TUDELA, Cebu — A newly completed P13.3‑million Level III water system now delivers piped water directly to households in Barangays Secante Bag‑o and Puertobello, transforming daily life and laying a stronger foundation for real estate growth on the Camotes Islands.
A Vital Lifeline for Homeowners
The project expands the Tudela Water Works System and serves 490 beneficiaries, providing each home with a metered tap. Residents no longer rely on distant communal sources or endure week‑long waits for supply. The upgrade from irregular, rationed water to a steady household flow reshapes the value of every connected property.
For families who previously fetched water from neighboring barangays, the change is profound. Eva Maratas Estremos, a lifelong Secante Bag‑o resident, described how the connection now allows her to raise livestock, plant crops, and even let her child bathe using a shower. These simple, daily conveniences translate into a more dignified and productive lifestyle that directly enhances the desirability of homes in the area.
Unlocking Property Values
Reliable water infrastructure is a cornerstone of real estate appreciation. A steady supply makes residential lots and existing houses more attractive to buyers, investors, and returning residents. For a fifth‑class island municipality like Tudela, the upgrade signals that the local government, supported by national agencies, is committed to closing essential service gaps. That signal strengthens market confidence.
Real estate professionals note that water access consistently ranks among the top considerations for homebuyers in rural and coastal communities. With the new system, properties in Secante Bag‑o and Puertobello now offer a fundamental utility that was previously unreliable. The availability of direct household water can increase the marketability of land, encourage construction of new homes, and stimulate interest from those seeking vacation properties on the idyllic Camotes Islands.
A Foundation for Future Growth
The system was funded under the Local Government Support Fund–Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting for fiscal year 2024, administered by the DILG and the Department of Budget and Management. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. For the real estate sector, such investments create a ripple effect: better infrastructure attracts more residents, which in turn supports local commerce and drives demand for housing.
DILG‑7 Regional Director Leocadio Trovela and Cebu Provincial Director Jesus Robel Sastrillo Jr. turned over the project to Mayor Greman Solante on May 13, marking the culmination of a participatory budgeting process. The successful completion demonstrates how targeted national funding can catalyze local development. As more households connect, the collective value of the community rises, paving the way for a more vibrant and resilient property market in the Camotes Islands.
