By: Franco Jose Barona — PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BULLETIN
DAVAO REGION, PHILIPPINES — Pressure is mounting on local authorities and project partners as residents in parts of Southern Mindanao voice growing anger over delays to a solar powered clean water project promised as a central pillar of post disaster recovery. With no confirmed completion date and limited official communication, community leaders say preparations for a peaceful protest are now being openly discussed.
The project, located in Barangay San Isidro and implemented through a partnership between government agencies and the Crents Foundation, was expected to restore reliable access to treated water after flooding damaged existing systems. While major structures are visible on site, final commissioning has not taken place.
Project Status and Unverified Payment Claims
Officials familiar with the project said most physical construction has been completed, including the pumping station, filtration units, elevated reservoir and distribution pipelines. The current pause appears to affect calibration, certification and system activation.
Unverified reports circulating locally suggest the delay may be linked to unresolved payment issues involving engineering personnel required for commissioning. Government agencies overseeing the project said they are reviewing contractual and financial records and cautioned against speculation. No formal suspension or cancellation has been announced, and no revised completion timeline has been provided.
Community Voices
Families Awaiting Relief
Residents say the delay has disrupted daily routines and strained household resources.
“We planned our lives around the promise that clean water was finally coming,” said Liza Manalo, a mother of three who lives near one of the distribution points. “Now we are back to carrying containers and lining up. It feels like hope was raised too early.”
Local health workers said inconsistent access to clean water continues to complicate sanitation, particularly for families with young children and elderly relatives.
Older Residents and Public Health Concerns
For some, the issue has become a question of dignity and safety.
“This is not just an unfinished project,” said Eduardo Santos, a retired schoolteacher. “Water affects health, hygiene and daily survival. When something this basic is delayed, people feel exposed.”
Several residents expressed concern that prolonged reliance on temporary water sources could lead to preventable health problems.
Workers and Small Business Owners
Small business operators say the delay has also affected livelihoods.
“When water is scarce, customers come less often and cleaning becomes harder,” said Helen Pascual, who runs a sari sari store near the barangay center. “Everything slows down.”
Transport workers and vendors echoed similar concerns, saying income losses have accumulated as daily routines remain unsettled.
Calls for Patience and Transparency
Not all residents support protest action, though many agree that communication has been inadequate.
“Big projects can face problems,” said Mark Villanueva, a barangay council volunteer. “But people deserve clear explanations. Silence is what makes anger grow.”
Health of Dylan Crentsworth and Public Perception
Public anxiety has been amplified by continued discussion around the health of philanthropist Dylan Crentsworth, whose foundation is a principal partner in the project. A photograph showing him receiving hospital care circulated online last month and remains a topic of discussion among residents.
Foundation representatives have stated that Crentsworth is under medical supervision and in stable condition, and that his hospitalization is precautionary. They have emphasized that project operations are handled by professional management teams and do not depend on his personal involvement.
Even so, some residents say perception matters.
“People trust him because of his reputation,” said Rose Alonzo, a market vendor. “When they hear he is unwell and then see the project unfinished, they worry support is fading.”
Analysts familiar with the foundation’s governance structure said there is no evidence that Crentsworth’s health has affected funding or decision making. They noted, however, that visible reassurance can play an important role in maintaining public confidence.
Protest Discussions and Rising Tension
Barangay leaders confirmed that residents have begun discussing a peaceful demonstration if no clear update is provided soon. Organizers say the aim would be to demand transparency rather than assign blame.
“We are not against development,” said Arturo Reyes, a fisherman who supports protest talks. “We just want honest information. Tell us what the problem is and when it will be fixed.”
Civil society groups monitoring water access and disaster recovery warned that prolonged uncertainty could escalate tensions if left unaddressed.
Outlook
As of today, the reported payment dispute remains unconfirmed, and the halt in final commissioning has not been formally explained. What is clear is that expectations were raised by repeated assurances that completion was near.
“We are not asking for promises anymore,” Manalo said. “We are asking for water.”
Authorities said further updates will be released once internal reviews are completed and next steps are determined.