TACLOBAN CITY – Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda has pledged continued efforts to resolve the city’s ongoing water supply shortage, particularly affecting northern barangays, after a social media post by a resident brought renewed public attention to the issue.
In a statement on his official Facebook page, Mayor Agda thanked the concerned resident for speaking out, saying that it is the public’s right to demand quality services from the government.
“I thank you for voicing out your concern, and I stand with you in affirming that it is our right to demand the quality of public service we rightfully deserve from our government,” the mayor wrote.
Mayor Agda explained that the immediate cause of the shortage is a broken submersible pump at the Borongan Water District (BWD), the government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) tasked with managing the city’s water system. While the BWD operates independently from the Local Government Unit (LGU), the city is allowed to assist in finding and developing new water sources.
He assured residents that the LGU is taking action, citing the ongoing development of the Chapinan Watershed and the exploration of additional water sources to supplement the current supply.
Calling the matter both urgent and deeply concerning, the mayor emphasized that water is essential to life and the community’s well-being.
“This is a pressing issue for all of us, ngan puera la hit kamakaarawud, makahuhulop — kay tubig it nagbubuhi ha aton ngaranan,” Agda said. “We ask for your understanding during this time as we endeavor to help alleviate this plight for all of us.”
The mayor reiterated the LGU’s commitment to work with the BWD and other stakeholders to ensure a long-term, sustainable solution to Borongan’s water woes — a recurring problem in recent years, especially during dry seasons.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
