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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Davao Oriental working to restore safe water, sanitation in quake-hit areas

Davao Oriental working to restore safe water, sanitation in quake-hit areas

Published Oct 22, 2025 05:34 pm
DAVAO CITY – The Provincial Health Office of Davao Oriental and the Health Emergency Operations Center have ramped up water, sanitation, and hygiene (Wash) operations to ensure safe water and sanitation in earthquake-hit areas.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Reden Bersaldo underscored the importance of having safe access to safe water and sanitation in times of disaster.
“Our teams are moving quickly to restore safe water access and proper sanitation. We’re not waiting for problems to arise. We’re working to prevent disease and protect our communities before they happen,” Bersaldo said in a statement.
Since last week, inspectors from the Davao Center for Health Development WASH team, local government of Lupon, and Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte sanitation conducted joint assessments and interventions in Manay and Tarragona.
The provincial health office recommended to further improve water and sanitation support to ensure safe water sources, build more toilets, and strengthen hygiene facilities.
It cited that some water sources in Barangay Central in Manay need more treatment.
The PHO advised the residents to use bottled water while the team carried out immediate interventions. The agency distributed aquatabs to affected families to ensure the safety of drinking water.
Similar efforts were also conducted in other places in Manay such as Zaragoza Gym, Felix Olea Elementary School, Purok Cabugan, and Bobonao Open Space.
The coast of Manay was the epicenter of the twin earthquakes on Oct. 10.
Following further water testing, the provincial government confirmed that contamination has been noted in several water tanks, barangay faucets, and some refilling stations.
It added that only a few sites have passed the required safety standards.
The PHO deployed a water filtration tanker, distributed 90 gallons of drinking water, hundreds of hygiene kits, mosquito nets, and jerry cans.
It also conducted hygiene promotion sessions to prevent disease outbreaks.
The provincial government showed that the twin earthquakes have affected over 200,000 families in 11 towns in Davao Oriental. Nine people were killed and at least 16,00 houses were damaged, over 1,000 of which were totally destroyed. 

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