A company engaged in water treatment and supply formally presented its proposal to the Sangguniang Bayan of Virac as part of its bid to compete with the Virac Water District.
According to a reliable source, an official of the JE Hydro & Bio-energy Corporation appeared before the members of the municipal council last Aug. 20, 2025 and elaborated on its plan to supply safe and sustainable drinking water to the capital town.
Last July 16, Engr. Joffrey Hapitan, founder, chairman and CEO of the company, sent a letter of intent to Mayor Sinforoso Sarmiento Jr. on the matter, saying that the current water supply in Virac faces challenges, including potability issues, water shortages and dry spells.
It claimed that despite the efforts of VIWAD, the district’s ability to meet the potability requirement may be impacted by increasing demand and water supply challenges.
“With urbanization driving up demand by 47% in 2023 alone, and only 54% of households currently serviced by VIWAD, we believe our expertise and technology can help bridge the gap, Hapitan stated.
JE Hydro’s proposal involves developing a state-of-the-art water treatment facility and water distribution network, designed to provide a reliable and sustainable supply of safe drinking water to Virac.
“Our goal is to augment the existing water supply infrastructure, ensuring that all resdents have access to clean and affordable water,” it added.
It claimed that its water treatment facility will utilize advances technologies to ensure water quality meets or exceeds national standards while its proposed water distribution network is designed to optimize water pressure, reduce losses, and ensure consistent supply to households.
On the other hand, JE Hydro will implement energy-efficient systems and environmentally friendly practices to minimize its footprint, Engr. Hapitan said.
In endorsing the letter of intent to the Sanggunian, Mayor Sarmiento requested the council to deliberate on the proposal and issue a Resolution of No Objection in favor of JE Hydro & Bio-energy Corporation.
“Your favorable response to this matter will pave the way for improved water security, enhanced public health, and long-term development for our municipality,” the chief executive stressed.
The Tribune learned that the company’s presentation was met with some skepticism by members of the council, who noted that JE Hydro did not submit any detailed plan on how it will accomplish the project, other than stating that the site of the water treatment facility would be somewhere in the Pajo area.
A councilor elicited the admission of the company representative that it has yet to meet with the management of the Virac Water District.
Likewise, it was underscored that the company would have to use pumps to get water from the river, filter it and then deliver it to its customers via pipes which would have to be buried in open trenches.
There was also no data as to how much the water would cost per cubic meter, the SB member observed.