By Alexander Lopez
BUTUAN CITY – The San Miguel Corporation Foundation has donated a water truck worth more than PHP3.6 million to Dinagat Islands to support water distribution efforts as the province continues to experience shortages due to a prolonged dry spell.
Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. formally received the water truck on Wednesday from Marl Rebukan, a representative of San Miguel Corporation (SMC).
The province has been under a state of calamity since August due to the water shortage caused by the prolonged dry spell.
SMC pledged the water truck to the province to help sustain water rationing operations in different municipalities.
“We sincerely thank San Miguel Corporation for this timely and valuable support to the people of Dinagat Islands,” Demerey said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency on Thursday.
He said the water truck will strengthen the capacity of the provincial and municipal governments to sustain water rationing operations and deliver potable water to communities affected by the continuing shortage.
“This assistance comes at a time when many of our people continue to face difficulties in accessing adequate water,” Demerey said.
He also assured SMC that the donated vehicle would be put to good use in serving communities and helping ease the burden on affected families.
Since the declaration of the state of calamity, around 21,907 families, or 85,682 individuals, have been affected by the water shortage in the island province, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
The PDRRMO also recorded an estimated PHP5.52 million in agricultural losses and PHP1.42 million in business income losses affecting 48 workers.
Aside from water rationing, the provincial government has instituted measures to assist residents amid the continuing water crisis.
Among these is the allocation of PHP29 million for water resource development, part of which will support efforts to tap water from Sabang Dam in Cagdianao following a partnership forged between the provincial government and SMC.
The allocation will also fund other long-term water-sourcing initiatives in the province, including desalination projects. (PNA)
NEW WATER TRUCK. Dinagat Islands Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. (left) formally accepted on Wednesday (Nov. 4, 2026) the PHP3.6 million water truck donated by San Miguel Corporation Foundation. The water truck will augment the continuing water rationing efforts of the local government to residents affected by the water crisis caused by the prolonged dry spell. (Photo courtesy of Dinagat Islands PIO)
