Aboitiz Power, one of the major power providers in the Philippines, donated 300 water filtration buckets to Manila Broadcasting Company's (MBC) Operation Tulong to help aid communities who were severely affected by the recent onsluaght of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
These filtration buckets are meant to be distributed to communities that are struggling with access to potable water.
“Nabanggit nga na ang Operation Tulong ay nasa Naga at ang pangangailangan talaga ay tubig. So nataon talaga sabi ko ‘mayroong kaming pwedeng maitulong dyan,” Suiee Suarez, the Vice President for Corporate Affairs of Aboitiz Power, said in an exclusive interview with DZRH on Wednesday.
"So eto nga kami and we have this solution that can possibly help sa mga freshwater [and] clean water requirements ng mga nasalanta," he added.
The buckets are designed to filter up to one million liters of contaminated water and can last for up to five years. A filter located at the end of a hose attached to the bucket allows it to operate without electricity, relying solely on gravity.
These buckets are effective for filtering freshwater sources, like rainwater, but are not suitable for saltwater or chemically treated water.
By filtering down to very fine microns, the filter prevents contaminants like dirt, bacteria, and protozoa from getting through, resulting in clean water.
"Other solution is kung mayroon kang mas malaking lalagyan ng tubig, ang kit na ito ay may kasamang drill bit so kung mayroon kayong mas malaking lalagyan ng tubig, butasan niyo siya, ikabit lang ang nozzle at pwede na siyang mag-release ng malinis na tubig," said Suarez.
If the filter is clogged or has been in use for an extended period, simply remove it and flush out the particles. With the included syringe, you can easily clean it, and it will be ready for reuse.
The advantage of this, he said, is that after a calamity, it will be very helpful for barangay health centers and schools. If it’s not in use, they can simply store it for later.
Suarez emphasized that it is better to prevent illness by providing access to clean water.
When did the initiative to distribute water filtration buckets start?
Suarez recounted that their initiative to distribute water filtration buckets began during the height of Typhoon Odette.
"It was December, 3 years ago, that a strong typhoon hit Cebu. Dahil doon nawalan ng kuryente [at] dahil walang kuryente, wala ring tubig in many parts of Cebu," Suarez mentioned.
He also mentioned that clean drinking water became a necessity, so during that time, Aboitiz Power, through its social arm, the Aboitiz Foundation, sent a large supply of bottled water.
In addition, they also sent many water filtration buckets, which significantly helped the communities in Cebu. Since then, numerous victims of various types of calamities have benefited from the water system they provided.
Partnership between Aboitiz and Operation Tulong
It is noteworthy that the partnership between MBC Operation Tulong and Aboitiz has been in place for a long time, aimed at helping Filipinos, particularly in building disaster resilience throughout the country.
“Malalim na ang relasyon ng Operation Tulong at ng Aboitiz," DZRH Mae Binauhan mentioned.
She stated that their partnership began with shipping lines, where the Aboitiz group provided free fares to help indigent individuals return home.
