Baguio: The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD-CAR) has assured evacuees residing in temporary shelters of an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water and other essential water needs. This announcement was made following the recent signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between DSWD-CAR and the Baguio Water District (BWD), aimed at securing a reliable source of potable water for drinking, cooking, bathing, laundry, and sanitation during calamities and emergency situations.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-CAR Regional Director Maria Aplaten emphasized the importance of the agreement as a proactive measure to address water supply needs, particularly during disasters. 'Families in evacuation sites experience disruptions in their daily lives, and water being a primary need must always be provided, not just for normalcy but also for health and sanitation,' Aplaten stated.

BWD General Manager Engineer Salvador Royeca highlighted that this initiative aligns with the agency's mandate under Republic Act 10121, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, and is consistent with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council's (NDRRMC) Memorandum Circular No. 02, series of 2020. This circular authorizes the inclusion of potable water in relief assistance, recognizing that access to safe and clean drinking water is crucial during crises.

Under the terms of the agreement, DSWD-CAR will work closely with BWD to secure water from specified fetching points, provide data on the extent of disaster damage and affected populations, and collaborate with local government units or camp managers to establish storage and distribution facilities in evacuation centers.