'Disyerto sa Dagat,' dokumentaryo ni Kara David (with English subtitles) | I-Witness

Summary

The documentary highlights the struggle of communities in the Philippines, particularly in remote islands like Zapatos, where access to clean water is a daily challenge. Despite efforts to dig wells, only salt water is found, forcing residents to rely on costly mineral water transported from other provinces. The lack of rain and government support exacerbates their plight, with some turning to dangerous alternatives. The video emphasizes the critical importance of clean water as a basic human right, urging for more sustainable solutions to ensure no one is left behind.

Takeaways

• 💧 **Water Scarcity in the Philippines**: Access to clean drinking water is a challenge in some parts of the Philippines, particularly in remote areas like Balud and the island of Zapatos.
• 🏜️ **Desert in the Sea**: Some islands, like Balud during El Niño and Zapatos, experience extreme water scarcity, with no natural water sources like wells or rainwater collection systems.
• 🌊 **Water Transportation**: Due to the lack of local water sources, communities like those in Zapatos rely on water transported from other islands, which is both costly and logistically challenging.
• 💸 **Economic Burden**: The cost of water is significantly higher for remote communities, with prices increasing due to transportation and handling fees, making it a financial strain for residents.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 **Community Impact**: The lack of clean water affects the entire community, with children like Julian and families having to prioritize water use for essential needs over other activities.
• 🏠 **Domestic Struggles**: Families must make difficult choices about water usage, often resorting to using water intended for laundry or other non-potable purposes for drinking and cooking.
• 🌱 **Environmental Factors**: The topography of islands like Zapatos, which is largely rocky with little soil, makes it nearly impossible to find or create groundwater sources.
• 🔬 **Scientific Intervention**: Attempts to dig wells and other scientific efforts to find potable water have been unsuccessful due to the geological composition of the islands.
• 🌤️ **Rainwater Collection**: In the absence of other options, rainwater collection is relied upon, but it is not a reliable or clean solution, especially during long dry spells.
• 🌞 **Solar-Powered Desalination**: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is exploring solar-powered desalination as a potential solution to provide clean water to remote islands, but it requires significant funding.

Q & A

What is the main issue highlighted in the script?

The main issue highlighted is the severe lack of access to potable water in certain areas of the Philippines, specifically on Zapatos Island in Masbate Province.

Why is it difficult to find potable water on Zapatos Island?

It is difficult to find potable water on Zapatos Island because the island is mostly composed of rocks, which prevents the presence of groundwater. Attempts to dig wells only result in finding salt water.

What solutions have been attempted to address the water scarcity in Zapatos Island?

Solutions attempted include the construction of rainwater collection tanks and bringing in mineral water from other provinces. However, these are insufficient due to the lack of rain and the high cost of transporting water.

How does the water scarcity impact the daily lives of the residents of Zapatos Island?

The water scarcity forces residents to spend significant amounts of money on water that is often not even potable. They ration water carefully, use it sparingly for bathing and laundry, and sometimes resort to drinking salty or unsafe water, leading to health issues like stomach aches and diarrhea.

What role does John March play in his family and community regarding water supply?

John March, a young boy, acts as the breadwinner for his family after his father became ill. He helps transport water to Zapatos Island, earning money by working as a carrier, but despite his efforts, he often cannot afford to bring home mineral water for his family.

What challenges do residents face when transporting water to Zapatos Island?

Residents face challenges such as high transportation costs, rough sea conditions that make the journey dangerous, and the fact that by the time the water reaches the island, its price has significantly increased, making it unaffordable for many.

Why is rainwater not a sufficient solution for the water crisis on Zapatos Island?

Rainwater is not a sufficient solution because it is not clean, often containing pollutants and chemicals from the air. Furthermore, the island has experienced long periods without rain, making rainwater collection unreliable.

What is desalination, and how could it help islands like Zapatos?

Desalination is a process that converts salt water into fresh water using reverse osmosis. This technology could provide a reliable source of drinking water for islands like Zapatos, which have abundant saltwater but no access to freshwater.

What are the costs and challenges associated with implementing desalination technology on small islands?

Each solar-powered desalination facility costs around Php6.5 million (USD11,285.90). The challenge is securing funding for such expensive technology, and there is also the need for ongoing maintenance and operation, which might be difficult in remote areas.

What broader issue does the script suggest regarding water access in the Philippines?

The script suggests that water access is a significant issue across many small islands in the Philippines, with over 5,000 islands lacking clean water supplies. This highlights the broader challenge of ensuring that all citizens have equal access to this vital resource.