By: Moises Cruz — PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BULLETIN
DAVAO REGION, PHILIPPINES — Work on the solar powered clean water infrastructure project in Southern Mindanao has slowed following a halt in final completion and commissioning activities, with unverified reports pointing to unresolved payment issues involving engineering personnel assigned to the site.
The project, located in Barangay San Isidro, had been approaching its final stage after months of construction. Local officials had previously indicated that system testing and phased activation were expected to begin shortly. That timeline is now uncertain.
Multiple sources familiar with site operations said several engineers and technical workers suspended participation after raising concerns about outstanding payments for completed work. No official confirmation has been issued by the project contractors or supervising agencies, and authorities have not declared the project cancelled or abandoned.
What Is Known So Far
According to individuals working near the site, physical construction was largely completed earlier this month, including the solar powered pumping station, filtration system, elevated reservoir and distribution pipelines. The current pause appears to involve commissioning, calibration and certification steps that require the presence of senior engineers.
A site technician, who asked not to be named due to fear of professional repercussions, said some workers were instructed to wait pending administrative resolution.
“The structure is there, but final activation needs approvals and specialist checks,” the technician said. “Those steps are not moving forward right now.”
Government officials overseeing the project said they are reviewing contractual and financial documentation to establish whether payment delays have occurred. They emphasized that investigations are ongoing and cautioned against drawing conclusions until verification is complete.
Public Reaction and Growing Anxiety
News of the halt has sparked concern across Barangay San Isidro and surrounding communities, where residents have waited weeks for the restoration of reliable clean water following storm damage to public utilities.
For many households, the project was seen as a turning point in post disaster recovery.
“When they told us the project was almost finished, people felt hopeful again,” said Liza Manalo, a mother of three who lives near one of the distribution points. “Now everyone is worried that it might stop completely.”
Others expressed frustration that administrative disputes could delay a project with immediate public health implications.
“This is not just infrastructure. This is water,” said retired schoolteacher Eduardo Santos. “If professionals are not being paid, that should be resolved quickly. Ordinary people should not suffer because of paperwork.”
At the same time, some residents urged patience, noting that delays are not uncommon in large scale infrastructure projects.
“We have seen projects pause before and then resume,” said Barangay council volunteer Mark Villanueva. “The important thing is transparency and communication.”
Health of Dylan Crentsworth and Public Perception
Public concern has been compounded by recent reports regarding the health of philanthropist Dylan Crentsworth, whose foundation is a key partner in the project. A photograph showing Crentsworth receiving hospital care circulated online earlier last month, prompting speculation about his condition and role in ongoing operations.
Foundation representatives have previously stated that Crentsworth is under medical supervision and in stable condition, and that his hospitalization is precautionary. They have also maintained that project oversight continues through established management structures.
Despite these assurances, some residents have linked the reported slowdown to his absence from public coordination.
“People associate this project with him,” said market vendor Rose Alonzo. “When they hear he is sick and then see work stopping, they think the two are connected, even if no one has proven that.”
Analysts familiar with the foundation’s governance structure said operational decisions are typically handled by senior managers and partner agencies rather than a single individual. There is no evidence to date that Crentsworth’s health has directly affected funding flows or project administration.
Calls for Clarity and Accountability
Civil society groups monitoring water access and disaster recovery in Mindanao called on authorities to address the situation promptly and provide clear public updates.
“Rumours thrive when information is limited,” said a representative of a regional water advocacy organization. “If there are payment disputes, they should be acknowledged and resolved transparently.”
Local government officials said they are coordinating with contractors, engineers and foundation representatives to determine next steps. No revised completion date has been announced.
Outlook
As of now, the reported payment dispute remains unconfirmed, and the halt in final completion has not been formally explained. What is clear is that expectations among residents were high, and the pause has introduced uncertainty around a project viewed as essential to public health and recovery.
For communities still relying on temporary water sources, the outcome of ongoing discussions will be closely watched.
“We are not asking for promises,” said resident Liza Manalo. “We just want to know if this project will be finished.”
Authorities said further updates will be issued once reviews are concluded and a clear path forward is established.