Parañaque homeowners ready for Saturday rally

MANILA, Philippines - Hundreds of members of a homeowners association in Parañaque are all set for a protest rally that aims to find an immediate solution to the water supply problem that has long been plaguing city residents.

Diana Quiros of United BF Homeowners Association Inc., said it is all systems go for the mass action they will stage on Saturday. “We want to send a message to the concerned, particularly the officials of BF Homes Inc. (BFHI) — the subdivision developer, to finally allow Maynilad Water Services Inc. to address the water supply problem in the city by conducting repair activities,” Quiros said.

She added that something concrete must immediately be undertaken concerning the water problem in the city. “The residents in coordination with the city government is willing to pay for the services Maynilad will render. We are optimistic we can come up with something as to terms of payment that all parties will agree on,” Quiros, who is also president in one of the subdivision’s enclaves, said.

She said protest streamers, banners can now be seen hanging all over the subdivision. “We have also been busy distributing flyers to residents so that they will be informed and encouraged to join the protest action.”

For his part, Mayor Florencio Bernabe said, “We have always helped and supported the long-sought aspirations of the homeowners of BF Homes here in the city to have ample, affordable and regular potable water in their homes.” As a matter of fact, the mayor noted, “we have used our police power to help Maynilad facilitate the supply and delivery of water to subdivision residents.”

Unfortunately, BFHI has reportedly managed to secure an order from a local court restraining Maynilad from proceeding with laying the needed water pipelines.

“Since the issue is now in the hands of the court, we pray that the legal battle will eventually culminate in a conclusion that will be favorable to both Maynilad and the long suffering homeowners,” Bernabe said.

As to the protest and indignation rally that the homeowners are set to stage on Saturday, Bernabe said, “We are with them in spirit and hope that the subdivision developer will see the light and allow Maynilad to provide water supply to their customers/buyers.”

BF Homes has been waterless for more than two decades owing to the inability of the BFHI and its water utility company – Philippine Waterworks and Construction Co. to provide a regular supply of water to residents. BF Homes has more than 10,000 homes spread over 72 gated enclaves, each one with their own homeowners’ association and are members under the umbrella of the UBFHAI.

Bernabe earlier, even directed the local police to monitor MWSI work sites. This is to prevent stoppage by the BFHI of the water company’s pipe-laying projects in BF Homes. Residents of BF Homes were supportive of the city government’s move to deploy policemen in work sites where excavation for pipe-laying is then being undertaken by Maynilad.