CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Amid concerns raised by the Cebu Electricity Reform Advocates (CERA), the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) assured the public that its plan to revert to groundwater extraction is not a standalone solution but part of a broader, science-based water strategy.
MCWD emphasized that groundwater extraction is only one component of an integrated approach. It said that it continues to pursue and evaluate multiple sources, including surface water and other sustainable supply options, to meet the growing demand of Metro Cebu.
CERA has warned that the MCWD plan to revert to groundwater extraction is a “dangerous regression,” while MCWD responded by inviting the group to a dialogue and assuring the public that groundwater remains only part of a broader, science-based water strategy.
In a statement, CERA criticized MCWD’s move to commission additional deep wells to augment supply and cut costs, saying it favors short-term relief over long-term sustainability.
“Digging more wells in a dying aquifer is not a ‘cost-saving move’—it is an environmental mortgage that our children will never be able to pay off,” said CERA Convener Nathaniel Chua. “By choosing the path of least resistance, MCWD is ignoring decades of scientific warnings that Cebu’s groundwater is already at its breaking point.”
CERA stressed that groundwater in island provinces like Cebu exists as a finite “freshwater lens” floating above denser saltwater, making it highly vulnerable to over-extraction. The group cited studies from the University of San Carlos’ Water Resources Center (WRC), which have long documented the consequences of excessive groundwater use.
Among these impacts, CERA noted, are saltwater intrusion reaching up to three kilometers inland since the 1970s and land subsidence caused by over-pumping. The group explained that subsidence occurs when groundwater removal reduces the hydraulic pressure supporting the land above, resulting in gradual sinking—an issue already observed in some coastal areas of Metro Cebu.
“As the water table drops, pumps must go deeper, consuming more electricity and increasing the risk of ‘upconing,’ where salt water is sucked directly into the supply,” Chua said. “We have been doing groundwater pumping for decades now, and we are still short of quality water. Science has backed that it is not sustainable. Yet we are pushing the same strategy, hoping for a different outcome.”
CERA also pointed out that other major urban centers in the country have shifted toward more sustainable solutions, such as surface water systems and bulk supply projects.
“It is embarrassing that Cebu, the ‘Queen City of the South’, is being left in the dust by its peers,” Chua said. “Metro Manila, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and even Iloilo have aggressively pursued surface water and dam projects. They recognize that a modern metropolis cannot survive on the straw of a deep well. Meanwhile, MCWD is still looking at the ground while the rest of the country looks to the horizon.”
The group urged MCWD and local leaders to halt further groundwater expansion and prioritize long-term solutions, including impounding dams, large-scale surface water treatment, and desalination as an interim measure.
“Tapping groundwater wells is not that bad. But it must not be the cornerstone of our water strategy. It is simply not enough volume, not enough sustainably, and not sensible scientifically,” Chua added.
CERA also called for a comprehensive approach linking water and energy security. “We need a ‘Water Marshall Plan’ that integrates power and water security,” Chua said. “MCWD’s current plan is a white flag of surrender. We don’t need more wells; we need the political will to build the infrastructure that a world-class city deserves.”
In response, MCWD, led by Chairman Ruben Almendras and General Manager John Dx Lapid, acknowledged the concerns raised by CERA and emphasized the need for collaborative engagement.
“We respect the advocacy of Mr. Nathaniel Chua and his group, and we recognize that all stakeholders share a common goal, ensuring a sustainable, reliable, and long-term water supply for Cebu and the Cebuanos,” MCWD said in a statement.
The water district invited CERA for a direct discussion to clarify its plans and strategies.
“In this spirit, MCWD extends an open invitation to Mr. Chua and CERA to visit our office for a comprehensive and constructive discussion. We believe that a thorough, face-to-face dialogue will allow us to better explain MCWD’s plans, including the role of groundwater, surface water development, and other long-term solutions within a balanced and science-based approach,” the statement read.
MCWD also stressed that complex water management issues are best addressed through direct engagement rather than public exchanges.
“While public discourse is important, complex and technical matters such as water resource management are best addressed through meaningful engagement rather than exchanges through the media,” it added.
The agency assured the public that groundwater extraction is not its sole approach but part of an integrated strategy.
It also welcomed the participation of CERA and other stakeholders in shaping long-term solutions. “We welcome CERA’s participation in this shared responsibility. Together, we can arrive at solutions that will best serve the present and future needs of our community,” the agency added.
Meanwhile, MCWD has raised alarm over a sharp increase in water meter theft incidents, with the municipalities of Liloan and Consolacion recording the highest number of cases in March.
From March 1 to 24 alone, MCWD logged a total of 141 incidents, with Liloan accounting for 84 cases and Consolacion recording 39, making them the most affected areas this quarter. Other areas with reported cases include Mandaue City with 10, Cebu City with five, and Lapu-Lapu City with three.
Earlier data also showed a rising trend in Liloan. In February, 19 incidents were reported, 11 of which occurred in the municipality, the highest for the month. Other areas recorded fewer cases, including Lapu-Lapu City (2), Mandaue City (2), Talisay City (2), and one case each in Cebu City and Consolacion.
In January, MCWD documented 12 cases, with Cebu City posting the highest number at nine, followed by Lapu-Lapu City with two and Liloan with one.
In response to the surge, MCWD is urging the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify police visibility and assist in tracking down individuals involved in water meter theft and the illegal trade of stolen meters.
To support enforcement efforts, the water district continues to offer a P25,000 reward to informants who can provide information leading to the arrest of individuals buying stolen water meters, and P10,000 for information leading to the arrest of those committing the theft.
MCWD, in a separate statement, emphasized that charges will also be filed against individuals found purchasing stolen meters, in accordance with the Anti-Fencing Law of 1979.
The agency warned that water meter theft results in immediate service interruption and may pose health risks, as exposed service lines could lead to contamination once meters are removed.
Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through MCWD’s official communication channels.
In cases of theft, affected customers are advised to secure a police report detailing their Account Code, registered customer name, and meter serial number before proceeding to the MCWD One-Stop Shop to request a replacement.
| Written by Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/RAE
