As communities in Masbate continue to recover from the devastation brought by Typhoon Opong, Manila Water has mobilized a dedicated relief team and deployed a mobile water treatment plant and water tanker to provide much-needed potable water to affected residents.
The company’s swift response comes amid challenges in aid distribution, as national and private relief efforts are also deployed to Cebu following the powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the province just days after the typhoon. Despite this, Manila Water has extended its support to both disaster-hit areas.
In Masbate, Manila Water has so far distributed 24,000 liters of potable water to an estimated 16,000 individuals from Barangays Bagacay, Pinamarbuhan, Tabuk, and Malatukan. These are running totals as of the morning of October 6, with relief operations still ongoing.
The company’s mobile water treatment plant, capable of producing 3,000 liters per hour through conventional treatment and 1,500 liters per hour via reverse osmosis, is currently sourcing raw water from the Mandali River in Mobo, Masbate. An alternative water source has also been identified at Barangay Lalaguna’s irrigation system to ensure continuous operations.
Manila Water’s relief efforts in Masbate were made possible through close coordination with the Office of the Civil Defense – National and the Office of the Civil Defense Region V, which served as the company’s ground coordinator.
Their support enabled efficient deployment and ensured that potable water reached the most affected communities. ‘Access to clean water is critical in the aftermath of disasters. Our team in Masbate is working closely with local authorities to ensure that affected families have safe drinking water as they begin to rebuild,’ Manila Water Communication Affairs Group Director Jeric Sevilla said.
While focused on Masbate, Manila Water has also extended support to Cebu, where its subsidiary continues to supply potable water to municipalities affected by the recent earthquake.
Manila Water remains committed to delivering life-saving water access and supporting communities in times of need.