By Lane Afable, News Editor
More than 1.49 million households in communities once considered waterless now have access to clean, safe, and potable water through the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG) program.
For many families, this means no longer having to travel far for water, wait for deliveries, or worry if what they bring home is safe to drink. It means more time for work, school, and family, and less burden in daily life.
SALINTUBIG is one of the government’s pro-poor programs aimed at bringing community-based water systems to areas with high poverty incidence, frequent water-borne diseases, and limited access to safe water. It supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of expanding access to clean water and sanitation nationwide, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 6.
To date, 2,821 water supply subprojects have been completed, benefiting around 7.45 million residents. Because of these efforts, 340 municipalities and 1,123 barangays have graduated from waterless status.
In Jamindan, Capiz, the municipality now has an upgraded water system and a 1,200 cubic-meter-per-day ultra-filtration plant. For residents like carinderia owner O Arcanio, the improvement has made everyday life easier.
“Bawas na ang gastos sa tubig, at may mas maraming oras na rin ang mga tao para makapagpokus sa trabaho,” Arcanio said.
In San Isidro, Isabela, a Level III Potable Water System now supplies clean water to the municipal government’s water refilling station. Residents say it has helped reduce costs and made access more convenient.
“Dati ang pinagkukunan ko ng tubig sa water refilling station doon sa Rizal East. Kaya noong nag-open na ito, dito ako bumibili para makatipid,” one resident shared.
The DILG, through the Office of Project Development Services (OPDS), continues to monitor completed projects, assist local government units, and help ensure that water systems remain reliable and sustainable.
For the DILG, every completed water project means healthier families, stronger communities, and a government that delivers where it matters most. Through SALINTUBIG, the Department continues to turn long-standing need into lasting public service for communities across the country.
