Alegria town in southern Cebu has declared a state of calamity following a severe water crisis that has left nearly half of its population without access to running water. The declaration was announced by Mayor Gilberto Magallon in a chance interview with media on Monday, June 29, 2026.
Scope of the Crisis
Mayor Magallon stated that approximately 44 percent of Alegria's population is affected across three barangays: Madridejos, Poblacion (Balen), and Compostela. The crisis stems from major infrastructure failures involving a P95-million Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) water system.
Infrastructure Damage
The water system was initially damaged by Typhoon Odette in 2021 and subsequently ruined by road construction. The state of calamity declaration allows the Municipal Government to expedite emergency funds to address the damage and restore water services.
Immediate Relief Measures
To provide immediate relief, Alegria has entered into a verbal agreement with the neighboring municipality of Badian to temporarily draw water for the affected areas. This arrangement aims to alleviate the water shortage while long-term repairs are planned.
