Cebu eyes 17 rivers as potential water sources

The Cebu Provincial Inter-LGU Waterworks System Office (CPIWSO) announced Sunday that at least 17 rivers across the province are being evaluated as potential water sources to bolster supplies amid the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.

CPIWSO head Aldrin Barade said authorities are conducting an inventory of major river systems to assess their yield and long-term reliability.

“We are still in the identification stage because we lack the technical equipment and capacity to conduct monitoring,” Barade said.

“The water source needs to be monitored daily over a one-year or two-year cycle, as it also has to undergo monitoring during the dry season,” he added.

Cebu has 453 rivers, the longest of which is the 58-kilometer Lusaran River. Originating in the uplands of Cebu City’s northern district, the waterway flows through Balamban — where it is also known as the Combado River — before emptying into the Tañon Strait.

Local government units previously identified for bulk water systems include Argao, Alcoy, Alegria, Asturias, Aloguinsan, Alcantara, San Fernando, Barili, Boljoon, Oslob, Samboan, Badian, Dalaguete, Tuburan, Pinamungajan, Tabogon, San Remigio, Tabuelan, Sogod, Dumanjug, Ronda, Malabuyoc, Ginatilan and Santander.

The provincial government currently operates two bulk water facilities: one in Moalboal in southwestern Cebu and another in Carmen in the north.

From January to October 2026, the Moalboal water system generated P34.35 million in revenue, while the Carmen project brought in P2.6 million.

Barade said Governor Pamela Baricuatro has approved a proposal to establish a Water Resources Monitoring Network, which will involve consultancy services to conduct feasibility studies on potential water sources.