The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has commenced water-source exploration drilling at the Girl Scout Camp in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City. The project aims to address the long-standing water supply shortages affecting upland communities in the barangay.
Project Background
The drilling is part of the implementation of Cebu City Government Resolution 17-2344-2026, which was approved on February 3, 2026. The resolution authorizes MCWD to continue exploration drilling and directs the water district to prioritize Kalunasan. City officials noted that a previous authorization in 2019 allowed MCWD to drill in several public school sites, but no exploration work was carried out at that time. The new resolution highlights the need for additional and sustainable water sources as Cebu City continues to face supply constraints affecting households, businesses, and public institutions.
Benefits for Upland Communities
The drilling site within the Girl Scout Camp is part of the initial implementation phase identified in the resolution. The project is expected to benefit residents in the upper portions of Kalunasan, which have been identified as “thirsty zones.” Due to the elevation, these areas have not been connected to MCWD’s main distribution lines. MCWD aims to make the well operational within the year and plans to supply water to nearby communities and the Cebu City Jail (CCJ), one of the priority beneficiaries identified by the City Council.
Addressing the Needs of Cebu City Jail
The situation at the CCJ underscores the urgency of the project. The facility, which houses thousands of persons deprived of liberty, has had no direct MCWD connection since it opened in 2006 because of its elevation. Jail officials have repeatedly applied for a connection to MCWD’s water line over the years, but these attempts have been unsuccessful. The lack of a stable water source has remained a recurring concern, especially during the dry season, when demand rises and supply becomes more limited.
Future Prospects
With drilling now underway in Kalunasan, authorities hope the project will provide a sustainable water source for both the jail and the upland communities that have long struggled with water access. MCWD stated that the drilling activities are being carried out in compliance with safety, environmental, and coordination requirements set forth in the resolution. Once completed, the Kalunasan well is expected to support MCWD’s long-term water security efforts, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that have historically lacked reliable access to potable water.
