THE DEPARTMENT of Science and Technology (DOST) has proposed a P400- P500 million to expand water filtration and desalination projects as a strong El Niño looms.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the agency is ramping up water technology solutions as El Niño is expected to bring drier conditions to the Philippines.
Solidum said the Pacific Ocean temperature anomaly tied to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation is “indeed a very strong El Niño.”
El Niño conditions are expected to continue into the first quarter of next year, which covers until March 2027, the country’s summer months.
“So the net effect is that we will have less rainfall, more than 60 percent reduction for at least three months, by March, and an increase in temperature,” he said on Thursday, Oct. 15 during the HANDA Pilipinas Mindanao Leg at SMX Lanang, Davao City.
The secretary said the El Niño Task Force, created by the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. focuses on five areas: water, agriculture, health, energy and public safety. The last includes fire prevention and public order, given the risk of food and water shortages.
For the meantime, DOST is focusing on “technologies that would address the lack of potable water in certain areas that are not reached by the commercial supply.”
These include water filtration systems and rainwater collection systems with purification units, some of which were exhibited at HANDA Pilipinas.
The secretary reported that the agency has distributed 22 SAFEWATRS (Safe Water Treatment System), a compact, mobile, solar-powered water purification and emergency disinfection unit developed by the Department of Science and Technology–Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) to communities.
The water treatment system that can generate at least 200 liters of drinkable water per hour.
Meanwhile, the agency has established 13 desalination plants nationwide.
DOST and partner universities are building additional desalination machines, as there are more needed.
“If some local governments can fund their own water filtration and desalination system, then we can help more of those communities that are really in need of support,” he said.
Over the long term, the secretary called for more water impounding basins, irrigation systems and assured potable water supply in all areas.
“All communities need to map their water reservoirs. Not only surface water, but more importantly, underground water,” he said.
He cited local government units and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are expected to conduct geo-resistivity surveys to locate water tables.
The secretary emphasized managing water use is a critical need under climate change.
The three-day Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) 2026 and the HANDA Pilipinas Mindanao Leg officially opened on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang, Davao City.
RSTW features science, technology, and innovation initiatives from government agencies, researchers, innovators, startups, students, and other stakeholders.
Meanwhile, HANDA Pilipinas promotes disaster preparedness and resilience through science, technology, and innovation-based solutions.
The expo will run until Oct. 17, with public exhibits, technology clinics, forums, competitions, technical and capacity-building sessions, and student activities.