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Hiraya Water Corporation has begun rolling out a series of major infrastructure projects in Lucena City, breaking ground on water source development and pipeline rehabilitation initiatives aimed at improving water availability, pressure, and long-term service reliability for thousands of residents.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on July 26 at the Lucena City Hall Compound, marks another milestone in the company’s rehabilitation program with the Lucena City Water District. The projects include the development of new water sources, construction of transmission facilities, and replacement of aging distribution pipelines to strengthen the city’s water supply system.
Speaking before local officials and stakeholders, Hiraya Water Corporation President Jose Paulino Santamarina said the company recognizes the extent of the work needed to restore reliable water services in Lucena and other areas under its management.
“Dama po namin ang dami ng kailangang gawin—mga proyektong kailangang habulin, mga sistemang kailangang ayusin, at mga komunidad na matagal nang naghihintay ng mas maaasahang serbisyo ng tubig,” he said, adding that the Lucena projects are only the first of several infrastructure initiatives that Hiraya plans to implement across its partner water districts.
Among the company’s flagship investments is the Total Pipe Replacement Project, which will replace approximately 22 kilometers of aging pipelines across 20 barangays, including Barangays 1 to 11, Cotta, Ibabang Dupay, Ilayang Dupay, Gulang-Gulang, Mayao Crossing, Dalahican, Silangang Mayao, Kanluran Mayao, and Talao-Talao.
Once completed, the project is expected to directly benefit around 20,676 households by increasing water availability from the current 0 to 3 hours per day to as much as 12 to 24 hours daily. Water pressure is likewise projected to improve from 0-3 pounds per square inch (psi) to 8-10 psi.
Complementing the pipeline rehabilitation are four Source Development Projects that will establish additional water sources and supporting transmission facilities in Barangays Ibabang Dupay, Ilayang Dupay, Kanluran Mayao, and Silangang Mayao.
The projects are expected to increase water availability from about 8 hours daily to 18 to 24 hours while raising water pressure from 0-3 psi to 8-10 psi, providing a more stable supply to surrounding communities.
Hiraya Water is also undertaking the retrofitting and construction of a bypass line for the 4,250-cubic-meter Tongko Reservoir in Tayabas City, a project designed to improve water distribution to 17 barangays in Lucena.
The reservoir upgrade is expected to increase water availability in affected areas from the current 0 to 6 hours daily to approximately 12 hours, while boosting water pressure to 8-10 psi.
Santamarina acknowledged that the rehabilitation program will take time but said the company remains focused on delivering lasting improvements.
“Hinihingi po namin ang inyong kaunting pasensya at pang-unawa habang isa-isa naming inaayos ang mga kailangang ayusin. Hangad namin ay hindi lamang maghatid ng mas maayos na serbisyo ng tubig, kundi maibalik din ang tiwala ng bawat komunidad na aming pinaglilingkuran,” he said.
The Lucena projects form part of Hiraya Water’s broader capital investment program to rehabilitate water infrastructure and improve service delivery across the water districts under its management.