DSWD water depot boosts clean water access in Alabat

By Rowena T. Cruz Mayor Eizelle “Ays” Avellano-Canimo joins DSWD officials during the Community Water Depot turnover in Alabat recently....

By Rowena T. Cruz

Mayor Eizelle “Ays” Avellano-Canimo joins DSWD officials during the Community Water Depot turnover in Alabat recently. (Alabat LGU)

ALABAT, Quezon — Access to safe drinking water received a much-needed boost as a new Community Water Depot was formally turned over to Alabat recently, providing additional support to households affected by prolonged water shortages. The facility, established through a partnership between the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Waves for Water Philippines, aims to improve access to potable water amid continuing supply difficulties.

The intervention comes as Alabat faces a persistent water supply deficit aggravated by the prolonged effects of El Niño. Mayor Eizelle “Ays” Avellano-Canimo previously reported that the municipality requires approximately 13 liters of water per second but receives only nine to 10 liters, underscoring the need for additional water infrastructure.

The turnover ceremony was attended by DSWD Assistant Secretary Leo L. Quintilla, representing Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and DSWD Regional Director Dr. Barry R. Chua. Also present were Romano Franco Talaga, representing Quezon Governor Angelina “Helen” Tan, Mayor Avellano-Canimo, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and barangay captains from the municipality's 19 barangays.

Waves for Water Philippines conducted an orientation on the proper operation, maintenance, and cleaning of the water depot and its filtration equipment before the formal turnover. The training covered essential procedures for maintaining the filtration system, cleaning its components, and preserving the facility's effectiveness in providing safe drinking water.

Avellano-Canimo acknowledged the support of DSWD Secretary Gatchalian, Assistant Secretary Quintilla, and Waves for Water Philippines in bringing the project to the municipality. She highlighted the importance of expanding practical water supply assistance while the local government continues developing infrastructure to address recurring shortages.

“Ang proyektong ito ay isang mahalagang hakbang upang mabigyan ng malinis at ligtas na inuming tubig ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga pamilyang apektado ng matinding kakulangan sa suplay ng tubig. Patuloy tayong makikipagtulungan sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan at iba pang katuwang upang makahanap ng pangmatagalang solusyon sa problema sa tubig sa ating bayan,” Avellano-Canimo said.

The completed water depot complements earlier government assistance, including the distribution of 500 water filtration kits to affected households, while Alabat separately pursues additional storage facilities and a proposed water-impounding project in Barangay Camagong. Unlike the newly turned-over facility, these longer-term infrastructure improvements remain under development and are intended to strengthen local water availability during prolonged dry periods.