Bohol — Governor Erico Aris Aumentado has taken a decisive step forward in addressing Bohol's long-standing water security challenges by meeting with World Bank officials to finalize the next phases of the Bohol Bulk Water Supply Project. As a core component of the broader Accelerated Water and Sanitation Project in Selected Areas (AWSPSA), this initiative aims to provide a reliable, sustainable, and climate-resilient water supply to the province's residents. The project is designed to bridge critical infrastructure gaps, ensuring that Bohol’s growing population and booming tourism industry have access to safe, managed water services through 2031.
Engineering a Sustainable Water Source
The centerpiece of this massive undertaking is the development of a bulk water supply system sourced directly from the Loboc River, capable of delivering 60,000 cubic meters of potable water per day. By integrating this new source with modernized distribution networks, the project will specifically serve the "Loboc Cluster," which includes Tagbilaran City and seven adjacent municipalities. This infrastructure is not merely about volume; it is engineered with climate-smart features to ensure resilience against water scarcity and environmental risks, directly supporting the province's status as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Transforming Utility Governance and Reliability
Beyond the physical construction of pipes and treatment plants, the project places a heavy emphasis on long-term institutional reform and capacity building for local water service providers. With an allocation of over US$13 million dedicated to institutional strengthening, the program aims to improve tariff setting, operational efficiency, and the creation of local economic enterprises to manage water resources sustainably. This holistic approach ensures that once the infrastructure is in place, the province will have the technical expertise and management frameworks required to keep the water flowing reliably for decades to come.
Broadening the Scope of Infrastructure Investment
The financial backbone of this initiative extends far beyond institutional reform, anchored primarily by a massive US$213.08 million allocation dedicated to infrastructure investments for Safe and Climate Resilient Water Supply Services. This primary component funds the critical Design-Build-Operate (DBO) contract for the Bohol bulk water system, alongside secondary Design-Build (DB) contracts focused on rehabilitating and expanding local distribution networks across eight municipalities. By prioritizing such a substantial capital outlay, the project ensures that the physical capacity of Bohol's water system will be scaled up to meet the long-term demands of its residents and commercial sectors effectively.
Supporting Growth Through Strategic Investment
This collaboration underscores the alignment between Bohol’s Strategic Governance Roadmap and national efforts to expand access to safe water and sanitation services across the Philippines. By addressing both the supply-side needs through bulk water development and the demand-side needs through improved distribution and sanitation, the project acts as a vital pillar for Bohol’s continued economic development. As implementation proceeds toward the 2031 target date, the province remains committed to this partnership, viewing it as a transformative move that will secure essential resources for future generations of Boholanos.
