The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Davao Oriental has stepped up efforts to address clean water and sanitation concerns after tests showed that water in some areas affected by the recent earthquakes was contaminated and need treatment.

In a Facebook post, the provincial government said water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) operations have been ramped up after assessments conducted in Manay and Tarragona towns found that water and sanitation systems need treatment and improvement.

The assessments were conducted from October 14 to 17, 2025, in partnership with the Davao Center for Health Development WASH Team, Lupon, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte Sanitation Inspectors, and local responders.

Initial assessments revealed that there are areas where water and sanitation could be further improved by ensuring safe water sources, providing more toilets, and strengthening hygiene facilities.

In Barangay Central, Manay, families have been advised to use bottled water while authorities carry out immediate interventions after some water sources were found to need treatment.

Aquatabs were distributed to ensure the safety of drinking water and were deployed immediately to the families affected. Similar interventions were also implemented in Zaragoza Gym, Felix Olea Elementary School, Purok Cabugan, and Bobonao Open Space.

The provincial government said several Department of Public Works and Highwasy (DPWH) tanks, barangay faucets, and refilling stations were found to be contaminated, based on results of the water testing. Only a few sites have reportedly passed safety standards.

Because of this, PHO has deployed a water filtration tanker and distributed 90 gallons of drinking water, hundreds of hygiene kits, mosquito netes, and jerry cans.

PHO also conducted hygiene promotion sessions to prevent disease outbreaks.

Meanwhile, sanitation conditions have reportedly improved at the Tarragona Evacuation Center through the efforts of the local government, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

PHO emphasized that access to safe water and sanitation remains a top priority.

“Our teams are moving quickly to restore safe water access and proper sanitation. We’re not waiting for problems to arise — we’re working to prevent disease and protect our communities before they happen,” Provincial Healthh Officer, Dr. Reden Bersaldo, was quoted as saying.