CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The Phividec Industrial Authority (IA) marked a significant milestone in its 50th anniversary with the groundbreaking ceremony and capsule laying for a Bulk Water Supply Development Project on Wednesday, August 14.
This undertaking is poised to boost the local economy by addressing the issue of water scarcity and enhancing industrial operations.
“Water gives birth to life. Water gives birth to industries, progress, and development. Now that we have this bulk water project, we are a step closer to that,” declared PHIVIDEC CEO and Administrator Lawyer Joseph Donato J. Bernedo.
Bernedo emphasized that the project aligns with Phividec-IA’s mission to develop the industrial estate with essential facilities and infrastructure, including electricity, road networks, and water supply.
He stated that the initial phase will cater to the water needs of around 30 to 40 percent of the Phividec locators in Tagoloan area, with plans to expand coverage as the project progresses. Upon completion, the project will benefit over 59 locators and 200 service providers within the 3,000-hectare PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate.
Bernedo expressed optimism that the project will alleviate water shortages both within the industrial estate and neighboring communities.
“The project has multiple phases. The initial phase will serve locators, but the most exciting part is that once the dams are completed, we will extend water service beyond Phividec industrial estate to nearby municipalities and even Cagayan de Oro City. We are already receiving numerous requests from Cagayan de Oro to help address their water problem,” he said.
The administrator further underscored the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting the crucial roles played by Phividec-IA, the municipality of Tagoloan as the host community, and the private sector, represented by Equi-Parco, in the project’s realization.
According to Bernedo, the project is a testament to the successful collaboration between the local government, the government-owned and controlled corporation, and the private sector. He stressed that the resources’ integration from these groups was essential for the project’s success, which would not have been possible if pursued independently.
The joint venture agreement between Phividec and Equi-Parco, signed in June this year, formalized the partnership for the project’s implementation. (APB/PIA-10)
