Taft's 'Kalbaryo': A Town Named Tubig Now Waits for Water at 2 AM

In Eastern Samar, the town of Taft was once known as Tubig for its abundant water sources. Today, residents like Dayan Hilario-Cebreros call their daily struggle a kalbaryo, a local term for an ordeal. A working mother of three, Dayan often stays awake until 2 a.m. staring at a dry tap while the rest of the town sleeps.

Water interruptions have become routine in Taft. When water finally arrives in the early morning, the pressure is often too weak to reach indoor faucets. The water is frequently brown and murky, forcing families to wait for sediments to settle before use. Dayan, an instructor at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), spends her pre-dawn hours storing water for her household before heading to work.

Why does Taft face chronic water shortages?

James Francis Chicano, general manager of the Taft Water District (TWD), attributes the recurring shortages to the municipality's heavy reliance on groundwater wells. While naturally filtered and protected from flood contamination, these wells depend on rainfall for recharge. During prolonged dry periods, demand outstrips supply, forcing the district to extract more groundwater than the aquifer can replenish. This disturbs sediments at the bottom of the wells, producing the brownish water many consumers receive.

The district currently operates three pumping stations and is building a fourth. Chicano admits these measures offer only temporary relief. Even the additional well will eventually run dry during the dry season.

What would it take to bring river water to Taft?

The Taft River could become the municipality's primary water source. TWD estimates it could yield more than 68 million liters of water daily, enough to supply Taft and neighboring towns. But delivering safe, potable water to nearly 18,700 residents across all 24 barangays requires over ₱300 million for water quality testing, treatment facilities, and distribution infrastructure.

This amount is nearly twice the municipality's annual income. As of January 1, 2025, Taft is a 3rd-class municipality, with an annual average income between ₱130 million and ₱160 million.

Under Presidential Decree No. 198 (Provincial Water Utilities Act of 1973), water districts can secure funding through five primary sources. Chicano said TWD has pursued two: increasing service fees and securing loans. The remaining three require significant, highly technical paperwork. The loan secured from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) only covers a new deep well. Borrowing ₱300 million for the larger project exceeds TWD's financial capacity and would expose the district to significant financial risk.

“Medyo dako kasi in na project which will cover the 24 barangays of Taft. Need daman hin dako na fund.” (It is a large project that will cover all 24 barangays of Taft and will require substantial funding.)

Can the local government help?

Water districts rely heavily on service fees from consumers to cover operating costs, including pumping, electricity, salaries, repairs, and treatment. Chicano is cautious about taking on a large financial obligation without the backing of local authorities.

The district has begun discussions on a bulk water supply partnership with the Taft local government. Site inspections are complete, and water testing is underway. TWD hopes to complete the project by the third quarter of 2026. The local government leadership has verbally committed to help, Chicano said.

Rappler attempted to interview the Taft municipal mayor or a representative to discuss the recurring shortages, but requests went unanswered. A scheduled virtual interview on July 12, confirmed by the mayor's secretary, did not materialize.

Will consumers pay more for water?

If the partnership proceeds, residents should expect higher fees, as the water district will need to repay loans. TWD has no concrete projections yet on the increase. All rate changes must be approved and evaluated by LWUA.

Meanwhile, the district implemented water rationing during the town fiesta as demand spiked. To address complaints about murky water, it advised consumers to let the water run until clear. For Dayan, that advice only meant a higher bill.

After another night without water, she appealed to both the water district and the local government to work together for the people they serve.

“Isipin niyo naman kaming mga paying consumers na sinisingil ninyo buwan-buwan pero wala naman kayong naibibigay na tubig sa amin. Mag-usap kayong dalawa kung paano ninyo matutulungan ang mga taong nangangailangan ng tulong ninyo.” (Think about us, your paying consumers, who are billed every month even though you are not providing us with water. Talk to each other and figure out how you can help the people who rely on your services.)

This story was reported by Jennifer Jezreel Kaye Pading, an economics student at Visayas State University and an Aries Rufo Journalism Fellow for 2026. She is also executive editor of Amaranth and community officer of AYEJ-Leyte Panaad Ha Sinirangan.