SARANGANI, Philippines — A humanitarian crisis across Sarangani is worsening as isolated communities in Malapatan and Glan continue to grapple with dwindling water supplies, damaged infrastructure, and limited access to relief following the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
Landslides, road damage, and the collapse of critical infrastructure have crippled relief operations, leaving thousands of residents dependent on water rationing, private donations, and sporadic aid.
In Sitio Pananggalon in Malapatan, rows of empty plastic gallons now line roadsides as families wait for water deliveries after the earthquake damaged pipelines and disrupted supply across several villages.
47-year-old resident Remilyn Gaiz said the lack of water has become the family’s biggest struggle.
“It’s extremely difficult. Since Monday, we’ve struggled to get water, and because so many people in Malapatan need it, the supply no longer reaches our area,” she said in Bisaya.
