• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said that the P1.2 billion bulk water project of the Negros Occidental provincial government “went through the process.”
That was the reaction of Gov. Lacson to the opposition hoisted by sugar planters, Silay City councilors, and even environmentalists, to the provincial government bulk water project, which will utilize surface water of Malogo and Imbang Rivers, which passes through not only Silay City, but also the cities of Victorias and Talisay, and municipalities of Manapla and E.B. Magalona.
The bottom line is, do we want potable water for our consumers? Lacson asked, adding “that is exactly what we are doing with this project.”
It’s either we do it for them, or they do it on their own, he added.
At the end of the day, the Silay City government will have to decide, Lacson stressed.
Silay City Councilor Ryan Gamboa clarified that the Sangguniang Panlungsod members are not against the proposed bulk water project, as he stressed that “it should go through the correct process.”
“There were concerns that it was not referred to the barangay which is Brgy. E. Lopez. Some of the councilors want that the barangay council should also pass a Resolution of No Objection (RONO) then it goes to the SP since it’s their area of jurisdiction. The SP referred the endorsement to the joint Committees on Environment and Barangay Affairs,” Gamboa said.
I believe all the studies have been done and the resource persons from the provincial government clearly answered our questions, he said.
“For me as long as it is for the good of the province, I have no problem,” Gamboa said adding that “as long as there is due process. For the good of the province, and it won’t negatively affect the water supply of Silay City, I am in favor of it.”
Gamboa said they are waiting for the process to continue.
Mayor Joedith Gallego earlier said that the Silay City Council and sugar planters are opposing the provincial government project, as they expressed fears of a water shortage once it pushes through.
Except for Silay City, the municipalities of E.B. Magalona, Manapla, cities of Victorias and Talisay, as well as highly urbanized Bacolod City, have already issued Resolutions of No Objection (RONO) on the bulk water project, as its clients.
Asked if there will be further consultations on the bulk water project, Lacson merely replied “We did not do this yesterday. We went through a process and everybody was invited.”
The governor however said they are willing to give another presentation to Silay, and even to the concerned barangay.*
