Oro residents mobilize to address water crisis

A group of local leaders and residents in Cagayan de Oro is taking action to address a mounting water crisis, spurred by a financial dispute between the city-owned Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and its supplier, Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (Cobi).

The conflict, involving a debt of nearly half a billion pesos, has left residents caught in the crossfire.

Led by Gusa Barangay Chairman Marlon Tabac, the group convened a meeting with former Councilor Enrico Salcedo and other barangay chiefs to strategize their approach. They formed the ‘Luwas Tubig Movement’ to represent the community’s concerns and advocate for a resolution.

“Kinahanglan naa’y mugiya sa katawhan mismo,” said Tabac told Gold Star Daily, emphasizing the movement’s aim to give voice to the affected residents.

Today, the group plans to draft a position paper urging intervention from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA), the House of Representatives, and the Senate. They will also seek support from chairpersons of the city’s 80 barangays, as well as from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro and other religious organizations, to bolster their signature campaign.

He said they will visit each of the 80 Punong Barangays in the city to ask for help in their signature campaign, the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, and other religious sectors.

Tomorrow, the group will meet again to organize a protest rally to further highlight the water crisis. Former Councilor Reuben Daba has expressed strong support for the movement, stating that access to water is a fundamental right that should not be denied to the people.

“Water is essential, and no one has the right to take it away from those who need it the most,” Daba asserted.

The residents’ mobilization underscores the urgent need for a resolution to the dispute, as the city’s water supply hangs in the balance.