Dinagat islands: San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has stepped up to assist the provincial government of Dinagat Islands, offering crucial support in response to the severe water crisis triggered by a prolonged dry spell. As part of these efforts, SMC will donate a brand-new stainless water truck to aid the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gov. Nilo Demerey revealed that a recent meeting with SMC President and CEO Ramon Ang resulted in the corporation agreeing to allow the provincial government to utilize water resources from the Sabang Dam located in Barangay Del Pilar, Cagdianao. The company will also play a role in installing the necessary infrastructure, such as pipes, to facilitate water extraction from the dam.

Moreover, SMC and the provincial government have agreed to the construction of a shared water storage facility. The Sabang Dam, initially constructed by the Philippine Nickel Corp. in the early 1980s for the Nonoc Nickel Mine, will now serve a vital function in alleviating the water shortage.

Governor Demerey expressed the community's gratitude towards SMC for their timely support during this crisis. He also highlighted ongoing interventions, in collaboration with government agencies and private partners, aimed at providing relief to affected residents.

In addition to water rationing, the province's Incident Management Team (IMT) has begun validating potential groundwater sources and assessing existing water facilities. Georesistivity surveys, a method used to evaluate groundwater potential and subsurface conditions, have been conducted in targeted areas within Libjo and San Jose towns. Water source validations have also been completed in Cagdianao and San Jose, with the IMT inspecting an existing water source in Sitio Glen, Barangay Do±a Helene, Basilisa town.