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.
