Mindoro prov’l gov’t sends aid to Puerto Galera town amid water shortage

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro is offering urgent financial assistance to the municipality of Puerto Galera, which has declared a state of calamity due to severe water shortage affecting several barangays.

According to the Provincial Information Office – Oriental Mindoro, the support package is formalized under Resolution No. 3, Series of 2026, endorsed during a session of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC). The measure forms part of the province’s response to prolonged dry conditions brought about by the El Niño phenomenon.

READ: Puerto Galera under state of calamity over severe water shortage

Under the proposed plan, Puerto Galera will receive an initial release of P1 million to be used immediately to purchase essential supplies and equipment for distribution operations — specifically hoses and fuel required to run water delivery trucks and mobile supply points.

To sustain relief efforts over the coming months, the provincial leadership also proposed a regular allocation of P250,000 every month, which will continue until the local water supply systems recover and normal service is restored.

Governor Humerlito Dolor emphasized that the assistance is designed to ensure no community is left without potable water while the crisis persists.

“This funding is meant to deliver immediate support to affected households and guarantee continuous distribution services for residents grappling with shortages,” the governor said.

The resolution has already been transmitted to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for review, deliberation, and final approval — a necessary step to speed up the processing and release of funds.

Earlier this week, the Municipal Government of Puerto Galera declared the entire town under a State of Calamity. The action followed reports that El Niño‑aggravated dry spells have severely depleted water sources and disrupted distribution networks, directly impacting thousands of residents across ten barangays.

The Provincial Information Office says the provincial government is closely coordinating with the local DRRM council to monitor the situation and adjust response measures as needed. /jpv