By I. Inojales | 04:11 PM August 12, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — More than 30 households in Barangay Payahan, Baclayon, Bohol, have been struggling with unreliable water supply for nearly a year, prompting a private-sector group to deliver water to residents in the elevated portions of the village.
Residents of Purok 2, Tugas, particularly those living in higher areas of Payahan, said their water supply is often unavailable or insufficient. At times, the water reportedly comes out cloudy, foul-smelling and rusty.
Resident and veteran broadcaster Bob Galero said residents have repeatedly raised the problem with local authorities but have yet to see a lasting solution.
Galero showed samples of cloudy water and said affected families have been forced to spend more on mineral water, including water used for bathing and other household needs.
He also questioned the distribution of water in the barangay, noting that while Payahan has a large water reservoir, the supply appears to favor coastal areas while residents in elevated portions continue to experience inadequate pressure.
Even residents in the lower portions of Payahan, he said, experience weak and intermittent water flow, with water sometimes appearing dirty and cloudy.
Galero proposed directly connecting a pipeline from the Mangool pumping station to the reservoir to improve water pressure and supply, particularly in elevated areas.
Private sector steps in
Amid the continuing shortage, residents of Purok 2 recently received emergency water assistance from the private sector.
Galero said he personally sought assistance from Engineer Boboy Labunog, who responded by arranging the delivery of water to families in the elevated areas.
A water tanker transported the supply to the community, where residents collected the water in gallons, containers and other available receptacles.
Galero said the water was urgently needed for daily activities, including cooking, drinking, washing, bathing and toilet use.
He thanked Labunog, as well as the staff, driver and assistant who helped prepare and transport the tanker to the community. He also expressed appreciation to neighbors who assisted in collecting and distributing the water to affected households.
Galero described the community effort as a demonstration of the Filipino “bayanihan” spirit amid the ongoing water crisis.
Residents hope that the long-standing water supply problem, particularly in the elevated portions of Barangay Payahan, will be permanently addressed soon.
