MANILA, Philippines — Following public backlash over President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s previous advice to use water buckets (“balde”), the government showcased a practical solution on Wednesday, October 14, proving that a simple household bucket paired with a filtration kit can turn murky water safe and potable.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the live demonstration during a Palace briefing alongside Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officials.
Gatchalian assembled a standard household water bucket with a specialized water filtration kit—components typically included in the agency’s calamity disaster packages.
To prove its efficacy, Gatchalian poured a bag of soil directly into the water before running it through the filter, instantly producing clear, drinkable water.
Gatchalian and Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro personally drank the filtered water before the press corps, subsequently inviting reporters to sample it as well.
“Napakasimpleng bagay. Walang chemicals, walang machinery, walang kuryente na kailangan diyan sa pagpapatakbo niyan,” Gatchalian noted, highlighting that the device requires no electricity, complex machinery, or chemical additives.
The DSWD chief assured that the filtered water is completely safe for all demographics, including infants, backed by Department of Health (DOH) certifications showing the filter membrane achieves a 99.999% contaminant removal rate.
He added that the equipment can utilize various sources like deep wells, rainwater, natural springs, and streams, lasting up to five years with proper maintenance.
According to Gatchalian, the agency will roll out free community and household filtration setups starting next week, prioritizing areas under a state of calamity.
”Magkakaroon tayo ng mga barangay installations or later on, puwede na lang namin ibigay iyong kit, sila na mag-install sa mga tahanan nila,” Gatchalian explained.
Units will also feature community-scale versions functioning like public water refilling stations for larger neighborhoods.
Gatchalian emphasized that this initiative forms only one part of the administration’s multi-layered strategy to counter potential Super El Niño impacts.