ILOILO – Approximately 854 residents of Sitio Danao-danao, Barangay Polopiña, Concepcion town now have access to potable water following the inauguration of a P13.1-million desalination water project last Friday, July 19.
The “Danao-danao Island Solar-Powered Potable Water System” was launched by the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) with funding from the World Bank.
The ceremony was led by Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and attended by Provincial Engineering Office head Engr. Romeo Andig and Executive Assistant Niel “Beng” Tupas III, representing Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., along with other local dignitaries.
This system, capable of producing 11,000 liters of potable water daily, uses reverse osmosis technology to convert seawater into drinkable water. The supply is expected to comfortably meet the daily water needs of the island’s residents.
Banias highlighted that the project was a priority for Governor Defensor, who ensured local and national government contributions totaling 20 percent of the project cost, with the remaining 80 percent or P10.2 million funded through a World Bank loan under the PRDP.
The land for the desalination plant and solar panels was donated by the Badiango family, with Bobby Badiango specifically acknowledged for his contribution. “This is a realization of a dream and the MoRPrGRes vision of addressing the basic needs of the people in the island, a resilient project as it relies on solar power to produce the water from the sea,” said Banias.
Banias also revealed plans by Governor Defensor to establish similar projects on other islands in Northern Iloilo. The construction of the project began in June 2023 and was completed within the allotted 181 calendar days, concluding on December 11, 2023./PN
