By Hammy Keith Roa
and Genia Sevilla
BSU Interns
CAGAYAN de Oro City Water District (COWD) Interim General Manager Fermin V. Jarales assured the public that no water rate increase is currently in effect, dispelling misinformation from unreliable sources.
Speaking at the Meet the Press on February 26, Jarales encouraged customers who notice sudden increases in their bills to visit the Water District’s commercial department for adjustments.
“Nunca. Wala mi nag-implementar og increase,” he told reporters, reaffirming that no rate hike has been approved.
During the press conference, Jarales presented a five-year development plan aimed at improving the city’s water supply system.
The plan, with an estimated investment of P6.875 billion, outlines financial strategies pending approval from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA). These include a capital expenditure bailout, loans, performance-based partnerships, and government bonds.
The development plan prioritizes reducing non-revenue water (NRW), which accounts for significant water losses due to leaks and aging infrastructure.
Jarales said that within five years, NRW would be reduced by at least 32%, with a targeted 20% reduction in the initial phase. The strategy involves replacing and reinforcing pipelines, some of which are 36 years old.
"This is a collective problem that requires a collective solution," he said, pointing out the importance of public cooperation in overcoming the city’s ongoing water crisis.
To address the immediate threat of water shortages, Jarales cited LWUA’s full intervention in COWD operations. The oversight, initially set to end, has been extended from March 1 to August 31, 2025, ensuring continued support in stabilizing the water supply.
Despite financial challenges, Jarales remains optimistic about improving water services in the city.
“We are facing financial strains, but we are finding ways to secure resources. This crisis is not hopeless,” he said.
With these plans in place, COWD aims to provide a sustainable, first-world standard water service for Cagayan de Oro, ensuring long-term improvements for residents.
