BATANGAS, Philippines – Hundreds of residents in Barangay Balele, Tanauan City, gathered recently to protest against South Luzon Water Corporation (SLWC) over what they alleged to be an unauthorized deep well construction that threatens their community’s water supply.
Community leaders, led by former Tanauan City Mayor Francisco Lirio, claim that the deep well’s high-capacity submersible pump, rated at 125 horsepower capable of drawing 400 gallons per minute, could severely deplete the area’s underground water reserves.
Lirio, who is also chairman of the Central & West Balele Waterworks Association, voiced these concerns in a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., requesting an investigation into the project’s approval process.
“This deep well pump could lead to the exhaustion of our underground water, leaving Barangay Balele without sufficient supply,” Lirio said.
He said that the well’s intended 24-hour operation to supply multiple barangays heightens the risk.
In his letter, he also urged for accountability from officials involved in granting the permit without proper assessment of environmental impacts.
In response, President Marcos endorsed the letter to DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga for an investigation into the project’s potential effects on local water resources.
Angelie Miranda, operations manager at SLWC, defended the project, stating that all SLWC deep wells are planned with input from groundwater experts.
Miranda said that the Barangay Balele site was selected based on studies by hydrologists from the University of the Philippines, who assessed its geology and suitability to serve nearby barangays Balele, Boot, and Maria Paz.
“The location in Barangay Balele was chosen due to its geological profile, which allows for optimal water flow to multiple areas,” Miranda explained.
She added that the well’s depth, reaching 180 meters, is far below the average 90-meter depth of local shallow wells, minimizing interference with the water source of Central & West Balele Waterworks Association,
Miranda also asserted that the SLWC is committed to sustainable water extraction rates based on expert recommendations and that they obtained all necessary permits and conducted public consultations with local officials.
As the dispute unfolds, residents and local officials are pressing for further scrutiny to safeguard their water supply, while SLWC maintains that the project was carefully planned and authorized. – Rappler.com