CATBALOGAN CITY, SAMAR – As water scarcity continues to affect several barangays in this city, the local government has ramped up efforts to address the crisis through a combination of short-term relief and long-term infrastructure planning.
Water rationing is currently being implemented with the support of the Filipino-Chinese community (FilChi) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Water tanks in the barangays are being cleaned and inspected before use, and additional units have been deployed to ensure wider and faster distribution. The city government also maintains active coordination with barangay officials and provides regular updates via its official social media platforms.
Meanwhile, water service provider Tubig Catbalogan has provided updates on ongoing infrastructure repairs.
These include improvements to pipelines from Caramayon to Kulador and the connection of Cagutian to the Caramayon system. Plans are also underway to protect the city’s watershed through reforestation and the launch of school-based seedling production initiatives, involving students and families living near the watershed areas.
One of the city’s long-term goals is to plant one million trees by the year 2040, a strategy seen as crucial to preserving the natural water supply and ensuring environmental sustainability.
Public frustration over the water shortage has become increasingly vocal on social media, with residents suggesting measures such as constructing deep wells, water towers, and reservoirs in frequently affected areas.
Others have proposed sourcing water from nearby waterfalls or establishing dedicated lines for fire trucks to improve emergency access.
Calls for decisive government action have grown louder, with some citizens criticizing what they perceive as inaction.
“There’s never any water, but we’re still paying,” said one frustrated resident.
In response, city officials acknowledged the mounting pressure and emphasized that concrete steps are being taken.
The LGU explained that current water sources are already at full capacity and the growing number of establishments is placing added strain on supply. Unless the city’s water infrastructure capacity increases, shortages are likely to persist.
Ultimately, Catbalogan’s future water security depends not only on promises but on sustained action and the trust of its people.
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