Malapascua to have its own water system

CEBU, Philippines — Malapascua Island, a tourist drawer in the town of Daanbatayan, northern Cebu, will soon have its own water system.

This after the municipality, though Mayor Sun Shimura, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Abejo Waters Corporation (AWC), represented by its president and chief executive officer Gabino Abejo Jr., for the development of the

“The MOA is about the development of water sources and construction of a reverse osmosis treatment plant and water distribution system in Barangay Logon, otherwise known as Malapascua Island,” read part of the post of the Municipality of Daanbantayan’s Facebook page.

Currently, residents in Barangay Logon or Malapascua Island are sourcing their water from underground hand-pumped wells. This, however, brought some concerns, especially since the water from these wells does not undergo treatment.

Apart from the wells, residents are get supply of water from the mainland but this raises concerns on costs. The residents reportedly buy water from the mainland for P30 per container.

“In comparison to the current cost, which is P30 per container (20 liters), consumers will only have to pay five centavo per liter with the proposed water system,” the LGU’s post read.

On April 14, Abejo Waters Corp. presented to town officials its proposed Malapascua water system for a capital investment of P80 million.

AWC proposed to “provide safe and economically viable water supply to the residents of Barangay Logon by establishing a water distribution system.”

The company assured that it will be strictly following the regulations set by the Environmental Management Bureau and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

A marine biologist will be sent to the town to for marine life monitoring in relation to the project.

The agreement between the town and the water company was signed on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at Barangay Logon Covered Court.

Measuring about 2.5 square kilometers, the island of Malapascua boasts of diving spots, white sands, and pristine waters. — JMD (FREEMAN)