Antique’s San Remigio Seeks Private Investment for Water System to Support Tourism

SAN REMIGIO, ANTIQUE – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has recommended that the local government of San Remigio seek private investment to develop a reliable water system to enhance the town’s tourism potential. This suggestion was made during the 160th Foundation Day celebrations on Monday, addressing the long-standing water supply issues in the area.

According to DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Tan, securing a private investor would help resolve the water supply concerns and promote tourism in San Remigio. During his keynote address, Tan expressed his commitment to assisting the town in finding the right investment. “I urge Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. and the municipal councilors to open their minds to the possibility of having a private investor for the establishment of a water system,” Tan stated. He also mentioned a planned exploratory meeting with a potential investor in Metro Manila within the next two weeks.

Mayor Mission highlighted the financial challenges faced by the local government in establishing a water system, estimating the cost at around PHP200 million. The town previously acquired a PHP50 million loan for a water project under a past administration, but the initiative fell short, only providing service to two of the intended 13 barangays. With water currently being rationed due to insufficient supply, the need for a comprehensive solution has become critical.

“In a separate interview, Mayor Mission conveyed openness to the idea of engaging a private investor to fund the water system, emphasizing the importance of a reliable water supply for economic and tourism growth,” he said. The mayor also discussed an alternative funding option through the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) program, which is still in negotiation stages with the World Bank.