THE Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is considering an extension for the interim management of the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) as the agency works to stabilize the utility’s finances, according to Interim General Manager Fermin Jarales.

Originally appointed for six months to address the district’s financial instability and nearly half-billion peso debt to LWUA, Jarales confirmed that his term may be extended until COWD achieves financial health.

The debt crisis, which spurred former General Manager Antonio Young’s early retirement amid staff protests, prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to authorize LWUA’s intervention in COWD operations.

Jarales, who has led the interim team for two months following an initial period of opposition from the previous administration, said a five-year development plan is now in place to guide the water district’s recovery.

AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY. IGM Fermin Jarales displays documents today, October 30, confirming his authorization from the Bureau of Treasury to manage all bank transactions for the Cagayan de Oro Water District. He also clarified plans to submit Local Water Utilities Administration Board Resolution No. 34 to the Commission on Audit to address concerns of procedural irregularity. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

“The district is in a difficult financial stage, but it’s solvable, and that’s why LWUA is here,” he told reporters.

The plan, developed with department heads, outlines priorities and budget allocations. Jarales added, “LWUA sees the need for the extension until we can fully stabilize the operations.”

Jarales is expected to announce the formal extension soon, noting that operations at COWD have become more regularized.

“We’re operating smoothly, and management is stable,” he said.