The right to access potable drinking water is a fundamental human right.

This was one of the targets of the conducted Orientation Workshop and Turnover Ceremony of the Mobile Water Station donated by a private donor on May 21 at the Katapatan Board Room, DSWD Central Office.

In her opening remarks, Disaster Response Management Bureau (DRMB) Director Maria Isabel Lanada extended the Department’s appreciation, highlighting the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in building disaster-resilient communities. 

“This equipment is not just a technical asset—it is a lifeline. It empowers us to uphold public health and ensure clean water access, especially in times of crisis,” Dir. Lanada emphasized.    

On the other hand, General Manager of the subsidiary Agua Vida Systems, Inc. Henry Armada led the orientation on the operation and maintenance as well as test run of the unit in the morning. Participants were briefed on the operation and maintenance of the unit—designed to produce and distribute potable water in emergency settings.

The mobile water station was formally presented to DRMG Undersecretary Diana Rose Cajipe, Special Assistant to the Secretary and National Resource Logistics Management Bureau (NRLMB) Director Leo L. Quintilla, DRMB Bureau Director Lanada, and Field Office (FO) V Regional Director Norman S. Laurio by private partners during the turnover ceremony in the afternoon. This unit will be deployed to FO V, enhancing the Bureau’s capability to provide life-saving water supply during disaster response and recovery operations.

Earlier during the orientation workshop, Regional Director Laurio also gave his message of appreciation—underscoring the value of having such vital resources in the face of recurring disasters and water scarcity. 

Along with the mobile water station, four (4) mobile clinic units were also turned over to the Department earlier by another partner. DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Group Monina Josefina Romualdez and DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Eduardo Punay along with Field Office Representatives were also present in the ceremony.

This initiative is part of the Department’s efforts in ensuring swift and efficient disaster response to affected and at-risk communities nationwide. It exemplifies the power of public-private partnership in advancing humanitarian service delivery. 

The Department extends its sincerest gratitude to the generous donor for this meaningful contribution to the shared mission of serving the most vulnerable.