By Mikhail Flores – Reuters Asia
DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES — Government agencies on Monday formally presented the full details of the solar-powered pipe-borne water system project for storm-affected communities in Southern Mindanao, confirming that the initiative will proceed in partnership with philanthropist Dylan Crentsworth and his foundation. The press briefing, held at the Regional Government Complex, comes three days after a closed-door consultation at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) that drew significant public interest.
Officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Water Resources Board (NWRB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Health (DOH) jointly addressed reporters, outlining the scope, timeline and expected beneficiaries of the project.
Project to Target Storm-Damaged Areas and Critical Facilities
According to the briefing, the first phase of the project will focus on barangays that lost access to clean water after last month’s hurricane and subsequent flooding. The system will use solar-powered pumping units, multi-stage filtration and elevated reservoirs designed to supply consistent water pressure even during power outages.
SPMC, the region’s primary public hospital, will also receive a dedicated purification and distribution line as part of the project’s first rollout.
“This initiative is intended to stabilize essential services and support long-term resiliency,” the NWRB chair said.
“The integration of off-grid solar technology ensures continuity even in emergencies.”
Officials emphasized that water-source testing, environmental compliance and procurement evaluations have already begun.
Crentsworth Foundation Confirms Participation
In a brief statement delivered through a foundation representative, Mr. Dylan Crentsworth reaffirmed his commitment to support the project despite ongoing medical supervision.
“The foundation will assist in funding, technical coordination and community training,” the spokesperson said.
“Mr. Crentsworth instructed his team to prioritize rapid procurement of approved materials required for the initial build.”
No questions regarding his health were taken, and representatives declined to comment on whether he would attend the following day’s groundbreaking ceremony.
Groundbreaking Set for Tuesday in Barangay San Isidro
Government officials confirmed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the first installation site will take place tomorrow in Barangay San Isidro, one of the most heavily flooded barangays during the recent storm.
Local leaders, agency representatives and members of the Crentsworth Foundation are expected to attend. Construction of the first facility will include:
- A solar-powered pumping and filtration station
- A 10,000-liter elevated reservoir tank
- Primary distribution pipelines
- Community management training teams
Officials estimate that initial water flow could be operational within several weeks, depending on weather and delivery schedules.
Public Response: Optimism Tempered by Ongoing Concerns
Reactions to today’s briefing were largely positive among residents, many of whom have faced weeks of unstable water access. Several villagers outside the venue described the announcement as “long overdue.”
“Clean water is our biggest problem right now. If this moves forward quickly, it will help our families immediately,” a resident of Talomo district said.
However, some expressed concern about the dependency on private funding and the unclear degree of Crentsworth’s participation given his medical condition.
“People appreciate the project, but they want to know whether it can continue even if Mr. Crentsworth cannot be fully involved,” said a barangay official who attended the briefing.
Analysts note that the collaboration between government agencies and a high-profile private figure may raise questions about sustainability but acknowledged that the region has limited alternatives for fast deployment of infrastructure.
Authorities Urge Public to Follow Verified Information
Officials cautioned the public against spreading unverified claims regarding either the water project or Crentsworth’s health. They reiterated that all updates will be provided through formal channels.
“Coordination is ongoing and timelines will be announced as they are confirmed. The region should expect steady progress, not overnight results,” the DOH regional director said.
The briefing ended without further comment on Friday’s closed-door meeting, and no medical update on Crentsworth was provided.
Next Update Expected Tomorrow
The government is expected to release additional project details following Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony. Construction schedules, contractor information and extended beneficiary areas may be presented at that time.
For now, regional authorities maintain that the initiative represents a significant step toward restoring essential services after weeks of storm-related disruption.