The Davao City Water District (DCWD) has expressed its openness to supplying water to the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS). According to JC Duhaylungsod, spokesperson of DCWD, the opportunity to provide water to IGACOS arose even before the construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Project (SIDC) began.
Initial Proposal to DPWH
Duhaylungsod stated that DCWD submitted a request to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) asking for consideration to include water pipes in the bridge design. She noted that they also presented an initial design for the pipe installation during the bridge construction. This was discussed during the Davao Peace and Security Press Forum held at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Structural Concerns
She explained that the request was made because placing water pipes on the bridge without accounting for the additional load could compromise the structural integrity of the bridge. However, their proposal was not incorporated into the final design, and the reasons for this decision remain unknown to DCWD.
Alternative Solutions
Despite the setback, Duhaylungsod emphasized that there are other ways to transport water to IGACOS. She mentioned that DCWD has surplus water supply that could be utilized to serve the island if an opportunity arises. However, she noted that no formal request has been submitted to DCWD for expanding its services to Samal. The office remains open to providing services, but certain engineering components and agreements with stakeholders must be addressed first.
Local Government Initiatives
Based on DCWD's monitoring, the local government of Samal is exploring developments in its bulk water supply. Earlier, the 10th City Council of Samal approved a loan application that has advanced the Kaputian Bulk Water Project to its first phase. The loan, obtained from the Land Bank of the Philippines, aims to kick-start the P100-million Bulk Water Project for the Kaputian District of IGACOS.
Project Details
The bulk water project will tap into Tagbaobo Falls and is designed to provide 24/7 potable water to 10 barangays in the Kaputian District. The initial coverage includes Barangays Tagbaobo, Kanaan, Pangubatan, Libertad, and San Remegio.
