The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will deploy an additional 28 water filtration systems to isolated small-island barangays across the Philippines by the end of 2025, as part of its continuing efforts to address water scarcity and climate-related challenges in vulnerable communities.
In a statement made by DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla during the Post-State of the Nation (SONA) Discussions held in San Juan City, he emphasized that the initiative is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for expanded water provision programs under the government’s Integrated Water Resource Management Policy.
“This year, we are expanding that with 28 more consisting of 18 for freshwater and 10 for saline water.”
“In 2024, we launched six water filtration systems for freshwater and saline water sources in remote island barangays nationwide. This year, we are expanding that with 28 more consisting of 18 for freshwater and 10 for saline water,” Lotilla announced.
“These projects aim to show that even with minimal funding, we can significantly improve access to clean and safe water in our most isolated communities,” the environment chief added.
The environment head said that for barangays with existing freshwater sources, filtration systems are being used to ensure the water is safe for human consumption.
“Desalination plants are also specifically being targeted to small-island barangays that rely on seawater.”
He added that desalination plants are also specifically being targeted to small-island barangays that rely on seawater, which will be converted into potable water through the desalination process.
While separate from the water filtration initiative, a notable example of a water supply project in partnership with the private sector is currently underway in Homonhon Island in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Known as the first Philippine island where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in 1521, Homonhon has lacked a water supply system for centuries.
The project, initiated by the WRMO, focuses on the development of a Level II Community Water Supply System in Barangay Casuguran through the construction of a dam to ensure a steady and potable water supply for the community.
The Guiuan Water District leads and supervises the implementation of the project with funding from the Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) of four mining companies —Verrum Terra Geosciences Inc., Techiron Resources Inc., Global Min-Met Resources Inc., and Emir Mineral Resources Corporation.
In addition, WRMO will transfer ₱1 million to support the installation of a water treatment system, with Barangay Casuguran already reaching 90% actual ground accomplishment.
The water filtration systems, expanded desalination program, along with the other initiatives of the Department reflect a holistic and integrated approach by the DENR to address both immediate water needs and long-term climate resilience for the nation’s most at-risk communities.
