An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has urged the local government of San Remigio in Antique to consider a private investor to address its water concern.

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Tan, in his keynote address during the 160th Foundation Day of San Remigio on Monday, vowed to help look for an investor to ensure a reliable water supply and boost the tourism industry of the town.

Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. raised the need for San Remigio to have a potable water source, he said.

“I urge Mayor Mission and the municipal councilors to open their minds to the possibility of having a private investor for the establishment of a water system,” Tan said.

Tan invited Mission for an exploratory meeting with a private investor in Metro Manila in the next two weeks.

He added another option is the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG), but it takes longer since they are still talking with the World Bank for funding.

In a separate interview, Mission said the local government could not afford to establish a water system that he estimates to be around PHP200 million.

“We are open to the possibility of having a private investor,” Mission said.

He said the previous administration of San Remigio acquired a loan of PHP50 million for a water system. However, the project only served Barangays Poblacion and Iguirindon instead of the original 13 barangays.

Water is also being rationed due to insufficient supply.

San Remigio is one of the popular tourist destinations in Antique because of its cold climate and beautiful mountain scenery.

“For the economic and tourism development to be realized in our municipality, we really need to have reliable water supply,” he said. (PNA)