English: Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana led the inauguration of a desalination plant system in the country’s northernmost outpost, Mavulis Island in Batanes province yesterday, 26 May 2021.

The desalination plant, which is capable of producing 1,500 gallons of potable water daily, was completed through the partnership of the AFP’s Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) and the AFP Savings and Loan Association Incorporated (AFPSLAI), with the latter donating Php 3,089,600.00 for the plant’s construction.

The project was initiated in July 2020 and is part of the government’s efforts to improve the facilities and living conditions of our military outposts. In 2018, the DND began the electrification project in Mavulis by installing a 1.2 Kilowatt solar photovoltaic system in partnership with the One Meralco Foundation.

Mavulis Island, where NOLCOM personnel are permanently stationed, also serves as a shelter for Filipino fishermen, especially during rough weather conditions.

Also present during the inauguration were AFP Chief of Staff Gen Cirilito Sobejana, NOLCOM Commander LTGen Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco and other senior officials of the DND and AFP.