Iloilo City: The Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) here is working on an endorsement for the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) to act swiftly in granting the requested water allocation of the Agsirab Water Resource Corporation. Agsirab is requesting 600 liters per second (LPS), which should not be deducted from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) allocation.

According to Philippines News Agency, Councilor Romel Duron emphasized the importance of this allocation, stating that it would benefit both the city and the province. He pointed out the existing water supply issues in the city and some municipalities, suggesting that the NWRB’s approval of Agsirab’s request could be a viable solution. Duron, who chairs the committee on public utilities at the city council, indicated that Agsirab has a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) to supply water.

Duron further explained that MPIW has been actively seeking a water source, even considering desalination, although surface water is more cost-effective. “Agsirab will supply water. Metro Pacific will buy from them,” he elaborated. He expressed hope that the NWRB will restore the allocation to the original request of 1,200 LPS alongside granting the current request.

The councilor plans to present a progress report on his proposed resolution during the council’s regular session on Thursday.