On his social media account, Doctor Richard Mata posted a reaction video on the Department of Social Welfare and Development's portable water filtration kits.

In the video, DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said that the agency distributed more than 400 portable water filtration kits to areas affected by Typhoon Tino, particularly Cebu.

This is part of the agency's aim to ensure that there’s a stable supply of clean and safe drinking water for individuals affected by the typhoon. In the video, Dumlao explained that the water filtration system has a 0.1 micron filter that can remove cholera, salmonella, E. coli and coliform bacteria.

Dumlao also stated that it is possible that the water from the flood can be filtered by the said system.

“Actually possible, we actually tried this. In fact, Secretary Rex Gatchalian and President Marcos Jr. drank from this bucket,” Dumlao said.

Dr. Mata, a pediatrician and a social media personality shared his thoughts. According to the health professional, if what he understands from the video is correct, that the water is safe to drink after using the water filtration system, then he “totally disagrees."

“Yes proven in research that 0.1 micron filter can filter cholera, salmonella, and coliforms but how about the smaller virus such as hepa virus, like rota virus that is really severe to diarrhea,” Dr. Mata explained.

Dr. Mata also noted that leptospira, which causes leptospirosis, can also pass through the 0.1 micron filter.

“In other words, not all risks can be filtered by this water filtration. Its technology has not reached it yet,” Mata explained.

According to Mata, the process of boiling and chlorination is still necessary to ensure that water is safe to drink. The doctor explained that flood water absorbs various dirt and pesticide chemicals as it moves along streets, which cannot be filtered by the system. Drinking the water may cause poison and damage to the brain.

Mata also explained that the water filtration system is usable but the process is not as simple as "putting the water in a bucket."

Flood water should be settled first with a cloth to remove mud and dirt, followed by the use of a water filtration system, followed by boiling within 2-3 minutes and ending with a chlorination.

“In other words, this process cannot be done usually by a common individual. It’s better if there are professionals who will process it before we trust the water that we will put inside our body,” Mata explained.

The health professional also cited that since our military equipment is “world class” it is better to bring a supply of drinking water to the affected individuals instead. Furthermore in his caption, he stated that he hopes that the Department of Health (DOH) will also explain the matter.

“Sorry, but being a Pediatrician, I need to speak up on this. I challenge DOH to have a statement as well.” Mata said in his caption.