Puerto Galera under state of calamity over severe water shortage

MADONNA T. VIROLA/FILE PHOTO

CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines — The local government of Puerto Galera town in Oriental Mindoro has declared a state of calamity in this town due to worsening water shortage caused by the prolonged dry spell.

Vice Mayor Rocky Ilagan confirmed this in a video interview with media, saying the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) recommended the measure, which was formalized through Resolution No. 005‑2026 and approved by the Municipal Council on Monday, June 15.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The declaration will allow us to immediately mobilize emergency funds and resources, as well as ease penalties for water consumers affected by the current crisis,” Ilagan stated.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

READ: Despite poor water quality, Puerto Galera to stay open

He explained that the town’s main water supply comes from natural springs. To address supply issues in the past, the local government constructed several deep wells over the last three years—but these have since become unusable.

READ: DOH: Only 9 of 35 sites in Puerto Galera pass water quality standards

“We built deep wells to augment supply, but unfortunately, the water quality from these sources turned out to be non‑potable, so we had to stop operating them. This has only added to the shortage we are facing today,” Ilagan said.

Article continues after this advertisement

To resolve the situation, Ilagan said the local government is now rehabilitating the four existing deep wells located in different parts of the municipality. Technical consultants have also arrived and are currently conducting surveys to locate additional natural springs that can serve as alternative water sources.

Ilagan assured that tourism is not affected by the water shortage, as most of the tourism establishments have their own sources of water.

Article continues after this advertisement

The local government assured residents that efforts are underway to restore stable and safe water supply as soon as possible. /cb

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.