MIWD calls for integrated approach to address siltation at Iloilo’s main water source

ILOILO CITY — An integrated watershed program is being proposed to address the heavy siltation at the Maasin watershed, the main supply source of Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).

The Metro Iloilo Bulk Water Supply Corp. (MIB), a joint venture company of MIWD and private firm MetroPac Water Investments Corp., appealed for a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach in managing the watershed, which has never undergone desilting.

Engr. Rolixto V. Jodieres Jr., MIB general manager, reported that the continuous accumulation of silts has led to obstruction of raw water intake.

“Heavy siltation has reduced the raw water extracted at the dam, which affected the production of the Sta. Barbara water treatment plant,” Mr. Jodieres said in an interview.

Of the 35,000 cubic meters (cu.m.) to 40,000 cu.m. produced by the dam daily, about 1,000 cu.m. is lost due to heavy siltation, he said.

The 6,150-hectare Maasin watershed supplies 55% of potable water to MIWD.

MIWD serves around 38,000 consumers in Iloilo City and seven towns in Iloilo province.

To minimize silt flushing, MIB implemented a desilting project at the dam in May 2017 worth P3.699 million.

However, Mr. Jodieres said the situation has become alarming as the sediments replenish after three months.

“It’s like a recurring problem. If we do not take care of the environment, our supply will be affected,” he said.

Mr. Jodieres appealed to other stakeholders to provide assistance, may it be technical or financial.

MIWD General Manager Imelda T. Magsuci, in the same interview, said there are three present issues that the watershed is facing: siltation, water quality, and sustainability.

While a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) already exists, Ms. Magsuci said they are proposing a multi-sectoral integrated watershed program, which is seen as a long-term approach to the problem.

MetroPac Water is a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Louine Hope U. Conserva