H2O Horizon: Navigating the Waters of Crisis in Cagayan de Oro City

CREDIT: https://www.pna.gov.ph

In an era where water scarcity looms as an ever-present threat to urban sustainability, Cagayan de Oro City emerges as a beacon of proactive governance and community resilience. With the local government's recent decision to collaborate with four independent water firms, the city sets a precedent for addressing critical utility challenges head-on. This blog delves into the intricate layers of this strategic move, unveiling the foresight and determination of a community poised to safeguard its most precious resource.

Cagayan de Oro City, a vibrant hub in Northern Mindanao, faces a daunting dilemma that threatens the core of its sustenance: a severe water supply shortage. The local government, in a decisive action, has contracted four independent water firms to mitigate this crisis. This emergency procurement, articulated by Councilor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba, is encapsulated in City Council Resolution No. 14922-2024, a document that empowers the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) to navigate the complexities of volume and price negotiations with these suppliers. This measure, born out of necessity, reflects the city's commitment to ensuring the uninterrupted flow of life's most essential element to its residents.

The backdrop of this strategic maneuver is a tangled web of stalled negotiations and contractual disputes, notably between COWD and Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Incorporated (COBI). The contention centers around an alleged PHP479 million debt owed by the water utility, a dispute that has precipitated a state of emergency, declared by Mayor Rolando Uy through Executive Order (EO) 196-2024. This declaration is not merely a procedural formality but a clarion call to rally the city's resources and resolve in the face of adversity. By enlisting the services of Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc., South Balibago Resources, Inc., JE Hydro and Bio-Energy Corp., and the Mindanao Cooperatives Water Service Federation, Cagayan de Oro not only diversifies its water supply sources but also fortifies its resilience against future supply disruptions.

The emergency purchase is a pivotal, albeit temporary, solution to a systemic challenge. It underscores the critical need for sustainable water management practices and long-term infrastructure investment. The resolution and the accompanying executive order serve as a wake-up call, urging a reevaluation of existing contracts and a push towards innovation in water supply and conservation methods. As Cagayan de Oro navigates through its current predicament, the lessons learned and the strategies employed could serve as a blueprint for other cities grappling with similar challenges.

In the heart of this crisis lies an opportunity—an opportunity for Cagayan de Oro to redefine its relationship with its most vital resource. Councilor Balaba's assertion that "water is a fundamental right of all" echoes the sentiment of a community unwilling to let bureaucratic entanglements jeopardize its access to clean, affordable water. The city's engagement with the four water firms is more than a mere contractual agreement; it is a testament to Cagayan de Oro's resilience, its unwavering spirit, and its collective will to ensure the well-being of its people.

As Cagayan de Oro City strides forward from the brink of a water supply crisis, it sets an example for urban centers worldwide. The path to water security is fraught with challenges, but through innovative partnerships, robust governance, and community engagement, the tide can turn. The journey of Cagayan de Oro is a compelling narrative of adversity, adaptation, and advancement—a narrative that reaffirms the indomitable human spirit in the quest for sustainability and resilience.

Cagayan de Oro's Council Decision Paves the Way for Enhanced Water Supply

CREDIT: Cagayan de Oro City Information Office 

In a significant move that promises to reshape the landscape of water supply in Cagayan de Oro City, the 20th City Council has passed an amended resolution. This resolution, approved during a special session last Monday, marks a pivotal moment. By voting 14 in favor with three against, the council has interposed no objection to Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc.'s application to directly supply water to the city's households. This decision is not just about changing a supplier; it's about embracing a future where access to water becomes more streamlined and efficient.

The resolution amends a crucial phrase, setting the stage for a new pricing strategy. Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc. will now charge P15 per cubic meter of water for the initial three years of operation, followed by P16 per cubic meter in the subsequent 12 years. This pricing strategy is not merely a figure; it represents a commitment to affordability and accessibility for the residents of Cagayan de Oro.

Councilor Edgar Cabanlas, a key proponent of the resolution, emphasized that the authority to approve water permit applications lies with the National Water Resources Board (NWRB). Cabanlas's advocacy underscores a crucial aspect of governance: the ability to facilitate essential services while navigating the intricacies of legal and regulatory frameworks. This resolution, according to Cabanlas, is a gateway for other water suppliers to directly serve the city's households, enhancing competition and potentially improving service quality.

Cabanlas addressed concerns regarding the ongoing negotiations between Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI) over water rates. He clarified that the resolution focuses solely on allowing Rio Verde to supply water directly to households. Any legal disputes between COWD and COBI are separate issues, reinforcing the council's role in fostering a conducive environment for service delivery rather than intervening in contractual disputes.

The council's resolution is more than a regulatory approval; it's a vision for the future. By allowing Rio Verde to supply 100 million cubic meters of water directly to the city, the council is not just addressing the immediate needs but is also laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. This decision could potentially transform how water is supplied in Cagayan de Oro, ensuring that access to this vital resource is secure, reliable, and affordable.

The implications of this decision extend beyond the immediate economic or logistical benefits. It represents a commitment to ensuring that the basic needs of the city's residents are met with foresight and responsibility. The council's role, as articulated by both Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez and Councilor Cabanlas, highlights a delicate balance between regulatory authority and service to the community.

The council's decision to amend the resolution and allow Rio Verde to supply water directly to Cagayan de Oro's households is a landmark moment. It signifies a shift towards more direct and efficient service delivery models, a move that could serve as a blueprint for other cities facing similar challenges. The agreed-upon water rates, P15 to P16, demonstrate a commitment to keeping water affordable while ensuring that the infrastructure and service delivery mechanisms are in place to meet the city's growing needs.

The 20th City Council's amended resolution is not just a local policy adjustment; it's a statement of intent. It shows a willingness to adopt innovative solutions to longstanding challenges, to prioritize the needs of the community, and to act with a sense of urgency and purpose. As Cagayan de Oro City looks forward to the implementation of this resolution, the hope is that this decision will catalyze further positive changes, making the city a model for effective urban water management. The council's decision is a testament to the power of informed, responsive governance, and a reminder of the impact such decisions can have on the well-being of a community.