MANILA, Philippines — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian demonstrated how a portable water filtration system works during a Malacañang press briefing on Wednesday, October 14, as the government stepped up preparations for the possible impact of a strong El Niño.

Gatchalian, together with Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro and members of the Malacañang Press Corps, drank water processed through a filtration system attached to a container commonly referred to as a “jerry can.”

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The demonstration followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s widely discussed advice encouraging Filipinos to prepare buckets and collect rainwater in anticipation of possible water shortages.

The President's recommendation had drawn mixed reactions online, prompting Malacañang to emphasize the importance of practical household preparations alongside broader government measures to address the effects of El Niño.

DSWD explains how filtration kits work

During the demonstration, Gatchalian showed how the filtration equipment can be used with water containers to help provide an alternative source of drinking water for communities experiencing limited access to clean water.

According to the DSWD, the portable system uses a 0.1-micron filter designed to remove certain harmful microorganisms, including bacteria associated with waterborne illnesses.

The agency said the equipment can be used to filter collected rainwater and water obtained from communal sources, provided it is operated according to the required procedures.

Gatchalian explained that the DSWD has been distributing similar filtration kits to communities affected by disasters and disruptions in potable water supplies since 2024.

The initiative was previously implemented in Batanes after Typhoon Julian damaged access to clean drinking water.

Palace explains Marcos' bucket recommendation

The demonstration also provided an example of how stored water could be treated for household use during periods of limited water supply.

Marcos earlier urged the public to conserve water and collect rainwater using buckets or other suitable containers as part of preparations for El Niño.

Castro defended the President's remarks on Tuesday, October 13, explaining that the advice was one of several measures being promoted to help households prepare for possible drought conditions.

She also announced that Gatchalian would provide instructions showing how collected rainwater could be filtered for appropriate use.

Government continues El Niño response

Aside from household water conservation, the government is coordinating with several agencies to prepare for possible disruptions in water supplies, agriculture, and electricity.

Marcos convened concerned government departments on October 13 to discuss measures addressing the potential effects of El Niño, including water management, irrigation, food security, and assistance for vulnerable communities.

The DSWD, meanwhile, said its filtration kits could support communities where access to potable water becomes limited during extreme weather events or other emergencies.

The agency also continues implementing programs intended to strengthen food and water security in communities vulnerable to climate-related disruptions

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The demonstration highlighted the government's efforts to promote water conservation and filtration as preparations continue for the anticipated effects of El Niño.

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