Gov. Arthur Yap acknowledges the important role of the private sector in solving septage problems causing poor water quality in some areas in Bohol.
The governor made the statement in a radio interview over Open Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, hosted by Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Dave Albarado.
The governor cited the reality that there is a lot needed to be done in terms of septage management to ensure better water quality.
Regarding this matter, the governor said, “Right now we still have to do some hard work. Kinahanglan mo double time ta [in solving septage-related problems]. Tan-awa ang sewerage and septage in Panglao, Dauis and you can check nga bisan pa sa karong panahuna nga nakuhaan ta sa mga turista, mga bisita , but if you check the water quality level in different parts of the [Tagbilaran-Dauis Bay], different parts of Panglao and Dauis and Tagbilaran you will detect nga usahay mupasa [ang water quality] usahay mo-failing mark.”
Even with the decreased number of tourists arriving here due to travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic, water quality fluctuates, which indicates that there is a problem, the governor added.
“Dili maayo ang atong sewerage and septage [situation],” the governor quipped.
The governor said that the solution to the problem is to continue with the projects with the World Bank under the latter’s tourism project where the national government will borrow funds that will be invested on various septage and sewerage projects particularly in Tagbilaran. Similar septage and sewerage projects are eyed in Dauis and Panglao under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
He also cited Envirokonsult and Richli Water as among the private sector entities that are involved in helping solve the septage and sewerage problems of Bohol.
“We invite the private sector to please be active [in solving the septage and sewerage problems],” the governor said in his appeal.