Province of Dinagat Islands – Addressing problem on safe potable water in Barangay Cab-ilan in the municipality of Dinagat, the first solar-powered desalination equipment in the Caraga region was launched 9 February 2022.
Said equipment was lent by renewable energy system design company Verdex Engineering Co. through the help of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Operations Group.
“Cab-ilan is one of the many island barangays in the province that has difficulty in accessing clean drinking water. Because of its geographical location, it is very challenging for the people living there to obtain potable water,” said DTI Caraga Regional Director Gay A. Tidalgo.
Tidalgo shared that when Verdex contacted DTI Caraga for this support project, the Department has seen this as an opportunity to help the said community in the province that has been heavily-hit by Typhoon Odette.
“Through Dinagat Islands Provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIPCCI) as the custodian of the unit, we know that we will be able to help people in the community have easier access to potable water especially that their boats that they use to fetch their basic needs have also been destroyed by the typhoon,” Tidalgo added.
The said equipment can desalinate seawater and produce enough supply of fresh water for the community.
“The system can produce up to 1,000 liters of potable water per day using seawater as its source. Operation could be extended until night time if needed to increase the output to 3,000 liters by using alternative power source,” said Louie Pacana of Verdex Engineering Co.
Also present during the launch were DTI Provincial Director Elmer M. Natad, Vice Governor Nilo P. Demerey, Jr., DIPCCI President Leonel C. Rojo and other representatives from cooperating offices of the provincial local government unit. ♦
Date of Release: 10 February 2022