VIRAC, Catanduanes — The Virac Water District (VIWAD) has confirmed that the current water supply in the municipality of Virac has dropped to nearly 30 percent due to the severe drought affecting the province.
The issue became the primary topic during a Committee Meeting held on June 17, 2026, led by VIWAD General Manager Gabriel Tejerero together with the Board of Directors and several local government officials, including Councilor Alip Abundo of the Sangguniang Bayan of Virac.
According to GM Tejerero, the prolonged lack of rainfall has significantly affected the town’s main water sources, resulting in a drastic decline in the district’s water production.
As a temporary measure, VIWAD is implementing rotational water valving to ensure that the limited water supply is distributed fairly among the different barangays of Virac.
“We need to conserve water so that every barangay will have the opportunity to receive adequate supply,” Tejerero explained.
As an immediate response to the worsening situation, the Sangguniang Bayan of Virac, led by Vice Mayor Lemuel Surtida, also conducted a Special Session where a resolution was approved urging the Provincial Government of Catanduanes to prioritize the proposed water dam project in Virac.
According to Councilor Alip Abundo, it is important that the proposed project be included in the province’s Annual Investment Program so it can later be endorsed to the Regional Development Council (RDC) for possible national government funding.
Local officials believe that the construction of a water dam is one of the long-term solutions to address the growing water supply problem in the municipality, especially during periods of extreme heat and drought.
At present, the Virac Water District is once again appealing to the public to conserve water and use it responsibly while rotational water distribution continues in different areas of the municipality.
| Richard Santiago | Bicol Peryodiko Integrated News
