BACOLOD City – At least 19 barangays in this city are experiencing water interruption following the removal of a temporary 14-inch diameter bridge crossing pipe at Hernaez Bridge 2 (Alit Bakyas Bridge) in Barangay Mansilingan.
The maintenance work, spearheaded by PrimeWater–Bacolod, began on August 28. The private water distributor has yet to announce how long the activity will take.
Affected areas include barangays 16, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, Vista Alegre, Mansilingan, and Taculing.
PrimeWater had earlier advised consumers to store enough water in advance, warning that residents may experience low pressure, service interruption, or discolored water during the rehabilitation works. The company assured that normal operations will resume once the activity is completed and water pressure is restored.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA), in joint venture with PrimeWater–Bacolod, announced the installation of a new acting general manager.
Through Board Resolution No. 063, Series of 2025, the BACIWA Board of Directors appointed Engr. Michael Soliva as acting general manager (AGM), replacing outgoing GM Mona Jardin, whose term has been declared expired on the ground of “loss of confidence.”
The resolution also directed Soliva to ensure an orderly and peaceful transition of duties and responsibilities.
However, in an August 22 letter addressed to BOD chairperson Sonya Verdeflor, director Edgardo Uychiat, and board secretary Clarissa Araneta, Jardin refused to vacate her post, calling the resolution “illegal, null and void, and without basis both morally and in law.”
Jardin argued that her termination came as a surprise since it was not included in the board’s agenda, which she said deprived her of the opportunity to properly present her side. She further pointed out that “loss of confidence” is not a sufficient ground to remove a government officer without a formal complaint, notice of hearing, and investigation.
Despite the controversy, Soliva officially assumed his post as acting general manager on August 26, while concurrently serving as Environment, Water Resource, Sewerage, and Sanitation Management Division head./PN
