Deep well rehab, upgrade pushed to fix Puerto Galera water supply

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Authorities are prioritizing the rehabilitation of existing deep wells and seeking funds for a major water system upgrade amid an acute water shortage that prompted the municipality of Puerto Galera to declare a state of calamity.

The coordinated action plan was discussed during a recent meeting among Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Mimaropa Regional Director Arnulfo Matanguihan, Puerto Galera Mayor Robinhood Ylagan, and Oriental Mindoro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Chief Vinscent B. Gahol.

According to Ylagan, the crisis stems largely from prolonged dry weather and below-average rainfall, which have drastically lowered groundwater levels and reduced the natural recharge of springs—the town’s primary water source.

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READ: Puerto Galera under state of calamity over severe water shortage

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To address both immediate and long-term needs, the mayor proposed rehabilitating deep wells previously funded through OCD assistance. He also requested additional funding for a comprehensive upgrade of the municipality’s water distribution system.

The planned works include restoring full production capacity at identified deep well sites and installing proper filtration systems—measures aimed not only at increasing water supply but also at ensuring safe, potable water for households and establishments.

While engineering plans and funding arrangements are still being finalized, emergency response measures remain in full force. The local government has deployed water tankers to communities experiencing the most critical shortages.

READ: Mindoro prov’l gov’t sends aid to Puerto Galera town amid water shortage

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Water rationing is being carried out jointly by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Municipal Waterworks System Office to ensure scheduled deliveries reach residential areas, public facilities, and other key service points.

In a telephone interview on Sunday, Gahol said the OCD would request P150 million from the national government for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the province’s water system.

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“They have identified a new water source—a spring that is about three kilometers away. The municipal government has already submitted its funding request to the OCD,” Gahol said.

Puerto Galera has been grappling with dwindling water resources for several months. Officials said combining emergency water deliveries with permanent infrastructure improvements is essential to address the current shortage and strengthen the municipality’s resilience against future dry-season water crises. /coa

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