Following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao, Philippines on June 8, 2026, Planet Water Foundation’s Disaster Response team initiated a rapid response to provide safe drinking water to impacted communities.
This was the strongest earthquake to hit the Philippines in decades, causing fatalities, structural collapses, landslides, and localized tsunamis. The earthquake was followed by more than 1,000 aftershocks, severely damaging water systems, and making safe drinking water an urgent, critical need. Planet Water Foundation's Disaster Response Team responded by deploying high-capacity AquaBlock emergency water filtration systems to the hardest-hit areas of Mindanao to support displaced families.
The first AquaBlock was deployed in Malapatan, Sarangani Province - one of the communities most severely impacted by the earthquake. Damage to the community’s spring water source and distribution pipelines left families relying on deep wells, water trucking, and limited donated bottled water that could not meet daily needs. The AquaBlock is now providing on-demand access to safe drinking water, eliminating the need to wait for rationing schedules.
A second system was deployed in Barangay Big Margus, a large community-designated camp in the Municipality of Glan. Located near the earthquake epicenter yet far from the city, this community has received limited support, even as strong aftershocks continue and many families remain unable to return to damaged homes.
Support was also provided through the deployment of an AquaBlock in Barangay Pangyan, Glan, bringing access to safe drinking water to a community deeply impacted by the recent earthquake. Additional systems were installed in Libi Integrated School and Malapatan Central Elementary School, both of which are serving as evacuation centers for people who have been displaced by the earthquake.
This response was made possible thanks to the support of our partners Capital One Philippines, Concentrix, Flex Foundation, Ingersoll Rand, The Starbucks Foundation, Think Human Fund, Watts Water, and Xylem.
Planet Water Foundation’s AquaBlock Emergency Water System provides clean, safe drinking water access when needed most in the wake of emergencies and natural disasters.
