DAVAO CITY – Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (Apo Agua) has belied accusations that it caused water depletion at the Panigan-Tamugan River in Baguio District here.
Apo Agua said in a statement that no anomalies in water flow had been noted, except for the past few weeks when an unusually dry climate and insufficient rainfall led to an abnormally reduced water flow.
May Che Capili, Apo Agua external relations officer, said that the reduced water flow could be due to El Niño, as predicted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
“The Apo Agua is fully compliant with the terms of its water permit and with all the environmental requirements for the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project,” Capili said.
She added that part of the conditions is for Apo Agua to maintain a minimum amount of flow at the Panigan-Tamugan River.
Capili said Apo Agua diverted an allowable volume of water from the Tamugan River since March this year to be treated for potable water production as part of their regular commissioning activities.
“Our facilities are likewise designed and constructed to effectively return any excess water to the Panigan-Tamugan River,” she said.
Given the substantial user base dependent on the river and the impending intensification of the El Niño phenomenon in the upcoming months, the Apo Agua has encouraged all stakeholders to collaborate to protect the Panigan-Tamugan River.
Apo Agua is building one of the largest private bulk water supply facilities in the country that will supply over 300 million liters of safe, reliable, and sustainable water daily to the Davao City Water District (DCWD) for residents of this city.
Guided by its commitment to enhancing localities, Apo Agua recently strengthened its dedication to the well-being of its five host communities through its annual outreach program.
In collaboration with its government partners, Apo Agua provided free medical, dental, and legal consultations to 1,500 residents, mainly indigenous peoples (IPs), in Baguio and Marilog districts.
Aside from the health and legal consultations, beneficiaries from Barangays Gumalang, Wines, Tawantawan, Tambobong, and Tamugan also received free medicines and vitamins. They also offered free circumcision administered by volunteer physicians.
These essential services were made available through Apo Agua’s partnerships with the City Health Office, Baguio District Health Office, Marilog Health Office, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples 11, Army 27th Infantry Battalion, Davao City Police Office, and City Council Committee.
Anna Lu, president of the Apo Agua, underscored how this initiative underscores the company’s dedication to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).