• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II has disputed claims of residents’ resistance to the proposed P1.1 billion Negros Occidental Bulk Water Project in Silay City.
The alleged opposition was voiced by Silay City Vice Mayor Tom Ledesma, who stated that feedback from residents in Barangay Guimbalaon during a recent public hearing indicated disapproval of the project. Guimbalaon is the designated site for the intake point and treatment facility under Phase 1 of the project.
However, Diaz emphasized that a single consultation should not be construed as outright rejection. He urged the local government to refrain from making premature judgments about public sentiment while consultations are still ongoing.
“We are in the middle of an active and deliberate consultation process,” Diaz said. “Communities are being informed, given opportunities to ask questions, and allowed to express their concerns. There is no official stance from the city yet.”
He further asserted that it was premature to declare resistance from residents, as the proceedings are still in progress. The province has yet to receive formal opposition from the Silay City Government regarding the project.
URGENCY
Diaz underscored the importance of the project for the province’s water security, highlighting its urgency.
“Silay will be the first beneficiary of the water resources tapped from this project. We hope our constituents understand that the province is here to serve their best interests,” he said. He pointed out that the initiative is part of preparations for potential calamities.
He also appealed for cooperation, emphasizing that the bulk water project is designed to secure water supply for future generations.
Meanwhile, the province assured that it is complying with all legal requirements and adhering to its consultation timeline.*
