Thousands of residents in isolated island barangays will soon gain access to clean and safe drinking water, as the government rolls out a ₱43.5-million water filtration project aimed at improving basic services in communities most affected by water scarcity and climate change.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that 28 small-island barangays across the country will benefit from the program, which involves the installation of 10 desalination units and 18 freshwater filtration systems by the end of 2025.

The DENR said each desalination system will cost P2.775 million, while a freshwater filtration unit will cost P875,000. The agency confirmed that it will fully fund the project, prioritizing barangays with populations of over 1,000 residents.

“DENR Water Filtration Program for 2025  will cost  P43.5 M. This consists of the installation of 10 desalination systems and 18 Freshwater Filtration System in 28 island barangays in the country (more than 1,000 population per barangay),” the department said.

Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the initiative is part of the Marcos administration’s broader push to strengthen water access through the Integrated Water Resource Management Policy.

“In 2024, we launched six water filtration systems for freshwater and saline water sources in remote island barangays nationwide. This year, we are expanding that with 28 more consisting of 18 for freshwater and 10 for saline water,” Lotilla said during the post-State of the Nation (SONA) discussions held on July 28 in San Juan City.

“These projects aim to show that even with minimal funding, we can significantly improve access to clean and safe water in our most isolated communities.”

According to Lotilla, barangays with freshwater sources will receive filtration systems to ensure safe drinking water, while island communities reliant on seawater will benefit from desalination units.

“These initiatives are not just about technology, but about improving the lives of our people who have waited generations for access to clean water,” the DENR said.

In a related effort, the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) is spearheading a water supply project in Homonhon Island, Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the first Philippine island where Ferdinand Magellan landed in 1521, which still lacks a reliable water supply.

The project involves building a Level II Community Water Supply System in Barangay Casuguran, including a dam and water treatment facility. The Guiuan Water District is leading the implementation with support from four mining companies under their Social Development and Management Program (SDMP).

The WRMO is also allocating P1 million for the treatment facility. The project is already 90 percent complete, officials said.

The DENR said these efforts reflect a long-term strategy to protect communities vulnerable to climate impacts and deliver long-overdue access to safe water.

“We are investing not just in systems, but in the dignity of every Filipino who deserves clean water no matter where they live.”