships. With this facility in operation, the residents of Davao City can look forward to a future with improved access to clean water, enhanced economic growth, and an overall better quality of life.
Source: The Manila Times
