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Better water access improves quality of life in Emily Homes, Cabantian

by Contributor
written by Contributor

For Emily Homes Homeowners Association President Jose D. Cadjatan, reliable water supply is vital for communities to grow and thrive in Davao City.

Improved access to potable water supply is a major contributor in building more livable communities in Davao City. More residents can now enjoy reliable and uninterrupted water service, advancing their quality of life, such as those living in Emily Homes in Cabantian.

This is made possible through the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a public-private partnership between Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (Apo Agua) and the Davao City Water District (DCWD).

The DCBWSP increases water supply access by providing 300 million liters of potable water daily to more than one million Davaoeños. This has enabled the water district to expand its distribution network, bringing potable water to more households and communities.

Improved water access builds better lives

Better access to potable water makes it easier for residents to meet their everyday needs. This is evident at Emily Homes, where Homeowners Association President Engineer Jose D. Cadjatan underscores the importance of reliable basic services to the residents of their subdivision.

Before gaining access to piped water, residents from the Cabantian relied mostly on water deliveries by truck and often had to purchase water in gallons for drinking, to meet their daily needs.

“The most important daily requirements for a person are water, electricity and access to road infrastructure.” Engr. Cadjatan said. “The absence of one would be really hard,” he added.

“But, there’s no problem anymore. We have these [reliable water, electricity, and access to road infrastructure] here at Emily Homes, so the people are satisfied with their daily needs,” Cadjatan said.

Through the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, treated water from the Tamugan River is  delivered to DCWD for distribution. This reduces pressure on groundwater sources during peak demand, allowing it to naturally recharge. This ensures a stable and resilient water supply which benefits the customers of DCWD.

Cadjatan remarked that residents of Emily Homes are now satisfied with the improved water service. “Sa karon, ang feedback na gyud sa mga resident kay gwapo daw among source sa tubig. Tugnaw naman kaayo nya ang supply, enough na gyud siya. Wala na mi nakaproblema sa tubig– supisyente na sa among requirements (Now, residents are saying the water source is really good. The supply is cold, strong, and enough for our daily needs. We no longer have problems with water- it’s sufficient for our [daily] requirements).”

Supporting Davao City’s water needs during El Niño

The DOST-PAGASA recently reported that El Niño conditions are now present in the Philippines. With less rainfall and longer dry periods, some areas may experience water shortages and reduced water supply.

As part of DCWD’s conjunctive use strategy, Apo Agua provides treated surface water from the Tamugan river that complements existing groundwater sources — helping ensure supply reliability and redundancy.

This strategy also supports the sustainable management of the city’s water resources, providing DCWD with greater flexibility in managing the city’s water supply during periods of high demand and dry conditions.

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Business

Aboitiz InfraCapital highlights Davao bulk water supply project as a model PPP in Cebu Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE DAVAO City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a public-private partnership (PPP) between Aboitiz InfraCapital Water (AIC Water)’s subsidiary Apo Agua and the Davao City Water District (DCWD), was recently highlighted as a model for advancing water security during the Cebu Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit held on June 4 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City, as part of Cebu Business Month 2026.

In his plenary speech during the event, AIC Vice President and Head of Water Business, Eduardo ‘Dudes’ Aboitiz, said that the DCBWSP provides Davao City with 300 million liters per day (MLD) of safe and potable water through DCWD, benefiting more than one million Davaoeños. 

“Sari-sari store owners say they can now grow their businesses without relying on expensive water deliveries or spending time fetching water from communal sources,” Aboitiz said.

The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project augments DCWD’s water supply, enabling the water district to expand its operations and coverage area. This led to an increase in the number of businesses and housing developments in Davao City, contributing to more economic opportunities for Davaoeños. 

In an independent study by the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), the DCBWSP contributed more than PHP 15.5 billion worth of investments in the city. It also generated PHP 1.1 billion gross revenue and contributions to Davao City’s gross regional domestic product in 2024.

The DCBWSP supports DCWD’s conjunctive use strategy, where surface water from Apo Agua complements existing groundwater sources to ensure supply reliability and redundancy. This is especially important during El Niño, which can bring long dry periods and lead to water shortages. 

Recognizing the role of public-private partnerships in advancing water security, Aboitiz referenced the DCBWSP in discussing how PPPs can support water resilience in Cebu.

“Building Cebu’s water security cannot be done overnight. It requires long-term planning and foresight. To achieve this, we should continue embracing PPPs as a framework to develop critical infrastructure and attract investment,” Aboitiz said.

Organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of Cebu Business Month,  the Cebu Investment and Entrepreneurship Summit brought together investors, business leaders, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to discuss opportunities and solutions that advance Cebu’s economy. 

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News

DCWD open to supplying water to Samal via bridge, but no formal request yet

by Rhoda Grace Saron
written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE DAVAO City Water District (DCWD) is willing to supply the needs of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), although officials clarified that no formal talks have been initiated despite the ongoing construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector.

Speaking at the Davao Peace and Security press briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, DCWD spokesperson Jovana Cresta Duhaylungsod addressed long-standing questions about whether the utility provider would utilize the multi-billion-peso bridge to solve Samal’s water woes.

Duhaylungsod revealed that while the idea of attaching a water pipeline to the bridge was proposed years ago, it was ultimately not included in the current structural plans.

“There was an opportunity presented to us way before to consider the pipeline during the bridge construction,” Duhaylungsod said. “However, we cannot simply install a pipe without considering the load. There are engineering factors that need to be addressed, and unfortunately, we don’t know why it was not incorporated into the final design.”

Despite the omission in the bridge plans, she noted that modern engineering technology makes it “highly possible” to transport surface water to the island through alternative means, provided the proper agreements are in place.

While DCWD remains a potential provider, Duhaylungsod observed that IGACOS appears to be moving toward self-sufficiency. According to DCWD monitoring, the Samal City Council has reportedly approved a budget for a P100-million water development project.

“In fairness, until now, there is no formal request from either the IGACOS Water District or their Local Government Unit (LGU) for Davao City to consider an expansion,” she clarified.

The spokesperson said supplying water to Samal Island boils down to engineering and legalities.

“The question of whether it is possible? Yes,” Duhaylungsod added. “It would just require the necessary engineering components and a formal agreement between DCWD and whoever represents the water district there or the LGU.”

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Community

Why a dual water source system is strengthening Davao’s climate resilience

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Photo/Credit: 2024 infographics by Davao City Water District (DCWD) on the city’s water supply systems

Water security is increasingly becoming one of the defining challenges for cities across the world. Changing rainfall patterns, stronger weather disturbances, and growing urban demand are forcing governments and utilities to rethink how water systems are designed and managed.

The Philippines is fortunate to be endowed with abundant natural water resources– from Surface water sources to productive groundwater aquifers that sustain communities across the country. With significant annual rainfall that varies from 965 to 4,064 millimeters annually and diverse watersheds, water availability has long supported growing cities and economies.

However, ensuring long-term water security also depends on how these resources are managed together. Changing climate and increasing demand make it essential for cities to balance surface water and groundwater through integrated systems that protect supply even during dry periods.

The Davao City Water District has increasingly turned toward a balanced approach, combining surface water and groundwater sources, to strengthen resilience against these uncertainties.

“Sa pagkakaron, we can claim that Davao City has achieved tung atong ginatawag na climate resiliency in terms of water service kay atoang napamatud-an during that time of El Niño when every place in the country has been experiencing drought ug water shortage, ang Davao City, opposite ang atoang scenario, abunda kaayo ta og supply,” Duhaylungsod said in a 2024 interview during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps presser.

(As of now, we can claim that Davao City has achieved what we call as climate resiliency in terms of water service, as demonstrated during the El Niño period when every place in the country was experiencing drought and water shortages. In contrast, Davao City’s scenario was the opposite; we had an abundant supply.)

Through the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), treated surface water sourced from the Tamugan River augments the existing groundwater supply managed by the Davao City Water District (DCWD), demonstrating how surface water integration is helping ease pressure on aquifers while maintaining stable supply for the city.

Learning From Changing Climate

A changing climate does not always announce itself through disasters. Sometimes it appears quietly through shifting river flows or unexpected dry periods.

Early Q1 this year, monitoring recorded lower river flow levels in parts of January despite it being within the rainy season– a reminder that even historically reliable water sources are not immune to changing climate conditions.

Yet across Davao, households and businesses experienced no noticeable disruption in supply.

DCWD was able to maintain stability by balancing surface water delivery with groundwater production, demonstrating how diversified sources can absorb environmental fluctuations without affecting consumers.

For residents, the adjustment happened largely behind the scenes. For the local water utility, however, it offered a practical example of how redundancy strengthens resilience.

Protecting Groundwater for the Long Term

Around the world, groundwater depletion has become an increasing concern. Aquifers that once seemed limitless are now under pressure due to population growth and expanding economic activity.

Supplementing groundwater extraction with treated surface water enables utilities to manage wells more responsibly, reducing strain during periods of peak demand and allowing natural recharge processes to take place.

Surface water provides additional supply when needed, while groundwater continues to serve as a stable foundation of the distribution system. Together, this balanced approach reduces dependence on a single source and strengthens overall water resilience.

This is the same strategy applied in Davao City through the treated surface water supplied by the DCBWSP.

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BusinessFeatured

Aboitiz InfraCapital Named PH’s Most Innovative Infrastructure Investment Company for the Second Time

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. (AIC), the infrastructure investment arm of the Aboitiz Group, has once again been recognized as the Most Innovative Infrastructure Investment Company in the Philippines at the recent International Finance Awards (IFA) 2025.

This marks the second time AIC received this prestigious distinction, having also been named as the Most Innovative Infrastructure Investment Company in the Philippines in 2024.

“This second recognition by the International Finance Awards affirms that innovation at AIC is not a one-off achievement, but a discipline we consistently practice. We continue to invest in transformative infrastructure ecosystems that are future-ready, sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of the country,” said AIC President and Chief Executive Officer Cosette V. Canilao.

Handed out by International Finance, a premium business and finance magazine published in the UK, the award “recognizes financial institutions for outstanding performance and leadership, including path-breaking initiatives in corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, and contributions that benefit the global finance community, alongside excellence in their respective fields.”

Further, the repeat recognition–awarded as AIC notably marked its 10th year in 2025–underscores AIC’s sustained focus on innovation, long-term value creation, and responsible infrastructure development across its sectors: Water, Airports, and Digital Infrastructure.

AIC’s integrated approach combines strategic investments, operational excellence, and partnerships with public and private stakeholders to deliver infrastructure solutions that support inclusive growth and national development.

AIC’s portfolio also reflects a deliberate effort to build scalable platforms that create economic and social impact over the long term.

In 2025, AIC Airports began operations of Bohol-Panglao and Laguindingan International Airports, joining award-winning Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and strengthening AIC’s role as a key gateway connecting more people and places.

At MCIA, global recognition for its Eco-Watt Initiative and being named Airport of the Year in Asia at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 affirmed MCIA’s position as a benchmark for excellence.

Alongside this, AIC Water subsidiary Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc.–which has already been operating the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project, the country’s largest bulk water supply facility, for two years–continued to serve as a trusted and committed partner of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) in transforming lives through sustainable water solutions throughout 2025.

Together with DCWD, Apo Agua’s watershed protection advocacy #AmpinganPaniganTamugan and the continued impact of Apo Agua’s Project Blue community initiative reinforced AIC’s commitment to empowering communities through sustainable water.

Unity Digital, a partnership between AIC and Partners Group, also expanded to almost 3,000 points of service in 2025, extending connectivity across more communities nationwide.

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Community

Reliable Water Now Reaches Every Home in Panacan

by Contributor
written by Contributor

For more than four decades, residents of Panacan Relocation in Davao City relied on deepwells, water delivery trucks, and stored drums just to meet their daily water needs. Ever since the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP) began operations in 2024, families have been enjoying strong water pressure and a steady supply from the city’s water district- finally flowing straight from their taps.

Jerry Dagatan, a resident in Panacan since 1976, recalled their situation with water before: “Lisod kaayo sauna. Usahay maghakot pa mi sa Water District sa Bajada kung naa’y service. Kung wala, maghulat nalang mi kanus-a musirit ang tubig. Tulo ka drum muabot ug duha ra ka adlaw, unya doble pa ang gasto kay lahi pa ang pang-inom (It was very difficult before. Sometimes we had to fetch water from the Water District in Bajada if there was service. If not, we just had to wait for when the water would come. Three drums would only last for two days, and the expenses were doubled because we had to buy separate water for drinking),” Dagatan said.

At the height of the water interruptions, many families spent hundreds of pesos each week on drums of water, supplies that often ran out in just two days for households of five or six members.

Grace Olacao, who has lived in Panacan more than five decades, described how families even sacrificed sleep to catch water during late-night hours. “Sige mi ug atang alas dos sa kadlawon hangtod alas kwatro. Baliktad among adlaw. Matulog mi sa adlaw kay mag-atang mi sa tubig sa gabii. Mao na among giagwanta sauna (We used to stay up from 2 AM to 4 AM. Our days were reversed. We slept during the day because we had to wait for water at night. That’s what we endured back then),” Olacao said.

But in recent months, the difference has been night and day. Dagatan proudly shared how his family now cooks, bathes, and drinks directly from the tap. “Karon, sa gripo na gyud tanan. Usahay imnon pa gani. Mas lami pa sa distilled water, bugnaw pa (Now, everything comes from the faucet. Sometimes we even drink it. It’s even better than distilled water- cold too),” he said with a smile.

For Olacao, the change has been life-changing: “Karon limpyo na gyud. Wa na ko nag-mineral water. Gripo na ko diretso. Basta 24 hours siya nagsirit, okay na. Importante gyud ang tubig (Now it’s really clean. I don’t even buy mineral water anymore. I drink straight from the tap. As long as it flows 24 hours a day, it’s fine. Water is really more important),” she added.

Tangible Transformation

With the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project in place, Davao City Water District expanded service coverage especially to those previously underserved areas in District 2. This bulk water project, a partnership between Apo Agua and the DCWD is designed to deliver 300 million liters of safe water daily to more than a million Davaoeños. More importantly, the partnership allowed DCWD to increase service connections in the district, allowing more residents to have access to safe, reliable, and accessible potable water. From 8,600 connections in 2022, the number has increased to 21,000 in 2024 – an increase of 200%.

For communities like Panacan Relocation, the impact restores convenience for its residents. “Tubig is life gyud. Dili ta mabuhi kung wala. Sauna, kapila ka mugasto para lang makalaba o maligo. Karon, naa na gyud sa gripo. Mao gyud na ang pinakadako nga improvement sa among community (Water really is life. We can’t survive without it. Before, you’d have to spend so much just to do laundry or take a bath. Now, it’s finally available from the faucet. That’s truly the biggest improvement in our community),” Dagatan said.

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Environment

MAP urges Davao utilities to climate-proof the city after Cebu’s typhoon damage

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE MINDANAO Alliance for Progress (MAP) has called on the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) to strengthen their disaster-preparedness systems and climate-proof their operations in the wake of the widespread service disruptions caused by Typhoon Tino in Cebu.

“Cebu’s experience is a stark warning to all urban centers, including Davao City,” MAP coordinator Mayet Valdez said in a statement. “While we are fortunate that Davao lies outside the usual typhoon path, our city has not been spared from the growing impact of climate change — from intense rainfall and flash floods to destructive windstorms. We need to act now to protect our vital services before the next disaster strikes.”

Media reports have shown that Typhoon Tino left large parts of Cebu without water and electricity for several days. The Metropolitan Cebu Water District managed to restore only around 64 percent of its water production as of November 7, while the Visayan Electric Company was still working to reconnect many of its customers. Landslides and blocked roads in mountain barangays also slowed down relief and restoration efforts.

Valdez said such scenes could easily happen in Davao if the city’s lifeline systems remain vulnerable. “Our water and power infrastructures are as exposed as anywhere else,” she said. “If heavy rains or landslides damage critical lines or pumping stations, large portions of Davao could be cut off for days. That’s not acceptable for a major city.”

MAP urged DCWD and DLPC to conduct comprehensive climate-risk audits of their facilities — including power lines, substations, treatment plants, and pumping stations — and to develop a ‘Climate-Proof Davao City’ plan. This plan, Valdez said, should outline infrastructure upgrades, redundancy systems, and pre-positioned response teams capable of restoring essential services quickly after extreme weather events.

“Preparedness is more than just emergency response,” she said. “It’s about building systems that can withstand stronger storms and heavier rains, which are becoming more frequent even here in Mindanao.”

The group also called for closer coordination among utilities, the city government, and barangay disaster offices to ensure that service restoration routes remain open during calamities. “Climate-proofing is everyone’s responsibility,” Valdez said. “But it starts with those who manage the lifelines — water and electricity — that sustain our homes, hospitals, and communities.”

Valdez added that Davao City’s relative safety from typhoons should not lead to complacency. “Being near the equator doesn’t shield us from climate change,” she said. “We may not face direct typhoon hits, but we are already feeling the effects — stronger rains, more frequent flooding, and unpredictable storms. Now is the time to prepare.” 

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CommunityFeatured

Davao Bulk Water Increases Property Value and Livability in Emily Homes, Cabantian

by Contributor
written by Contributor

When choosing where to live, three essentials always top the list: accessibility, electricity, and water. In Emily Homes, Cabantian, all three are now within reach- and it is changing the community’s overall livability.

With the Davao City Water District (DCWD) expanding its distribution system through the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), the water supply in Emily Homes has significantly improved and has made the area more livable and attractive to homebuyers.

Just a few years ago, that seemed unlikely. In 2022, areas like Cabantian faced frequent water interruptions. Although 90% of Cabantian residents had 24/7 service, many still experienced inconsistent supply- some families stored water in baldes or basins, waiting for water truck deliveries, adjusting their routines around unpredictable schedules.

Recent figures show that the situation has dramatically improved. DCWD now provides continuous water service to 95% of its customers, resulting in record-high satisfaction levels of 99.6% in Cabantian which previously had intermittent service.

For Engr. Jose Cadjatan, long-time president of the Emily Homes Homeowners Association, the project addressed a crucial gap that had long affected the community.

“Number one requirement gyud kung mupuyo ka sa isa ka lugar ang accessibility sa kalsada going to downtown then electricity and water. Kanang tulo pirmi. The absence ug isa ra anang tulo kay mawad-an gyud sila’g gana (The number one requirement when you live in a place is accessibility to the road going downtown, then electricity and water- those three always matter. If even one of those is missing, people really lose interest),” he said.

Cadjatan added that residents are now satisfied with the improved water service, “Sa karon, ang feedback na gyud sa mga resident kay gwapo daw among source sa tubig. Tugnaw naman kaayo nya ang supply, enough na gyud siya. Wala na mi nakaproblema sa tubig– supisyente na sa among requirements (Now, residents are saying the water source is really good. The supply is cold, strong, and enough for our daily needs. We no longer have problems with water- it’s sufficient for the community).”

This improved reliability has not just made daily life easier, it has also boosted property values. Real estate agent and Emily Homes resident Flora Mae Casa also shared a similar experience. For her, the improved water supply has made a tangible difference not only in daily living but also in her work.

“Happy din and nakakatulong nang malaki sa akin especially sa mga house rentals ko (I’m really happy because the improvement in our water supply has helped me a lot, especially with my house rentals),” she said.

“Most of the time, yung mga clients ko is tinatanong na, “How was the water?,” “Okay na ba ang supply dito? Ang quality?” Yun ang sinasagot ko is, “Yes, clear na talaga ang water,” and then tinetest ko din sa kanila- malamig, clear and strong ang supply na po. Isa ang water talaga sa mga concern ng most of the clients (Most of my clients usually ask, ‘How’s the water? Is the supply okay now? How’s the quality?’ I can confidently tell them, ‘The water now is very clear.’ I even show them- the supply is cold, clear, and strong. Water is really one of the top concerns for most clients).” Casa added.

Discussions in online communities among Dabawenyo prospective buyers and residents also reflect this sentiment. Many note that water supply in Emily Homes has ‘greatly improved compared to before’ with strong pressure and 24/7 availability. This positive feedback, echoed through client inquiries and social media chatter, highlights growing interest in Emily Homes and the subdivision’s rising appeal and property value.

The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project- a partnership between Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. and the Davao City Water District is the biggest private bulk water facility in the Philippines. It currently serves more than one million Dabawenyos with 300 million liters of safe, reliable water every day.

For the residents of Emily Homes, what was once a daily challenge has become a source of pride- proof that reliable water access is key to a more livable and resilient Davao.

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News

DCWD: Illegal water connections will be charged P30-K

by Contributor
written by Contributor

THE ADMINISTRATIVE charge for apprehended illegal water connections is increased from P5,000 to P30,000, Davao City Water District announced.

The increase is effective Oct. 1, 2025, per Board Resolution No. 25-272 dated September 3, 2025.

The DCWD, in a press release, explained that the stricter penalty is needed to deter prevalent illegal connections.

Illegal connections, it added, cause low water pressure to no water in affected areas and pose risks to water safety.

“Illegal connections include unauthorized tapping into DCWD pipelines, tampering with water meters, and reconnecting service lines without approval,” it said.

Unauthorized tapping endangers public health as it increases the risk of contamination in the water pipelines.

Illegal water connections are punishable under Republic Act 8041 or the National Water Crisis Act of 1995.

If found guilty, individuals may be imprisoned for six months to two years and will be fined P30,000.00 administrative charge.

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Community

Davao District 2 Water Concerns Addressed with Landmark Surface Water Project

by Contributor
written by Contributor

Among Davao City’s most impactful recent developments is the now fully operational Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), the largest private bulk water project in the Philippines, delivering clean and reliable water to communities across the city.

The project, a collaboration between Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. (Apo Agua) and the Davao City Water District (DCWD), now delivers over 300 million liters per day (MLD) of treated surface water sourced from the Tamugan River, benefiting more than one million Dabawenyos citywide including water-stressed communities in Indangan, Cabantian, and Panacan.

“This is a game-changer, especially for the residents in District 2, who for years experienced water challenges,” said Ronnie D. Lim, General Manager of Apo Agua. “By harnessing surface water through sustainable infrastructure, we are solving water issues at the root and delivering supply to DCWD that is safe and reliable.”

Previously, Davao relied heavily on groundwater extracted from wells and aquifers. Recognizing the risk of overextraction and its long-term impact on supply, DCWD began exploring the use of surface water to diversify and protect the city’s sources.

The existing groundwater system struggled to keep pace with rapid urbanization, often leading to rotational supply, rationing, and low water pressure in elevated or densely populated areas. Now through conjunctive use, or the strategic integration of both surface water and groundwater systems, the city now benefits from a more resilient and balanced water supply system.

“Surface water now serves as the city’s primary water source, allowing DCWD to rest or reallocate its groundwater. This not only helps preserve underground aquifers but also strengthens the city’s long-term water security,” Lim added.

The improvements are evident in the numbers. In just two years, DCWD has tripled its new water service connections: from 8,600 in 2022 to over 21,000 today– that’s 14,000 more households with clean, reliable water right from the tap.

Back in 2022, areas like Cabantian and Panacan faced frequent water interruptions. In Cabantian, only 90% of residents had 24/7 service, while Panacan was at 67%, forcing households to adjust routines around unpredictable supply and store water in containers.

Today, 95% of DCWD customers enjoy continuous water service, with satisfaction levels at an all-time high of 99.6%, and 99.9% in previously underserved areas like Cabantian and Panacan.

The result is immediately felt by residents. Flora Mae Casa of Emily Homes in Cabantian, recalls the daily struggles of fetching water through rotation water truck deliveries.

“Unahan pa sa pila para makakuha ng water and we need to purchase a lot of gallons para pang-ipon namin sa tubig,” Flora shared. (We had to rush to fall in line just to fetch water. We also had to buy many gallons so we could store enough water.)

District 2’s rapid population growth could strain the city’s groundwater-based systems, potentially leading to more frequent water rationing and truck deliveries. Some residents have even had to wake up before dawn just to catch a short trickle of water.

“Mumata mi ug kadlawon mga alas kwatro sa buntag para maabtan namo ang agas, kay pag maabtan na ug mga 10 am, putol-putol na pud ang tubig ana,” said Gerry Dagatan of Upper Panacan. (We used to wake up at 4 a.m. just to get water. Because by 10 a.m., it would already be limited.)

Today, Gerry shares, that’s no longer the case. “Pero napansin na namo run ang dako gyud nga kabag-uhan. Wala na mi ga gamit ug water drums kay naa namay agas ang gripo 24/7.” (We’ve seen a huge change now. No more water drums, there’s 24/7 water from the tap.)

Beyond addressing water concerns, the project’s conjunctive use of surface and ground water also helps ease pressure on underground aquifers, enhancing Davao’s ability to support economic growth and real estate development in rapidly expanding barangays.

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