TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, July 19 (PIA) – The troopers of the naval detachment in the island northernmost island of the country, Mavulis in the Province of Batanes will soon no longer travel 8 hours to get water for drinking in Itbayat Island.

This after Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Filemon T Santos Jr PA, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Desalination Plant System Project in the island on July 10.

Lt. Jaypee Abuan PN, public affairs officer of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, said the desalination project is an initiative of General Santos recognizing the importance of having a sustainable source of drinking water in the island.

Abuan said troopers at the island’s detachment though have a source of water for drinking in the island thru spring, it is still not enough, thus the need to travel to Itbayat Island.

“Nakita niya [General Santos] na tubig ang pangunahing pangangailagan kaya pinursige niya na magkaroon ng desalination plant sa isla sa pakikipagtulungan sa AFPSLAI,” said Abuan.

With the establishment of desalination plant system, saltwater is desalinated to produce water suitable for human consumption, not only for the troopers but also fishermen needing water during their stay near the detachment.

Abuan said the construction has already started and once the delivery of all the needed equipment including the generator and the desalination plant equipment itself is done, the project is expected to be completed before August ends.

Once completed, Abuan said it can desalinate and store up to 3,000 liters of water suitable for human consumption.

The project is a combined efforts of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Naval Construction Engineering Brigade, 522nd Engineering Construction Brigade of the Philippine Army and North Luzon Command according to Abuan.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Filemon T Santos Jr PA leads the symbolic flag raising in Mavulis Island. (NAVAL FORCES NORTHERN LUZON photo)

On the other hand, General Santos during his visit in the island also led the symbolic flag raising with the troops.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs extended his message of congratulations and appreciation to the construction team and to the personnel assigned at the Naval Detachment.

He also made a commitment to the troops that he will endeavor to provide them with more recreational facilities in the island, ordered the study for the construction of a cellular communication system to improve access to communication, and to explore the possibility of granting Hazardous Duty Pay to all assigned troops in the Mavulis detachment.

During his visit, General Santos was accompanied by Joint Forces Commander Northern Luzon, LtGen Ramiro Manuel A Rey PA and other senior officers of GHQ and NOLCOM.

The establishment of the naval detachment in Mavulis Island is considered to be a highly significant strategic initiative of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It strengthens the Philippines’ ownership over the island and clearly asserts its sovereign rights over its national territories.

The detachment also functions to assist and protect local fishermen who fish in the area. The location also provides a strategic littoral monitoring platform for all vessels transiting our northern boundaries. (MDCT with reports from Lt. Jaypee Abuan PN, public affairs officer of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon/PIA-2)