NEGROS Occidental — The Bago City Government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of residents’ drinking water following the recent ashfall and eruption of Kanlaon Volcano, as authorities continue delivering potable water to affected communities in Barangay Mailum.
Dr. Merijene Ortizo, head of the Bago Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BDRRMO), said the city is awaiting results of physico-chemical analyses of local water sources to determine whether the supply remains safe for consumption.
“We don’t want to put the health of residents at risk,” Ortizo said, adding that the city is coordinating with the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Cluster for ongoing testing of affected water sources.
As a precaution, the city has continued water rationing operations to 12 puroks in Mailum whose water systems were contaminated by volcanic ash. To date, 20,000 liters of potable water have been delivered to 5,833 residents, with an additional 10,000 liters scheduled for distribution, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
Ortizo said water deliveries are coordinated with barangay captains to ensure supplies reach the most affected households. She also noted that recent heavy rains have helped wash away much of the volcanic ash that blanketed parts of Bago City.
“We are closely monitoring the situation while awaiting test results. Safety remains our top priority,” Ortizo assured.
The city government continues to advise residents to boil or disinfect water from local sources before use until official confirmation declares it safe for consumption./PN
