Residents of Sitio NHA and surrounding areas in Barangay Busay, Cebu City, have celebrated a life-changing milestone: the arrival of a reliable, potable water supply after enduring more than three decades without one. This long-awaited development, spearheaded by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), officially brings the essential service to the upland community.
Mayor's Inspection Marks a New Chapter
On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival personally visited the site to inspect the newly installed MCWD stub-out connections. His inspection, highlighted in a post by Cebu City News, underscored the local government's focused efforts to extend basic services to upland barangays that have historically been underserved. The project signifies a concrete step in addressing the critical infrastructure gap for residents in elevated and hard-to-reach communities.
Project Launch and Immediate Impact
The journey to this solution began with a groundbreaking ceremony last September 2025, attended by Mayor Archival and MCWD officials led by General Manager Edgar Donoso. This ceremony solidified the city's commitment to resolving the chronic water shortage.
To date, the MCWD has successfully installed a total of 12 stub-out connections in Sitio NHA and adjacent areas. These connections are now serving at least 240 residents, providing them with consistent access to water and freeing them from dependence on limited and unreliable sources, such as daily water deliveries previously arranged by the Department of Public Services.
During the pipe-laying activity at the NHA Chapel in September, Mayor Archival emphasized that the project was designed to bring immediate relief to families who have suffered from water scarcity for years.
Expansion and Future Benefits
The water access initiative is set to grow further. Six additional stub-outs are scheduled for installation in January 2026. Once completed, these new connections are expected to benefit at least 120 more residents, including families living in a nearby relocation site.
For the community, the stable water supply means an end to a significant daily hardship. Residents have expressed profound relief and gratitude, describing the development as a long-overdue improvement that will ease daily chores, improve sanitation, and elevate the overall quality of life in the upland barangay. The flowing water symbolizes not just a utility, but a foundation for better health, dignity, and development.
