The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is mobilizing emergency resources to address water shortages in Siquijor, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to alleviate the island’s worsening power and water crises.
In a press briefing at Malacañang on Friday, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga confirmed that President Marcos personally instructed concerned agencies to resolve the twin issues.
“The President himself gave the directive to fix the electricity and water problems in Siquijor.,” Salonga said. “We’re happy to take on the challenge,” he added.
Siquijor’s prolonged power outages have disrupted water pump operations, affecting distribution across the province.
To provide immediate relief, LWUA has requested a power generator from Dumaguete City, Negros Island, to support water pump operations independently from the generators being deployed by the National Electrification Administration for general power supply.
Salonga said LWUA coordinated with the Dumaguete City Water District, in partnership with Metro Pacific Water, which agreed to lend a water lorry and a generator set for Siquijor.
The equipment is expected to be delivered soon.
LWUA has also identified a viable water source on the island, from which the lorry will draw water for distribution to affected communities.
As a long-term solution, Salonga said LWUA approved a financial package last week to upgrade the Siquijor Water District’s infrastructure and improve its resilience against future disruptions.
