Odette-Ravaged Areas Receive Water Filtration Devices From Israel

Israel donated four units of water filtration devices to the municipalities of Del Carmen and San Isidro in Siargao Islands and Cagdianao and Basilisa in Dinagat Islands.

The joint turnover of the units was led by Israel Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Ilan Fluss and Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Maria Belen Sunga Acosta on March 29, as per a press release on March 30.

The initiative is part of MinDA's partnership with the Israel Embassy to help revitalize the economy of Siargao following the onslaught of Typhoon Odette (international name Rai), with Acosta highlighting the need of people to have access to potable drinking water.

“MinDA is happy to partner with the Embassy of Israel in introducing their water filtration technology," Acosta said. "This significantly supports the local communities as they rebuild their homes after the Typhoon Odette. They will have a sustained source of clean and safe water."

Typhoon Odette hit the Philippines on Dec. 16, 2021, and brought with it torrential rains, violent winds, landslides, and storm surges in Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands in Mindanao, five provinces of Visayas, and in Palawan, as per the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Siargao and Dinagat Islands were the hardest-hit areas.