OCD Caraga augments filtration units amid continuing water crisis in Dinagat Islands
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga augmented three water filtration units to support ongoing efforts to address the water crisis affecting communities in Dinagat Islands, which is under a state of calamity.
On September 4, the Dinagat Islands Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), headed by Officer Rosario Jra. Roxas Alon, received the augmented units, together with Doctor Reinan Reil P. Paulino, provincial health officer and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) cluster lead, and Sanitary Inspector Riza Cerna.
Alon said, “The water filtration units will be deployed to severely affected communities through the WASH interventions, following the recommendation of the Incident Management Team (IMT).”
“Prior to distribution and utilization, water resource assessment (WRA) and water portability testing would be conducted to ensure that available water sources meet safety standards and are suitable for human consumption,” she added.
The augmentation formed part of the continuing efforts of the provincial government of Dinagat Islands, led by Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., in coordination with the OCD Caraga, to provide immediate assistance to communities affected by the water crisis.
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Dinagat Islands Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) in Santa Cruz, San Jose town, also received 10,800 bottles of drinking water from OCD Caraga, providing much-needed support to families facing difficulties in accessing safe drinking water.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) expressed its appreciation to OCD Caraga and the personnel who facilitated and delivered the assistance, including the coordination of the Tactical Operations Group 10 (TOG10) and the 15th Regional Community Defense Group (15RCDG) in facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance to communities in need.
With water sources and supply systems strained by the continuing effects of El Niño, this humanitarian assistance provided relief to families, while local authorities continue working on longer-term measures to address the province’s water situation. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from Dinagat Islands PDRRMO)
