Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officials on Wednesday demonstrated how to use a portable water filtration system that can make collected rainwater cleaner for household use as the country prepares for the expected Super El Niño.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the demonstration during a press briefing at Malacañang on October 14, showing how to assemble and use the filtration kit with a bucket.
The demonstration followed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s suggestion that households prepare buckets to collect rainwater amid concerns over a possible prolonged drought.
“Itong balde na ito is just like any balde sa bahay niyo,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian also announced that the DSWD would begin distributing water filtration kits to barangays next week, with household-level distribution to follow.
Gatchalian announced that areas under a state of calamity will be prioritized in the distribution of water filtration kits.
He said the agency has been deploying the kits since 2024 to help disaster-affected families meet their basic needs.
The portable filtration system uses a 0.1-micron filter designed to remove bacteria, including those associated with cholera, salmonella and E. coli, as well as coliform bacteria.
Each kit includes a bucket adapter filter assembly, a drill bit, a filter hanger, a cleaning plunger and instructional materials. According to Gatchalian, the kits are sourced from Waves for Water Organization Inc., are certified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and can last up to five years.
After the demonstration, Gatchalian and Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro drank water processed through the filtration system.
The initiative is part of preparations for the expected Super El Niño, which could worsen drought conditions and put additional pressure on water supplies in vulnerable communities.
