CORELLA, BOHOL, Philippines – Potable water will be extracted soon from underground sources in this town and sent via pipelines to Panglao Island, which consists of Dauis and Panglao towns.
Mayor Jose Nicanor Tocmo of this town confirmed that a certain Balibago company has made an arrangement in one of the sources to extract water here and supply the needs of Panglao.
Tocmo said the firm is almost done with pipeline laying that traverses some barangays in Tagbilaran City, then across the Borja Bridge along the Tagbilaran-Dauis narrow strait and into the island.
The island is one of the places in Bohol that have the costliest water rates due to scarcity of water supply, which had been found to be salty due to seawater seepage.
Panglao town itself badly needs water to cover the demands of the growing population and tourists. As of now, it relies on outsourcing of potable water supply, which in turn has been very expensive, officials said.
Mayor Nila Montero has been trying hard to put in place infrastructure, through cisterns, being constructed for water storage in some barangays, but these may not be enough solution. She said the people of Panglao welcome any sources to supply the town of potable water.
Tocmo said Corella’s move to supply water to Panglao would earn additional revenues for his town. He estimated that about P300,000 of monthly income from the water extraction would go to the municipal coffers, which in turn could fund development projects his administration has planned. (FREEMAN)