DENR Expands Water Filtration Systems Nationwide
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to install 28 more water filtration systems in small-island barangays across the country by the end of this year. This initiative aims to tackle water scarcity in vulnerable communities and ensure safer drinking water for residents.
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla shared that these new installations will help barangays with freshwater sources make their water safe for human consumption. This project supports over 40 million Filipinos who currently lack access to formal water supplies, according to DENR data.
Expanding Access to Clean Water in Remote Areas
“In 2024, we launched six water filtration systems for both freshwater and saline water sources in remote island barangays nationwide,” Lotilla said. “This year, we are expanding that by 28 more—18 for freshwater and 10 for saline water sources. These projects demonstrate that even with modest funding, we can greatly improve access to clean and safe water in our most isolated communities.”
Desalination Plants and Community Water Projects
Secretary Lotilla also emphasized plans to develop desalination plants in barangays that rely on seawater. This will provide an additional source of potable water for communities with limited freshwater access.
He cited a related project by the DENR’s Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) in partnership with the private sector. The ongoing water supply project in Homonhon Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, addresses a centuries-old lack of a proper water system on the island.
Building Sustainable Water Infrastructure
The WRMO project aims to establish a Level II community water supply system in Barangay Casuguran. It includes constructing a dam to secure a steady and potable water supply. The Guiuan Water District will oversee the dam’s construction, funded by the Social Development and Management Program of four mining companies.
Barangay Casuguran is already nearing 90 percent completion of the project. Additionally, the WRMO has allocated P1 million to support installing a water treatment system that will further enhance water quality for the community.
These efforts highlight the DENR’s commitment to improving water access in the Philippines’ most remote and underserved areas. For more news and updates on water filtration systems nationwide, visit Filipinokami.com.
