President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to study the possibility of managing the Cagayan de Oro Water District (COWD) and review possible solutions to put an end to the water supply issue that stemmed from the conflict between COWD and bulk water supplier Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Inc. (COBI).

Marcos has assured the residents of Cagayan de Oro that water supply in the city will go back to normal during his visit on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

“Akin rin inatasan ang local water utilities administration na pag-aralan ang posibleng pamamahala nito sa Cagayan de Oro Water district upang sa lalong madaling panahon ay mapag-aralan ang solusyon sa sitwasyon sa supply ng tubig dito sa inyong lugar,” Marcos said.

LWUA was also tasked to look into the water rate and services rendered to the consumers.

Marcos added that he had talked with COBI owner, Manny Pangilinan, who reportedly agreed to continue the supply of water while long-term solutions to the problem are being sought.

He said Pangilinan also agreed to meet and coordinate with the city mayor to address the water problem.

“Nakipag-usap po tayo kay Mr. Manny Pangilinan ng Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water na ipanumbalik ang normal na suplay ng tubig habang humahanap tayo ng pangmatagalan na solusyon sa problemang ito. Pumayag po si Mr. Pangilinan sa ating pakiusap at handa po siyang makipagpulong sa inyong alkalde upang matuldukan na ang suliraning ito,” Marcos added.

Major parts of the city have experienced water interruption when COBI cut the supply of water to COWD on Tuesday, May 14.

The water supply returned shortly before midnight after the city government and COWD secured a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the court.