PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addressed the water crisis in Cagayan de Oro, linked to the Cagayan de Oro Water District’s (COWD) debt to its supplier, Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (Cobi), during his visit for the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair.

Marcos said he has discussed the issue with Metro Pacific's Manny Pangilinan, who agreed to meet with COWD to seek a resolution.

“I have requested Mr. Pangilinan and Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water to restore the normal water supply while we find a long-term solution,” said Marcos.

HANDOUT FAIR. President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. during his arrival yesterday (May 16) at THE Pimentel Convention Center, here for the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair. To his right is Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy. Partly obscured in the back is the city’s 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

Marcos also suggested that the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) could potentially manage the crisis.

“I have asked the local water administration to possibly oversee the situation to study solutions for the water supply issue here,” he said.

COWD Board of Director Gerry Caño, speaking on Magnum Radio today, mentioned that while COWD has funds, they are insufficient for a one-time settlement of the debt.

“We have money, as we pay Cobi P40 million monthly, but it is not enough to settle the debt in one go,” Caño explained.

The ongoing discussions aim not only to resolve the crisis but also to ensure that consumer needs are met fairly.