Residents in the coastal town of Moalboal, Cebu, are set to have their water supply fully restored early this week, following significant disruptions caused by a recent tropical depression. The Moalboal Public Information Office (PIO) has announced that repairs on the town's main water pipeline, which sustained heavy damage from rockfalls during the storm, are expected to be completed by Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Storm Triggers Critical Infrastructure Damage
The water service interruption began on Friday, February 6, 2026, as tropical depression Basyang passed through southern Cebu. The severe weather conditions triggered rockfalls that heavily damaged the Provincial Inter-LGU Water System, a crucial infrastructure component for the area.
According to a detailed Facebook post by the Moalboal PIO, the damage occurred at a 12-inch transmission pipe located near the water source at Taginis Falls in Barangay Bala, an upland village. The office stated, "Per advisory from the Provincial Engineering Office, the repair of the 12-inch transmission pipe of the Provincial Inter-LGU Water System will be finished on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. The transmission pipe, located near the water source in Taginis Falls, was damaged at the height of typhoon Basyang when huge rocks fell on it."
Repair Efforts Underway Amid Challenges
Moalboal public information officer Mike Limpag confirmed on Sunday, February 8, that repair crews have already commenced work at the damaged site. "Mag-start sila ron (They will start now)," Limpag said, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Limpag explained that rocks loosened during the intense storm fell directly onto the main infrastructure, causing significant breakage. "Natagakan bato pag bagyo ang main pipe [Rocks fell on the main pipe during the storm]," he noted. While the contractor has not provided a minute-by-minute timeline for the restoration, they are currently addressing multiple damaged connections resulting from the storm's impact.
"Daghan ayuhonon ang contractor kay daghan naguba tungod sa bagyo (The contractor has many things to fix because many were destroyed by the storm)," Limpag added, highlighting the extensive nature of the repairs required.
Widespread Impact and Backup Solutions
The pipeline breakage has affected all subscribers of the Capitol Bulkwater Project. Based on reports from June 2025, this system serves approximately 8,000 household subscribers in Moalboal, representing a substantial portion of the local population.
Fortunately, the town has implemented a backup option to mitigate the disruption. Limpag noted that the old water source in Barangay Busay did not sustain any damage during the storm and is currently serving as an alternative water source for residents, providing temporary relief while repairs are ongoing.
Photos and videos shared by the Moalboal PIO have illustrated the scale of the problem, showing large pipes near Taginis Falls buried under massive boulders. As restoration work continues through the start of the week, residents are advised to monitor official updates from local authorities regarding the precise timing of their water service return.
