Balilihan, Bohol: Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto
Balilihan, Bohol: Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto of Balilihan has denied any violation in the temporary destruction of the fence surrounding the Bugwak Spring in Sevilla, which supplies water to 10 barangays in her town.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Chatto said that the fence was illegally installed by Richli Water Corporation, a private water developer, and LGU Sevilla to prevent other water users from accessing the spring, which is part of the Loboc River.
She said the Balilihan waterworks team had to break a small portion of the fence to repair Pump No. 3, which has been malfunctioning for several days, leaving the residents of Hanopol without water.
She explained that Pump No. 3 is owned by LGU Balilihan and has a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with LGU Sevilla since the time of former mayors Penny Digal of Sevilla and Domie Chatto of Balilihan.
The existing MOA allows Balilihan to use 22 liters per second of water from the spring, with a royalty fee of P0.50 per cubic meter.
Mayor Chatto added that LGU Balilihan also obtained a separate water permit from the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on January 22, 2020, to draw water from Bugwak Spring.
She bared that she received a letter from DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, reminding LGU Sevilla that Bugwak Spring is owned by the state and is regulated by the DENR through the NWRB.
The lady mayor has reiterated that LGU Sevilla has no right to regulate the water source, even if it is within its political jurisdiction, and that the river easement allows the public free access to it.
Mayor Chatto also pointed out that LGU Sevilla has no right to stop them from repairing the water pump, which is essential for the water supply of Hanopol, especially as they are preparing for their fiesta.
She urged LGU Sevilla to respect the water rights of LGU Balilihan and to cooperate in the proper management of the Bugwak Spring, which is a shared resource for the benefit of both towns.