Iloilo inaugurates first solar-powered water system

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The first solar-powered potable water system in the province of Iloilo was officially inaugurated and turned over to Sitio Danao-Danao, Barangay Polopiña, in the town of Concepcion on July 19.

The solar-powered potable water system has the capacity to produce 11,000 liters per day, benefiting 253 households, comprising an estimated 854 individuals.

The project, implemented by the Iloilo Provincial Government through the Provincial Engineer’s Office, marks a significant milestone in sustainable development for the region.

Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul N. Banias emphasized the project’s importance:

“This program is one of the priorities of our Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. Our survey shows that only 37 percent of the population on the island has access to potable water. You are lucky because you no longer have to go to another island just to buy water.”

The system features 36 units of 450W solar panels, a concrete water tank with a capacity of 16 cubic meters, and mechanical and processing equipment capable of a desalination rate of 99.40%.

During the project profile presentation, Provincial Engineer Romeo Andig explained that even if the system doesn’t have enough solar energy stored, it is supported by a 15 KVA generator set. He also shared that officers of the Danao-Danao Solar Powered Potable Water Association (DASOPPWAS) have been trained to manage the system.

DASOPPWAS Secretary Domain Salvaria assured the provincial government of their commitment to maintaining the project.

“Although the maintenance of this project is quite challenging, we will strive. We will ensure that the residents benefit from the potable water now available in our barangay. We established an association for proper management and implementation of rules and regulations to ensure smooth operations and access for all,” Salvaria said in an interview.

Salvaria added that proper bookkeeping and accounting procedures have also been established to document daily operations and ensure transparency.

The project, costing over P12.8 million, was funded through a World Bank loan, contributions from the Government of the Philippines, and equity from the Local Government Unit.

It was completed on December 11, 2023, within 181 calendar days.

Residents of Sitio Danao-Danao have expressed their relief and gratitude for the new water system.

“This water system is a great blessing for our community. It has brought us clean and safe drinking water, something that we have struggled to access for many years. The convenience it provides cannot be overstated, and we are extremely grateful to everyone involved in making this project a reality,” said Barangay Captain Henry Francisco.

One resident, Edna Patiño, a 66-year-old from Sitio Danao-Danao, told Daily Guardian, “For me, it is really good that they built this desalination project here because it helps us every day since we have had severe water shortages. We never had water here before, and we had to endure crossing to the other island to fetch water. Now it is much better because they built this for us. The water tastes good, and we drink it.”

She described the previous challenges of accessing water, which involved traveling by pump boat for over 30 minutes to fetch 5 to 7 containers of water from another island.

The new system now allows the community to enjoy clean water for drinking, cooking, and bathing, improving the quality of life for residents in Sitio Danao-Danao and nearby puroks, including Himulat, Danao, Pasil, and Punta Imo.