The Sangguniang Panlungsod has asked Baciwa-PrimeWater to immediately address the complaints of numerous Bacolod residents regarding the dark, smelly, and contaminated water coming out of their faucets.
The SP approved Aug. 6 the resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, in response to a wave of complaints from residents across many areas of Bacolod, including Taculing, Singcang, Sum-ag, Mansilingan, Banago, Cabug, Pahanocoy, Tangub, Alijis, Bata, and almost all numbered barangays.
The residents reported that the water from their faucets in recent days was dark-colored, foul-smelling, and potentially unsafe for use and consumption, the resolution said, adding there is also a need for an explanatory public report on the cause and remedial measures undertaken, and the long-term solutions of Baciwa-PrimeWater to this perennial issue.
“This is no longer just a service issue—it is a public health concern,” Distrito said. “The people of Bacolod deserve safe, clean, and potable water. Baciwa-PrimeWater must immediately explain what caused this water contamination and what they are doing about it. The absence of clear communication and accountability is unacceptable.”
The SP, led by Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella, also agreed to personally deliver within the week a copy of the resolution to Baciwa-PrimeWater, upon the suggestion of Councilor Homer Bais, as a clear message of the Council’s seriousness and indignation over the deteriorating water service, Distrito said in a press release.
“We are united in this action because we are echoing the cries of our constituents,” Puentevella said. “By delivering this resolution ourselves, we are showing that the Sangguniang Panlungsod stands with the people. We want Baciwa-PrimeWater to see the faces behind this demand—and those faces are the people of Bacolod who have suffered long enough.”
The resolution also called on the water service provider to give a full public report identifying the cause of the water quality issues, the barangays and households affected, the immediate safety and remedial measures taken, and the long-term solutions they are implementing to prevent this from happening again.
“This is not a political issue—it is a matter of public welfare and dignity,” Distrito stressed. “If they continue to ignore us, we will not stop raising our voices until the people of Bacolod are no longer forced to endure this kind of treatment from their water service provider.” ||
