Councilor Diosdado Mahipus is seeking safeguards to ensure Davao City’s water needs are fully met before any plans to distribute water to neighboring local government units move forward.
Mahipus, chairperson of the Committee on Housing, Rural and Urban Development (Socialized Housing Projects) and the Oversight Committee, has proposed a resolution opposing the long-term and large-scale exportation, allocation, and distribution of water outside Davao City unless scientific studies can establish that the city’s water supply will remain adequate for current and future residents.
The proposal was prompted by reports that the Davao City Water District (DCWD) may have the capability to expand water services beyond the city. Mahipus stressed that while helping neighboring areas is a worthy goal, Davao City’s water security must come first.
“Importante ni siya kay ang mandato sa water district mao ang paghatag ug limpyong tubig sa mga lumulupyo sa syudad sa Davao. Busa, una sila maghatag o kita motabang sa atong mga silingan nga mga munisipyo ug syudad, isiguro usa sa DCWD na ilang trabaho ang ilang mandato,” Mahipus said during Pulong Pulong sa Dabawenyos.
He noted that water supply issues continue to affect several communities in the city, particularly in the third district, despite improvements brought by the bulk water supply project.
“Kay sa karon, mabasaha sa akong mga kauban sa konseho usab ug sa social media, anaay daghang barangay sa syudad sa Davao ilabi na sa ikatulong distrito nga nagkinahanglan gihapon ug kusog, permanente, ug limpyo nga tubig,” he said.
Mahipus emphasized that his proposal is not a criticism of DCWD but a call to further improve water distribution services within the city.
“Now, this is not to say na wala silay ginabuhat, this is not to say nga dili sila maayo. What we are saying is that we need to continue to work for our improvement sa atong water distribution. You focus on that,” he added.
The councilor also called for a comprehensive study of Davao City’s long-term water resources, citing the need to consider environmental and demographic factors that could affect future supply.
“First, since we are already tapping the surface water of the river, we might as well study the history of that river. Kung naa ba’y changes patterns kung asa mo mokunhod ang volume sa tubig nga ana. Gawas niana, we have to consider the changes in our climate, ang extreme drought events. We also need to consider that,” he said.
Mahipus warned that failing to plan ahead could leave future generations vulnerable to water shortages.
“And then, factor in the continuing and accelerated growth of the population of Davao City. So, in 10 to 20 years time, we know it is just a matter of time. Mosugot mog dili, kung dili ta magbantay niani, ang inyong anak ug apo maghulat na lang agas sa gripo nga perting way kasiguradoan ug kanus-a moagas, unless we prepare for that eventuality,” he said.
While expressing openness to sharing water resources with neighboring areas, Mahipus maintained that any expansion should only proceed after scientific validation and public consultation.
“So, before we share, of course we want to share, but we must study whether or not the supply of water is already stable here in Davao City,” he said.
Mahipus said reports regarding the possible expansion of DCWD services outside Davao City prompted him to raise the issue before the council.
“Nakabalita na pud mi sa mantalaan nga basin sa ilang spokesperson nga ingon man pud siya na ang context daw ato was they were asked kung mo-expand pud ba daw sila sa laing Davao del Norte tingali, and they answered that they are capable of it. In fact, they talked about it,” he said.
He reiterated that any proposal to distribute water beyond the city must undergo a transparent review process and remain aligned with DCWD’s primary mandate.
“So, ingon lang ko sa ila, ‘You do not do that without public consultation, without scientific backing for your proposal. And do not forget that your mandate is to provide water for Davao City.’ Ug naay sobra, ngano dili? Pero isiguro sa ninyo kay ang sobra karon basi kuwangon na ugma,” Mahipus added.
