DINAGAT, Dinagat Islands -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Dinagat Islands, in partnership with stakeholders, launched the region's first solar-powered desalination system on Thursday, February 9, in Brgy. Cab-ilan in the municipality of Dinagat, Dinagat Islands, to help far-flung communities have access to drinking water.  

The Verdex Engineering Co. lent the Osmosun solar-powered desalination equipment through the efforts of the DTI Regional Operations Group, Philippine Airforce, and DTI Caraga Regional Office.

Due to its geographical location, Barangay Cab-ilan, one of the many island barangays affected by Typhoon Odette in the municipality, has had difficulty accessing drinking water following the typhoon. 

The solar-powered desalination equipment transforms salt water into drinking water. The equipment is expected to produce 1,000 liters of potable water per day using seawater. The equipment's operation can be extended until nighttime to produce 3,000 liters of potable water by using an alternative power source.

The desalinator is a big relief to the community of the said barangay as residents have to travel to the municipality of San Jose for drinking water. (DTI-Dinagat Islands/MFC/PIA-Caraga)