Dinagat islands: The prolonged dry spell in Dinagat Islands has left 21,907 families, or 85,682 individuals, grappling with severe water shortages, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) bared Monday. An estimated PHP5.52 million in agricultural losses and PHP1.42 million in business income losses affecting 48 workers have been recorded.
According to Philippines News Agency, "The province has experienced a high heat index for months, ranging from 40°C up to 51°C, the highest recorded on Aug. 5, 2026," the PDRRMO said in a report. The office added that the water crisis remains the most critical concern, with six villages under strict emergency rationing and the rest relying on sources operating below normal levels.
Since late August, 31 fires have been reported -- 25 extinguished and six ongoing, mostly grassfires. "Several small-scale irrigation and road infrastructure projects remain affected by the continuing dry spell," the PDRRMO said. With the province under a state of calamity, the PDRRMO identified priority needs including water containers, filtration systems, desalination units, bottled drinking water, and firefighting equipment.
The provincial government has rolled out immediate and long-term measures to ease the crisis. Water rationing has been enforced in municipalities with support from government agencies and partner groups since the last week of August. Governor Nilo Demerey Jr. reported drilling operations in areas with potential water sources and the installation of solar-powered pumps. The province also procured three reverse osmosis machines to convert seawater into potable water.
Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense in Caraga Region (OCD-13) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-13) delivered potable water supplies last week. On Sept. 4, OCD-13 handed over 10,800 bottles of drinking water, while DSWD-13 delivered 4,600 bottles of 10-liter purified water and 2,300 refillable containers on Sept. 5. OCD-13 also turned over three water filtration units to the provincial government over the weekend.
