CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) – Residents from Brgy. Maasin, Bulalacao will now be able to access clean and safe water from the P3.1M Water Desalination Project of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Mimaropa through its Oriental Mindoro Provincial Office.

A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between DOST-Mimaropa, represented by DOST Oriental Mindoro Provincial Director Jessie Pine and Brgy. Maasin Capt. Nestor Eguillon for the said project. This was made possible through the coordination of the Local Government of Bulalacao to DOST.

Barangay Maasin is located on an island and is surrounded by seawater. Said barangay is isolated from the town proper, and one of the major problems that residents experience due to their demographic is the lack of clean and potable water. Add to the fact that these residents purchase clean water in the town at a steep price with little to no alternative. They also have a hard time getting usable water, especially during typhoon season as they are in a remote area.

Water desalination is a process wherein salt minerals from seawater are crushed and filtered in order for it to be safe for human consumption.

It is expected that once the project is fully implemented in the barangay, residents will enjoy clean water which in turn will stop the spread of diseases brought about by unsafe and unpotable water according to the local government. The project is also seen as a means of additional income for said residents. (JJGS/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro)