The 21st PPC was graced by Mayor Vilma Caluag of the City of San Fernando, together with Engr. Nelson Lingat, General Manager of the City of San Fernando Water District, for an urgent discussion on the city’s water supply situation — currently facing a monthly shortfall of around 527,931 cubic meters.

Following the suspension of Prime Water’s business permit last November 17, 2025, the Water District’s Board approved the termination of the 2016 joint venture, with proceedings now before the Court of Appeals.

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐲:

• Rehabilitation of existing pumping stations
• Redrilling in San Nicolas and other areas
• Activation of deep wells
• Filtered water (in gallons) contingencies for severely affected barangays — Dolores, St. Francis, Villa Victoria, Ramar Village, and San Isidro

𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: A surface-water project estimated at ₱700 million is being pursued to permanently address the shortage.

💧 Good news for consumers: With the removal of the 12% VAT, the minimum water rate has decreased from ₱238.20 to ₱212.75 per 10 cubic meters.

The Water District, City Government, Infrastructure Committee, and PamCham continue to work together — exploring partnerships with potential investors.

For its part, PAMCHAM reiterated the need to meet the real challenges: the capital requirement to develop the pumping stations, infrastructure outlays, and pipelines, as well as the bulk water supply source. There are tough questions: who will capitalize the water district? If the City will invest, will taxes be increased? Are we ready to address the water needs of the urbanizing areas in keeping with population growth? With these serious issues, the Board expressed their support and gave constructive inputs.

Resolving this crisis will take time, but every step counts. 💪

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