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Panigan-Tamugan Watershed

Davao City Bulk Water Project improves water quality and pressure in Davao City, with high customer satisfaction reported

by Contributor June 30, 2026

written by Contributor

DAVAO CITY — In every classroom, learning begins with the basics. Beyond books, lessons and dedicated teachers, students need a safe and healthy environment to help them focus and thrive.

This is the principle behind the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program, which aims to improve the learning and health outcomes of Filipino students through a comprehensive, sustainable, and scalable school-based WASH program. The initiative supports the State’s mandate to protect children from conditions that could hinder their development and well-being.

For Cabantian Elementary School teacher Riza Paler, one of the most important is access to reliable water — a resource that supports the health, cleanliness, and well-being of both students and teachers every day.

“Water plays a big role for us as a school because it helps in our cleanliness and also our well-being,” Paler shared, reflecting on her more than 20 years of teaching. Whether for handwashing, maintaining clean facilities, or supporting a healthy learning environment, dependable access to water helps ensure that her students can focus on what matters most — learning and growing.

Reliable Water for Schools and Communities

The experience of educators like Paler reflects a broader trend across Davao City, where consumers are reporting improvements in water quality, water pressure, and service reliability. Recently, the Davao City Water District (DCWD) received a 98.3% customer satisfaction rating in a 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted by SVM Research Consultancy Services.

With the integration of treated surface water into Davao City’s water supply 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), essential institutions such as schools continue to benefit from more reliable water access.

The positive results underscore the impact of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project. Through this project, up to 300 million liters of treated surface water from the Tamugan River is delivered daily to the Davao City Water District (DCWD) for distribution throughout Davao City.

“Dako gyud kaayog kalabutan ang tubig sa learning development sa among mga bata (Water has a huge impact on the learning development of our students.),” said Sasa Elementary School Principal Leonardo Tiongson.

For many other residents, the benefits are felt in their daily lives through stronger and more consistent water pressure, improved water quality, and more dependable water service. These improvements help make everyday activities such as bathing, cooking, washing clothes, cleaning, and other household tasks more convenient.

Strengthening a Sustainable Water Supply

The DCBWSP has strengthened Davao City’s water supply system by providing a sustainable source of treated surface water that complements existing groundwater sources. This supports DCWD’s efforts to improve water reliability, reduce pressure on underground aquifers, and enhance service delivery.

For many Dabawenyos, the result is a more dependable water supply that better supports daily life.

As one of the country’s largest operating private bulk water supply facilities, the DCBWSP continues to play a critical role in strengthening Davao City’s water security and supporting the city’s long-term growth and resilience.

June 30, 2026 0 comments

Community

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

by Contributor March 30, 2026

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.

March 30, 2026 0 comments

Community

Reliable Water Now Reaches Every Home in Panacan

by Contributor November 21, 2025

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.

November 21, 2025 0 comments

Environment News

Stop desilting

by Nova Mae Francas September 8, 2025

written by Nova Mae Francas

10 barangays call for immediate probe, suspension of activities on watershed

A JOINT resolution from several barangays called for an immediate investigation of desilting operations in the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed due to alleged violations and non-compliance with environmental regulations.

The joint resolution of 10 barangays said that it was “respectfully requesting the Honorable City Mayor of Davao City and the technical working group of the Davao City Desilting Ordinance to conduct an immediate investigation and temporarily suspend the desilting operations in the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed.”

The Panigan-Tamugan is a vital source of drinking water in the

The resolution, obtained by TIMES, was signed by Jennifer Porgarilas, Barangay chairman of Gumalang; Margie Binobo of Wines; Ronilo Celez, acting chairman of Tamugan; Arnel Liong of Malagos; Joselito Cajes of Baguio proper; Loreto Amoy of Suawan; Ricardo Gierran of Tawan-tawan; Socrates Estomata of Carmen; Leonard Cabang, acting chairman of Cadalian, and Jesabel Suboy, barangay kagawad of Tambobong.

Alleged violations

The resolution highlighted concerns that current desilting activities, if not properly monitored and coordinated, could exacerbate negative impacts on the affected barangays.

They claimed that the desilting permittees failed to coordinate with the affected barangays.

The failure to communicate led to numerous complaints from the residents.

For instance, the operations allegedly exceeded the allowable desilting extraction of only one meter of the riverbed, as stipulated in the Ordinance No. 0742-25. Also, a mechanical separator was being operated on-site without the necessary permits from the local government and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau XI.

It also pointed out that operations are being conducted beyond the prescribed delivery hauling time, which should be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to allow monitoring by government checkers.

“The alleged violations, if proven, constitute apparent non-compliance with the City Ordinance No. 0333-15, Series of 2015, undermining its intent to balance environmental protection with flood mitigation measures,” the resolution stressed.

However, the resolution emphasized that the barangays do not oppose desilting, crucial for flood control and water regulation, but it must be properly implemented.

The barangay officials called for the temporary suspension of desilting operations pending the outcome of the investigation.

The resolution was forwarded to the Watershed Management Council, CMO, and the City Engineer’s Office for appropriate action.

Complaints

In a letter dated Aug. 5 to Celez of Tamugan, parents of Tamugan ES and NHS students requested for assistance to request the owner of huge trucks to avoid using the road during specific hours as it posed safety risks to students going to school.

“Ang rason niini tungod sa kagamay sa maong kalsada maong apiki kaayo ug hadlok para sa mga bata. Mohangyo mi nimo Sir nga imo ming tabangan sa among mulo para sa among mga anak,” the letter stated.

It specifically requested to restrict truck passage during school hours 6-8 a.m., 12 noon-1 p.m., and 4-5 p.m. on weekdays.

This was also reiterated by John Paul N. Paculdo, Tamugan NHS School head, and Samuel Cabales, Tamugan ES Principal I.

“It has been observed that large trucks often intersect at the narrow road fronting the school, and when two or more of them meet, they resort to backing into the school entrance to make way. This practice poses a serious hazard,” Paculdo said.

Cabales also said that Tamugan Elementary School has 315 learners from kinder to grade six and the school is situated along the substandard road which is very risky when overloaded big trucks loaded with boulders and sand pass by.

Photo: Bantay Bukid

September 8, 2025 0 comments

Community

Water Wins for Learning: District 2 School See Cleaner Classrooms With Bulk Water Support

by Contributor July 25, 2025

written by Contributor

Students once had to carry bottles of water to school, while teachers routinely bought water gallons just to clean the comfort rooms– water access used to be a daily struggle for Cabantian Elementary School, one of the largest public schools in Davao City’s rapidly growing District 2. With over 2,000 students, maintaining basic hygiene and cleanliness was a constant challenge. Still, teachers did their best to ensure a safe and sanitary environment for their learners.

Cabantian Elementary students practice proper handwashing together, now part of their daily routine thanks to improved water access.

That story is now changing. With recent improvements in Davao City’s water infrastructure, especially the conjunctive use of groundwater and treated surface water from the Tamugan River– reliable water is finally reaching classrooms and comfort rooms. A 2024 Davao City Water District (DCWD) survey showed 99.6% customer satisfaction in the Cabantian area, signaling a major step forward not just for households and businesses, but also for schools working hard to provide safe and healthy learning environments.

This shift has allowed the school to implement DepEd’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) program more fully. In fact, Cabantian Elementary School recently received a highest score of 3-Star validation under the national WinS implementation– a recognition of its improved sanitation practices and water access.

The school reported having 24-hour water availability, making daily handwashing and toilet cleaning finally possible. Their group handwashing facility, equipped with ten functioning faucets, now meets the standards set by WinS, which requires accessible and reliable hygiene stations to promote regular handwashing among learners– especially crucial in the post-pandemic classroom.

Ten fully functional faucets at Cabantian Elementary now support daily group handwashing, meeting DepEd WinS standards.

“We couldn’t really implement the WINS program (DepEd’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools) before. Our learners can’t have proper group handwashing and toothbrushing activities because we don’t have enough water,” shared Judy Omapoy, School Head of Cabantian Elementary School. “In the program, it is important for kids to practice frequent handwashing, especially after the pandemic.”

She also recalled that when she was first assigned to the school in 2022, the handwashing facilities weren’t functional: “Pag-abot nako diri in 2022, naa nay group handwashing facilities, kaso wala pa gyud nagamit kay walay tubig. But in 2023, we revived it… pinalitan at dinagdagan ang faucets, and since then, we’ve started using it regularly because we finally have reliable water access.” (When I first arrived here in 2022, there were already group handwashing facilities, however, it was not functioning because there was no water. But in 2023, we revived it… we changed and added faucets, and since then, we’ve started using it regularly because we finally have reliable water access.)

Grade 6 Teacher Paler who has taught at Cabantian ES for twenty years, added: “Usahay si bata kay dili mangihi tungod kay hugaw ang CR pero sa lower grade sa una, nakabuhat gyud mi nga nagbitbit gyud ug arinola para pagkahuman kay isa lang ka yaboan. Ingana among ginabuhat sauna. Karon, functional na gyud atong mga CR which is good gyud sa mga bata.” (Sometimes the kids wouldn’t pee because the comfort room was dirty. Back then, especially in the lower grades, we really had to bring chamber pots (arinola) so that after using them, we could just pour the waste out in one go. That’s what we used to do. Now, our comfort rooms are really functional, which is really good for the kids.)

A group handwashing facility at Cabantian Elementary School is now fully operational, supporting daily hygiene routines for
students. With improved 24/7 water access, the school has successfully met key criteria under DepEd’s Water, Sanitation,
and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) program and recently earned a 3-Star validation for its efforts.

These wins– improved sanitation and healthier school environments– reflect a larger effort. Behind this change is the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a partnership between the Davao City Water District and Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc. subsidiary Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., which treats up to 300 million liters of water per day from the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed.

Developed to meet Davao’s growing water needs while reducing dependence on groundwater, the DCBWSP has made it possible for communities like Cabantian to enjoy consistent, reliable water service. The improvements at Cabantian Elementary School remind us that water is more than just a utility — it’s a foundation for growth, learning, and public well-being. As we enjoy the benefits of cleaner, more reliable water today, we must also protect the source of this progress. Protecting the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed is protecting our future. When water flows, learning grows.

July 25, 2025 0 comments