One of Governor Aris Aumentado’s priorities is to build resilient infrastructure and utilities anticipating future demands in order to improve the lives of every Boholano, especially in the far flung areas of the province.

Recognizing the importance of providing clean potable water in the remote areas of the province, Governor Aumentado ardently proposed an additional 10 solar-powered desalination potable water systems for 1) Calituban Island, Talibon; 2) Cabul-an Island, Buenavista; 3) Gaos Island, President Garcia; 4) Malingin, Bien Unido; 5) Busalian, Talibon; 6) Pinamgo Island, Bien Unido; 7) Jandayan Island, Getafe; 8) Handumon Island, Getafe; 9) Suba Island, Talibon; and 10) an additional desalination for Sandingan Island, Loon.

As water is crucial in sustaining and nurturing life, desalination plants would play a crucial part in augmenting Bohol’s water supply and in providing accessible drinking water. The process of desalination does not only imply the removal of salt but also the removal of bacteria that may be in the water source, to make water safe for humans, plants and livestock.

According to Engr. Evelyn Ayuban, there are four existing functional desalination plants in the province: 1) in Pamilacan Island; 2) in Sandingan, Loon; 3) in Cuaming, Inabanga which is solar-powered; and 4) in Cabilao Island which is solar-powered also.

In order to supplement the existing desalination system and provide adequate potable water in the province, the provincial government has already opened the bidding for the Cataban, Potable Water System; the Bilangbilangan Potable Water System; the Brgy. Guidacpan Potable Water System; and the Hingotanan West Potable Water System, which are all under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

All these are infrastructure and initiatives are intended to adequately supply potable water in the far flung areas that are in dire need of potable water. (MAEP)