Bohol Congressman Edgar Chatto in a radio interview has confirmed that the local
government unit (LGU) of Balilihan is fighting to maintain control over their water
supply system.
According to Chatto, the LGU has complied with all requirements set by the National
Water Resources Board (NWRB) and has developed a supply of over 200 liters per
second for local water use.
The LGU is determined to face any challenges to ensure their water supply is not
destroyed, Chatto said in an interview Friday over DYTR’s program, Open Forum,
hosted by Ardy Araneta Batoy.
Chatto also clarified that the LGU was not preventing private suppliers from entering
the market and supplying water to Balilihan.
However, he said the LGU is standing firm in their right to maintain control over their
own water system.
Chatto urged the public not to be misled by others who may try to interfere in the
situation and called for support for the LGU’s efforts.
He pointed out that there is no prohibition in the town of Balilihan for any investor
who wishes to enter, “as long as they follow the proper process and do not infringe
on the people’s water rights.”
The situation in Balilihan highlights the importance of local control over essential
resources such as water, according to the Boholano lawmaker who hailed from
Balilihan town.
LGU’s efforts to maintain their water supply system serve as an example of a
community standing up for their rights and working towards a sustainable future,
Chatto told Open Forum.
He said that while the water systems in certain areas in Bohol may not be perfect,
“but these towns are making an effort to provide their citizens with water at the
lowest possible cost.”
“This has allowed rural areas to maintain their water supply during times of crisis,”
Chatto said.
Chatto cited the role of private sectors in supporting towns with their water supply
concerns, saying these private companies can assist and support towns with any
problems they may have.
Moreover, the former governor admitted that there are challenges on finding
affordable water supply options for citizens.
He said that it can be difficult to find towns that are willing to purchase their entire
water supply from a private company.
Chatto’s comments highlight the ongoing efforts to provide reliable and affordable
water supply to citizens in rural areas.
According to the First District Congressman, the town of Dauis has a private water
provider.
He confirms that this is true and that there are actually two private providers in
Dauis: the Bohol Water Company is one of them, “but the people were given the
choice and the LGU of Dauis did not close it during the time of Honorable Mayor
Meriam Sumaylo because the contract still exists.”
The LGU of Dauis did not make itself exclusive to only one private water provider, he
said.
He noted that the people are open to choose “which is a good way because instead
of having only one interested private provider, other companies are welcome to
come in.”
LONG-RUNNING BATTLE
Last year Richli Water company alleged that because the local government unit
(LGU) of Balilihan objected to the company’s water permit application, the Richli
Water was unable to construct a water treatment plant in Balilihan.
A paid ad was published on December 19, 2021 and claimed: “No Water Due to
Mayor Chatto”.
However, Balilihan Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto has released a statement on
Facebook, saying the local government unit (LGU) of Balilihan is not blocking the
entry of Richli Water, adding that the LGU is against monopoly of private companies
that may attempt to exclusively use natural resources such as water.
Pureza has warned other LGUs in Bohol about manipulative schemes of private
corporations.
The mayor said Balilihan LGU continues their work on the Centralized Bulk Water
Supply Project. Balilihan LGU has started Phase 2 of this multi-million project funded
by the national government, she said.
Earlier, the NWRB had cancelled the conditional water permit (CWP) of Balilihan
citing “inaccurate data and information as to the exact location of Bugwak Spring as
indicated in the water permit application (WPA) of Balilihan and its failure to post the
notice of the application at the concerned offices where the point of diversion is
located which is an “essential requirement”.
But in its March 2023 decision, NWRB had ruled in favor of the local government unit
(LGU) of Balilihan, Bohol after the Board set aside its earlier decision, dealing a
heavy blow on Richli Water corporation’s exclusive plan to use the town’s Bugwak
Spring for commercial and for-profit purposes.
The Board said LGU Balilihan’s Water Supply Project – which is a part of the 25-
Year Bulk Water Masterplan of the Municipality of Balilihan – is “infused with funds
from the National Government worth P95 Million and is nearing completion.”
“While the Board agrees with Richli’s submission that the grounds for suspension
and revocation of water permits are not exclusive, the Board holds that the mistake
in the coordinates provided by NIA (National Irrigation Administration) is not the
willful and deliberate non-observance of or non-compliance with the rules, order or
regulations deserving of a summary revocation/cancellation contemplated above,”
the NWRB’s decision said.
In its argument before the NWRB, LGU Balilihan said that cancelling the CWP would
set a bad precedent to LGUs and would put to waste public funds.
“LGUs deserve support and technical assistance from the national government. The
public funds allocated for the project which has started construction since 2020 is
nearing completion to date,” LGU Balilihan said.
BALILIHAN MAYOR
PUREZA VELOSO-CHATTO