Boracay Island Water Company (Boracay Water) turned over the newly-constructed Nabaoy Water System to the local government officials of Brgy. Nabaoy, Malay, Aklan. Consisting of a water source structure, pumping station and transmission lines, the new system project is part of Boracay Water’s socio-economic compliance to the Multipartite Monitoring Team, one of the requirements for Water Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-EMB).
The Multipartite Monitoring Team encourages public participation and stakeholder vigilance in the planning, construction, and implementation of projects, especially those that directly affect the environment. Ben Manosca, General Manager of Boracay Water, shares that the Nabaoy Water System, along with the other projects of the Company, heavily integrates environmental considerations in its development. “Mutual efforts performed by the public and other stakeholders are crucial in achieving sustainable development that will respond to the needs of the present and future generations without compromising the environment” expresses Manosca. He adds that while Boracay Water takes an active stance in ensuring that its endeavors of providing clean, safe and reliable water echo the value of sustainability, the public’s participation forms the bigger impact. “The partnership with Barangay Nabaoy is integral in providing water services as the Nabaoy River, the sole water source in Boracay Island, is located within the said barangay” Ben Manosca stresses.
With a line that now connects the barangay from the water reservoir, Pablo Claud, barangay captain of Nabaoy, shares that the water system will benefit 1,000 individuals in the barangay. “We welcome this project with high hopes. Residents used to source out water directly from the river. Now, the new system promotes convenience as water is available from public faucets which are closer to residential places”, says Claud. He adds that with Boracay Water providing continuous technical and operations assistance, community-based operators as well as residents will be able to maintain the system while upholding environmental stewardship.
Boracay Water, subsidiary of East Zone water concessionaire Manila Water, was formed in 2009 through a joint venture agreement with the Tourism Infrastructure Authority and Enterprise Zone Authority or TIEZA (formerly known as Philippine Tourism Authority) to operate the water and wastewater services in the Island of Boracay, Malay, Aklan, particularly in its three barangays — Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak.