Water security for Pagbilao, project addresses community needs

By Rowena Cruz Mayor Angelica Portes Tatlonghari met with the Local Finance Committee and Jimmy Zaporteza on January 23 to discuss Pagbilao...

By Rowena Cruz

Mayor Angelica Portes Tatlonghari met with the Local Finance Committee and Jimmy Zaporteza on January 23 to discuss Pagbilao's proposed water facility. (Pagbilao LGU)

PAGBILAO, Quezon - Province concerns due to water shortage highlight Pagbilao’s project as a proactive step towards sustainable development and community resilience. Led by the Mayor Angelica Portes Tatlonghari, Pagbilao has announced the "Pagbilao Water Supply Project," a strategic initiative designed to combat persistent water shortages and ensure long-term water security for its residents.

Detailed presentations unveiled the project's comprehensive plan, outlining demographic analysis, existing infrastructure assessments, projected impacts, and financial strategies. With a population of 19,502 distributed across 27 barangays, according to the 2020 Census, Pagbilao faces pressing water challenges, particularly in its eight coastal communities vulnerable to saltwater intrusion.



Currently, the Quezon Metro Water District (QMWD), in partnership with Prime Water Infrastructure Corp., serves as the primary source of potable water. However, supplemental sources, including rainwater, wells, and natural springs, are vital, especially in rural areas. These existing supplemental methods often prove unreliable during prolonged dry spells.

The new project introduces two strategic schemes: "Scheme 1" aims to deliver 10 Million Liters per Day (MLD) to the entire municipality, connecting 20,000 households via the Palsabangon River. "Scheme 2" adopts a targeted, clustered approach, dividing the municipality into three zones: Cluster 1 will serve 10,000 households across 15 barangays, Cluster 2 will serve 4,000 households across 4 barangays, and Cluster 3 will serve 4,000 households across 6 barangays.

Alupaye (700 households, 0.35 MLD), Barangay 3 Del Carmen (569 households, 0.28 MLD), Binahaan (1270 households, 0.64 MLD), and Bukal (2042 households, 1.02 MLD), all relying on the Palsabangon River or deep wells. The project’s infrastructure will include new groundwater well drilling, advanced disinfection systems, main transmission pipelines, and household distribution networks equipped with individual water meters.

A 5 MLD scenario anticipates a capital expenditure (CAPEX) of Php 165 million. Operating expenditures (OPEX) are projected at Php 11.00 per cubic meter, with a 10% increase every five years. The projected selling price of water is Php 30.00 per cubic meter, also with a 10% increase every five years. With a 4% interest rate, the project’s internal rate of return (IRR) is calculated at 12.11%, and the average annual net cash flow is estimated at Php 12.36 million.

The Pagbilao Water Supply Project aims to address documented water infrastructure deficiencies within the municipality. It targets the resolution of chronic water shortages experienced by residents, with implementation details to be released following further municipal government announcements.