Baguio breaks ground on Buyog watershed rainwater facility

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Baguio City officials on Monday broke ground on the Buyog Watershed Rainwater Harvesting Facility, a project aimed at strengthening the city’s water security and reducing flood risks over the next two decades.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Baguio Water District (BWD) General Manager Salvador Royeca and other city officials led the ceremony on Feb. 9, marking the start of construction on what authorities described as a critical infrastructure investment for the highland city.

The facility is designed with a dual purpose: to augment Baguio’s potable water supply and to capture and manage stormwater runoff that contributes to localized flooding during heavy rains.

City officials said the project forms part of Baguio’s long-term strategy to ensure a stable and resilient water system for the next 10 to 20 years, amid growing demand, climate variability and recurring monsoon downpours.

Once operational, the rainwater harvesting facility is expected to collect runoff within the Buyog watershed, store and treat it for potable use, and regulate water flow during peak rainfall events to ease pressure on drainage systems.

Magalong said the initiative reflects the city’s push for climate-adaptive infrastructure and sustainable resource management.

BWD officials added that diversifying water sources is essential to securing supply for households and businesses, particularly during dry months when production from traditional sources declines.

Authorities did not immediately release the project cost and target completion date but said construction would proceed in phases.