ILOILO CITY is in the midst of a serious water crisis, and it's clear that swift and effective action is necessary. The Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), the primary water distributor in the city, has expressed its willingness to welcome other players to help solve this issue.
“The water distribution is non-exclusive. We welcome any other players if it would somehow address the water distribution problem,” said Angelo David Berba, MPIW Chief Operating Officer, in a press conference on May 22. This openness is a positive step, indicating MPIW's acknowledgment of the severity of the crisis and the need for additional help.
However, Berba also raised valid concerns about the practicalities of introducing new water utilities.
“The question is, how fast can they deliver? If we open it, one to two years down the road and they are just starting to lay their pipeworks and put up their facility. The next question is, where are they going to procure their water?” These questions highlight the logistical challenges that come with such an expansion.
Frustration
City Mayor Jerry Treñas has voiced his frustration with MPIW, describing the city's government as acting like a "water boy" to address the shortage caused by the El Niño phenomenon. Treñas plans to meet with MPIW and South Balibago Waterworks Inc. (SBWI) to discuss transferring some areas from MPIW to SBWI, which has been more active in the "Oplan Bulig Tubig Sa Syudad" initiative that began on May 15.
MPIW has only committed 30 percent of the city-procured water for rationing, while SBWI has committed 70 percent. This significant difference underscores MPIW's limited capacity to meet the city's needs, as explained by John Canonero, MPIW’s commercial division head. He noted that MPIW's commitment is limited to avoid disrupting their regular water deliveries.
Petitions
The business community is also feeling the impact of the water shortage. On May 22, the Iloilo Business Club Inc. and the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Iloilo Inc. (FCCCII) submitted petitions to MPIW, urging them to increase the water supply to meet the growing demand in Iloilo City.
The situation calls for urgent, coordinated action. Iloilo City's water crisis is a complex problem that requires immediate and collaborative efforts to resolve.
While MPIW's openness to new players is a step in the right direction, it is essential to focus on quick implementation, effective resource management, and robust oversight to ensure a reliable water supply for all residents.
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