By Chris V. Panganiban
Inquirer Mindanao Bureau
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The Dinagat Islands provincial government is pursuing groundwater drilling, desalination and continued water rationing as emergency measures to ease a worsening water shortage that prompted the province to declare a state of calamity.
According to the Dinagat Islands Public Information Office, Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. said the declaration was made early so the provincial government could respond before the effects of the prolonged dry spell further worsened, particularly in communities already experiencing water shortages.
“Unsaon pa ang sagbot kung patay na ang kabayo” (“What good is the grass if the horse is already dead?”), Demerey said in an interview on Aug. 26, using the Cebuano expression to stress the need for preventive action before the crisis becomes more severe.
The governor said the provincial government had prepared several short-term measures, including drilling in areas believed to have underground water sources. Solar-powered pumps are being considered for identified sites that could be developed as alternative water sources.
Demerey also said the province has three reverse osmosis machines that may be used for desalination, a process that removes salt and other impurities from seawater so it can be treated for potable use.
The Public Information Office said another reason for the early state of calamity declaration was to allow municipal and barangay governments to access available Quick Response Funds for urgent interventions in communities affected by the water crisis.
Demerey said the provincial government was also seeking additional assistance from national government agencies and line agencies for programs and other interventions that could help ease the shortage.
Water rationing, meanwhile, is continuing in areas identified as critically affected.
Residents have been urged to conserve water and prioritize its use for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene and other essential household needs.
Demerey appealed to Dinagat residents to cooperate in managing the province’s limited water supply while the provincial government, local government units and barangays continue looking for immediate and practical solutions.
The provincial government, according to the Dinagat Islands Public Information Office, has assured residents that it will continue coordinating with municipal and barangay governments to reduce the impact of the water crisis and ensure that basic water needs are addressed.
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