As part of advancing the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Mimaropa’s efforts in promoting access to basic needs and water security in the region, the DOST through the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO) Romblon recently launched another Water Desalination Project in Cobrador Island, Romblon.

Cobrador Island, as the farthest island in the province is known for its breathtaking crystal-clear seawater and pristine white sandy beaches. However, despite the stunning water scenery, the residents of the island face a significant scarcity of potable water. Consequently, most of them have no choice but to depend on wells, streams, or collected rainfall as their primary sources of potable water.

During the Technology Needs Assessment conducted by PSTO, it was revealed that some residents endured consuming water collected from their gutters or water drums, even in the presence of mosquito larvae. Despite the health risks associated with such water sources, the scarcity of potable water on the island has compelled them to resort to these unsanitary options.

"Per TNA po namin, yung tubig galing sahod-ulan po ay yun din po ang iniinom talaga nila na kahit may kiti-kiti na po yung lagayan o yung drums ay ginagamit pa rin po nila," said Maria Lilian Galit, staff of PSTO-Romblon.

Other residents have no other option but to purchase mineral water from the mainland, which requires an hour-long boat trip. This incurs additional costs for transportation and labor, making it unaffordable for many residents, especially those who rely solely on fishing for their income.

“Yung mga may kaya ay bumibili na lang ng mineral water sa mainland, 40 pesos isang galon. Napakagastos po nito at idagdag pa ang isang oras na biyahe via boat na balikan. Samantala, yung mga sapat lang ang income ay patuloy na nagtitiis sa madilaw at maalat na tubig,” said Elvie Menciano, Barangay Kagawad of Cobrador Island.

To address this problem, DOST Mimaropa, in collaboration with the local government, installed a DOST-funded Water Desalination System project. This project was initially introduced in 2021 in the province of Marinduque. This technology aims to convert seawater into potable water, providing a continuous supply of safe and clean water to the residents and alleviating the water shortage on the island.

“Naging solusyon po ang water desalination sa matagal ng problema sa tubig ng isla. Sa pamamagitan nito, nagkaroon na ng tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng inuming tubig ang mga residente ng isla,” said Menciano.

The inauguration of the project was attended by DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., DOST Undersecretary of Regional Operations Engr. Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST Mimaropa Regional Director Dr. Ma. Josefina P. Abilay, Congressman Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona, Governor Jose R. Riano, Mayor Gerard S. Montojo, Vice Mayor Mariano M. Mateo, PSTO-Romblon Director Marcelina V. Servañez, and Barangay Captain Juan Dela Cruz.

During the launch, DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. encouraged the residents to embrace the desalination technology, emphasizing, “Malinis at ligtas na tubig dahil sa siyensya!”

The project includes water gallons and will benefit 1,000 residents on the island. With the affordable price of water, residents will be able to save money for equally important needs. Additionally, the island barangay will generate income from this project by selling each container for P20. The income will be used for facility maintenance and the salaries of the two workers managing the facility.

“This is the start of a change in the lives of 1,000 residents who will be eased from the fear of suffering from water-borne diseases and 1,000 residents who are given the opportunity for empowerment and increased production that will lead to boosting economic activities in the barangay and eventually in the municipality, the province, and Mimaropa as a whole,” said DOST Mimaropa Regional Director Abilay.

This project is part of Phase 2 of the Community Empowerment Through Science and Technology (CEST) project by DOST-Mimaropa. CEST is a program that empowers poor communities through science and technology interventions in areas including but not limited to health and nutrition, environmental protection and conservation, livelihood, human resource development, and disaster risk reduction and management.

Now, the residents of Cobrador Island can finally gain access to clean, safe, and affordable water. The water produced by the desalination system ensures that the residents have a continuous and reliable supply of water, improving their overall well-being and addressing the water scarcity issue on the island. (DOST)