With the government claiming that the said practice saw 99.9999 percent removal rate.
During the Palace Press Briefing on Wednesday, October 14, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro led the demonstration of a water filtration technology before members of the media.
“So, una po diyan, itong ginamit namin for the past how many years na since 2024 during times of disaster. Ito iyong Jerry Can o iyong balde na mayroon na hong kasamang filter. Ito iyong actual unit at mayroon ho tayong naka-stockpile niyan all throughout the country,” said Gatchalian as he presented the said object that was used in the past during calamities such as in typhoon-hit and earthquake-stricken areas.
Gatchalian also presented other projects such as a communal water depot and water impounding projects.
He then went on to demonstrate how to use a membrane filter that can filter out turbid or muddy water and make it safe for human consumption.
The DSWD chief also assured the public that water produced using this filtration technology is safe, citing Department of Health (DOH) certification and water analysis results showing the membrane filter can achieve a 99.9999 percent removal rate.
“According to the DOH certification, the membrane filter has a 99.9999 percent removal rate,” Gatchalian said, who also emphasized the importance of properly maintaining the filtration system by following the recommended cleaning procedures to ensure its continued effectiveness.
“Kaya nga mayroon kaming mga barangay activation. Ibig sabihin, pupunta kami mismo sa mga barangay para turuan ang mga residente kung paano linisin ang filter,” he furthered.
The DSWD Secretary explained that maintaining the filter is essential, noting that users should not assume it will remain clean without regular maintenance.
“May mga tamang hakbang na kailangang gawin, pero napakadali lang. I-flush lang ang filter.”
Gatchalian said that the government also plans to bring the technology closer to communities through barangay-level information and demonstrations to help residents understand its proper use and maintenance.
The DSWD chief also clarified that the technology is one of several interventions being implemented to help communities secure access to water amid expected drought due to El Niño.
CONCERTED EFFORT TO ADDRESS EL NIÑO IMPACT
Meanwhile, Malacañang has also called for concerted effort and national unity to address the effects of El Niño, which experts say have begun to be felt in the country and are expected to persist until early next year.
“Kaya hinihikayat ng pamahalaan ang publiko at pribadong sektor na magkaisa upang mabawasan ang banta ng El Niño sa kabuhayan, kalusugan, pagkain, tubig at enerhiya,” Castro said. “Kapag lahat tayo ay tulung-tulong sa paglaban sa kalamidad, malalampasan natin ang negatibong epekto ng El Niño.”
According to Castro, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who reconvened key agencies concerned with the El Niño phenomenon, is particularly focused on maintaining an adequate supply of food, water, electricity, and fuel.
She also said that the Chief Executive wants agencies to prioritize protecting people’s health and livelihoods, and to encourage every family to conserve resources and prepare to overcome the effects of El Niño.
“Proactive at maagap ang Pangulo at ang administrasyon sa pagtugon sa isyu ng El Niño, whole-of-government approach ang isinasagawa rito. Every drop counts – bawat patak ng tubig ay mahalaga, bawat patak ay iniipon at hindi inaaksaya, bawat patak ay makakasalba,” she also stated.
She also noted initiatives such as cloud seeding operations, establishment of new water treatment plants and activation of deep wells as some of the interventions.
“Palalakasin din ang suplay ng tubig sa pamamagitan ng cloud seeding, maayos na pamamahala sa mga dam, pagtatayo ng mga water treatment plant at paggamit ng mga water tanker at pag-activate ng 61 decommissioned deep wells upang mapalakas ang suplay ng tubig sa Metro Manila,” Castro said.
She added, “Inaasahan ding madaragdagan ang suplay ng tubig sa Metro Manila sa pamamagitan ng mga bagong proyekto kabilang ang Kaysakat Water Treatment Plant sa Upper Wawa Dam na matatapos sa susunod na buwan.”
