The local government unit (LGU) of Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, is fast-tracking the restoration of its water system destroyed by Typhoon “Tino” (international name “Kalmaegi”) early this month.

Mayor Jose Chubasco Cardenas appealed to his constituents on social media yesterday for understanding, as the restoration work is risky and difficult, especially when it rains.

“We are appealing for your understanding and patience as there are plenty of pipes that were disconnected or lost due to the onslaught of ‘Tino,’” he said in the Cebuano dialect.

The restoration works started last week, but the mayor highlighted that the safety of the workers is the utmost priority.

Volunteers, engineers, waterworks employees, and barangay teams are working hand-in-hand despite the dangers so that water will be made available and delivered to the households.

Meanwhile, Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) sent its second round of water assistance to Canlaon City.

Delivered on Thursday, November 13, through the tankers of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the local government unit of Dauin, an additional 5,000 liters of potable water were given to the people of Canlaon.

Last November 7, the MDW sent 8,000 liters of water to Canlaon City in the aftermath of “Tino.”

Also, MDW brought food, hygiene kits and kitchenware for around 200 families or approximately 1,000 individuals in its second relief mission.

“Recovery from disasters such as Typhoon ‘Tino’ is a long process. MDW continues to provide support whenever we can to the affected communities,” Engineer Robert R. Cabiles, chief operating officer, said in a statement.

The 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army assisted the MDW’s employee-led donation drive, which collected 85 additional relief bags containing clothing and food.

The assistance forms part of MDW’s Kauban Program — a continuing banner of community-center programs that support disaster response, water and sanitation needs, and educational activities, the MDW statement said. (PNA)