Itogon, Benguet—Residents of the municipality must be the primary beneficiaries of the town’s water resources, Mayor Bernard S. Waclin said.
This pronouncement comes amid reports that companies are eyeing Itogon’s water sources for Baguio City’s bulk water project. Waclin emphasized that no company will be allowed to exploit local water resources without first ensuring the needs of Itogon’s residents are met.
Waclin stressed that Itogon residents should benefit from any development related to their water resources, as the municipality itself faces water supply challenges. He asserted that companies must secure local government consent before utilizing these resources. A key condition for approval will be prioritizing Itogon’s water needs before supplying water to other areas.
Several proponents of the Baguio Water District’s (BWD) bulk water project, which aims to provide 50,000 cubic meters of potable water daily to Baguio City, are considering water sources within Itogon. The BWD project seeks partnerships with water supply companies to secure additional water resources outside the city.
Waclin reiterated the “Itogon first” policy, emphasizing that local officials will not allow residents to be left behind in accessing potable water.