Alabat distributes 100 jetmatic pumps as water crisis deepens

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Mayor Eizelle Avellano-Canimo leads the distribution of jetmatic pumps and water system materials to barangay...

By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino

Mayor Eizelle Avellano-Canimo leads the distribution of jetmatic pumps and water system materials to barangays and schools in Alabat as the municipality responds to its water supply crisis. (Mayor Ays Avellano Canimo)

ALABAT, Quezon - Water shortages continue to strain households, schools and public services across Alabat as supply disruptions affect several communities in the island municipality. Seeking to strengthen local water access, the municipal government distributed 100 jetmatic pump sets to barangays and schools across the town.

At Camaya Spring, the town's main water source, dwindling diesel reserves threaten to shut down two generator-powered pumps that provide much of Alabat's daily water supply. The island currently has no diesel supplier, forcing authorities to obtain fuel from outside Alabat to keep the facility operating.



Engr. Kevin Mesa of the Alabat Waterworks System and Office of the Municipal Engineer (AWWS/OME) said the remaining diesel supply at Camaya Spring could run out soon if additional fuel is not secured. A shutdown of the generator-powered pumps would immediately affect a significant portion of the town's water distribution network.

The Alabat Waterworks System and Office of the Municipal Engineer (AWWS/OME) said the remaining diesel reserve at Camaya Spring was expected to last only until the following day. Without fuel, the generator-powered pumps that draw water from the spring would stop operating, placing a large portion of the municipality's water supply at risk.

Camaya Spring consumes about ₱10,000 worth of diesel each day to keep its pumps running. The expense has become increasingly difficult to sustain as water collections fall short of covering fuel, electricity, repairs and other operating costs.

The crisis has exposed the fragility of a water system heavily dependent on a single source and a steady supply of imported fuel. Any disruption at Camaya Spring can leave households without running water and force schools and government offices to scale back daily operations.

The municipal government distributed 100 jetmatic pump sets to barangays and public schools in an effort to reduce that vulnerability. Each recipient also received construction materials needed to install or improve local water sources.

The distribution included 100 jetmatic pump sets, 300 PVC pipes, 200 sacks of cement and 200 steel bars. Those figures reflect the scale of the response, but they also underscore the challenges confronting a municipality still struggling to stabilize its water supply.

Each barangay received four jetmatic pump sets, eight sacks of cement, four steel bars and 12 PVC pipes. The allocation allows communities to establish or upgrade water access points closer to residents.

Public schools received two jetmatic pump sets each as part of the emergency distribution. School administrators can use the equipment to support sanitation facilities and other daily water requirements on campus.

Mayor Eizelle Avellano-Canimo said the pump distribution forms part of the municipality's immediate response to the crisis. She also directed local offices to review water system operations and identify measures to improve service delivery.

“Hindi man ito ang pangmatagalang solusyon, mahalagang may agarang tulong na maibigay sa ating mga barangay at paaralan habang hinaharap natin ang kakulangan sa suplay ng tubig. Nais nating mabawasan ang epekto ng krisis sa pang-araw-araw na buhay ng bawat Alabatin.” Avellano-Canimo said.

The mayor said the municipality is also reviewing water system operations to address existing challenges. Officials are examining operating costs, fuel consumption and maintenance requirements across the system.

“Patuloy nating hinahanap ang mas matatag at pangmatagalang solusyon upang matiyak na magkakaroon ng sapat na tubig ang bawat pamilya sa Alabat. Kasabay nito, rerepasuhin natin ang pamamahala ng ating water system upang maging mas episyente at mas maayos ang serbisyo sa mamamayan.” Avellano-Canimo said.

The emergency distribution may ease pressure in some communities, but it does not resolve the underlying weaknesses of Alabat's water system. For now, the town remains one fuel delivery and one equipment failure away from a broader supply disruption.