Residents across Bulacan face a frustrating contrast as torrential rains submerge public roads while domestic taps remain completely dry.
Bulacan Vice Governor Alex Castro has made an urgent appeal to the national government, calling for direct intervention to address severe and ongoing water distribution failures affecting eight local government units.
During a recent television broadcast, Castro pointed out the glaring absurdity confronting local households:
“Ang ironic, pag umulan maraming tubig sa kalsada, pero sa loob ng bahay walang tubig,” Castro said.
“Walang panghugas ng pinggan, walang pangligo,” he added, emphasizing that residents have endured these unreliable conditions for several years.
According to Castro, the widespread service disruptions have plagued thousands of families for a long time.
He noted that his push for national oversight began years ago when PrimeWater first initiated operations in the province, back when he served as a municipal councilor and subsequently as a provincial board member.
Castro stated that despite summoning company representatives to multiple official hearings where executives offered assurances, none of the promised operational improvements were delivered.
“Nangangako lang sila, nangangako pero wala namang natutupad,” he remarked.
The vice governor added that public outrage over the situation has escalated significantly, leading disgruntled consumers to mockingly dub the utility provider “Crime Water.”
In addition to supply shortages, Castro raised serious concerns regarding the safety and sanitation of the water that reaches homes.
“Kung magkaroon man ng tubig sa bahay, madumi,” he revealed.
Stressing that access to safe and continuous water is a fundamental right, Castro urged central authorities to stepped in and take charge of the situation.
“Kaya I’m begging the national government, pakialaman natin ito. Tutukan din natin ang problema sa tubig sa Bulacan under the PrimeWater,” he pleaded.
PrimeWater, which was rebranded as Hiraya Water Corporation after being sold by the family of former Senate President Manny Villar to retail tycoon Lucio Co, continues to face scrutiny over its utility operations in the region.