Biliran: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) regional office here has deployed a high-capacity water desalination unit along with a water tanker to Biliran province to address the shortage of clean and safe drinking water in cyclone-hit communities. In coordination with the Philippine Army's 546th Engineer Construction Battalion, the unit was stationed in the town center of Almeria, directly serving affected families and evacuees.

According to Philippines News Agency, the deployment comes in response to the urgent need for safe drinking water in the province, which was severely impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Opong. Water system facilities of local government units were among those heavily affected by the storm. OCD Eastern Visayas regional director Lord Byron Torrecarion emphasized the importance of this equipment in providing potable water to evacuees and affected families, thereby preventing waterborne diseases and sustaining daily needs while permanent water systems are being restored.

The desalination equipment is designed to convert seawater and other non-potable water sources into clean, safe drinking water, serving as an essential lifeline for disaster-affected communities. This initiative is part of a broader relief operation led by the Biliran provincial government and its municipalities, highlighting a whole-of-government approach to disaster response.

In addition to the desalination equipment, the OCD, with logistical support from the 546th Engineer Construction Battalion, has also commenced the delivery of bottled water to Biliran province to further support local relief distribution efforts.