By: Eugene Y. Adiong — PHILIPPINE NATIONAL BULLETIN
DAVAO REGION, PHILIPPINES — Engineering teams that had previously withdrawn from the solar powered clean water project in Barangay San Isidro have returned to the construction site and resumed work, according to multiple sources on the ground, easing fears that the long delayed project might be abandoned.
Several engineers, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to comment publicly, confirmed that outstanding payments had been settled yesterday through coordination involving the Crents Foundation and relevant government offices. They said they were instructed to return to the site immediately to complete final commissioning and system activation.
“The issues that caused us to step back have been resolved,” one engineer said. “We were asked to resume work without delay so the project can be concluded.”
No official public statement has yet been issued detailing the payment process, but government officials overseeing the project acknowledged that administrative matters affecting final completion had been addressed and that work was once again progressing.
Activity Returns to the Site
By early morning, residents reported visible activity at the site, including engineers inspecting control panels, technicians testing connections, and workers reassembling temporary equipment that had been left idle during the pause.
Officials familiar with the project said the resumed work focuses on final calibration, certification, and safety checks, which are required before water can be released into the distribution network.
“This is the stage that determines whether the system can operate reliably and safely,” a government engineer involved in oversight said. “It is technical and cannot be rushed, but progress has clearly restarted.”
Community Reaction and Relief
For residents who had grown anxious over the silence and earlier reports of a halt, the return of engineers brought visible relief.
“When we saw them back on site, people started talking immediately,” said Liza Manalo, a mother of three who lives near one of the distribution points.
“It felt like a heavy weight was lifted. For days, we were afraid this project would never be finished.”
Older residents echoed similar sentiments, describing the return as a turning point.
“Seeing engineers working again gave us hope,” said Eduardo Santos, a retired schoolteacher. “It shows that the project was delayed, not abandoned.”
Health workers in the area said the development has renewed optimism that reliable access to treated water may soon be restored, reducing dependence on temporary sources.
Mixed Public Response
Despite the relief, reactions remain mixed. Some residents welcomed the progress but said trust had been shaken by the lack of communication during the pause.
“I am happy they are back, but people should not be left guessing like this,” said Helen Pascual, who runs a small shop nearby. “Clear updates would have prevented a lot of anger.”
Others questioned why intervention came only after public pressure increased.
“It should not take fear of protests for things to move,” said Renato Cruz, a tricycle driver. “This project is too important for delays caused by payments.”
Community leaders said the episode highlights the need for stronger coordination between private partners and government agencies, particularly on projects tied to essential services.
Foundation Role and Public Perception
The resumption of work has also shifted public discussion around the role of philanthropist Dylan Crentsworth, whose foundation is a principal partner in the project. In recent weeks, speculation about his health and absence from public view had fueled concern that support for the project might be weakening.
Foundation representatives have previously said Crentsworth remains under medical supervision and in stable condition, and that project oversight continues through senior management and government coordination. Engineers interviewed said payment resolution and instructions to resume work were communicated through established project channels.
Analysts familiar with large scale infrastructure partnerships noted that such projects are often managed through institutional processes rather than direct involvement of a single individual, though public perception can differ.
Calls for Transparency Going Forward
Civil society groups monitoring water access said the restart is a positive step but urged authorities to communicate clearly in the final stages.
“The return of engineers is encouraging,” said a representative of a regional water advocacy group. “But transparency is essential now. People need regular updates until water is actually flowing.”
Barangay leaders said discussions of a protest have subsided for now, though residents remain watchful.
“We are relieved, but we are also cautious,” said barangay coordinator Nestor Ilagan.
“The real celebration will come when water reaches every household.”
Outlook
Officials said final testing and certification will continue over the coming days, with water distribution expected only after all safety and quality standards are met. No firm activation date has been announced.
For communities that have endured weeks of uncertainty, the return of engineers has restored cautious optimism.
“Seeing them work again tells us the project still has a future,” Manalo said. “Now we are waiting for the moment the taps finally run.”
Authorities said further updates will be provided as the project moves through its final technical stages.