Safe water reaches 4K disadvantaged residents

Thousands of residents in a remote island community in Zamboanga City now have access to clean drinking water following the installation of a government-funded filtration and desalination project.

Acting Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna led a two-day site visit on 30 and 31 March to inspect the system, which serves approximately 4,000 residents of Tumalutab Island.

The project is one of three filtration systems recently installed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) across Western Mindanao.

Before the system was operational, residents of the geographically isolated village relied on untreated underground water from deep wells.

To obtain safe drinking water, families were often forced to travel 90 minutes by boat to the Zamboanga City mainland.

“From deep wells to safe water, DENR’s filtration system now serves 4,000 Tumalutab Island residents,” the agency said in a statement.

Local officials cited that the project is part of a broader national effort to provide essential services to disadvantaged and isolated areas.

The local government said Cuna’s visit underscores a commitment to climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger collaboration between national agencies and local units.

During the trip, Cuna also visited Pasonanca Natural Park, which was designated an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2024. The DENR used the field inspection to engage with local stakeholders and promote upcoming environmental and biodiversity programs scheduled for the region.