Recognised by a Leading Trade Magazine: JASON’Solar Unit as a “Technological Lifeline” in Bohol
- HAMAK Wayne /
- Dec 12
- 2 min read
In the November/December 2025 issue of Water & Wastewater Asia (WWA), JASON’Solar Water’s solar-powered seawater desalination system on Bagongbanwa Island, off the coast of Bohol in the Philippines, is featured in a special story titled “Struggling for water in Bohol: A technological lifeline.” The article documents the community’s long-standing struggle for safe water and shows how the JASON’Solar Unit is providing a stable and affordable drinking water supply through innovative solar technology.
From Rainwater, Buckets and Bottled Water to a Reliable Source
Bagongbanwa is home to around 1,400 residents and lies between Bohol and Cebu. For decades, families relied on rainwater and expensive bottled water. During the rainy season, they rushed to collect every drop; in dry months, they had to travel by boat to the mainland to buy water, often spending a significant share of their monthly income on a few containers. Geological challenges and past earthquakes made it difficult to tap stable underground water sources.
The residents share how they had to “wait for rain before planting” during droughts, and one youth summed it up simply: “Without water, there is no life.” These lived experiences were the driving force behind the project.
Transforming Not Only Water Quality, but Quality of Life
Since commissioning, families no longer need to make frequent trips to the mainland to haul water. The time saved can be spent on fishing, livelihoods or family. Children no longer miss school just to queue for water, and the island is better prepared for dry spells and fluctuations in tourist numbers.
The success of Bagongbanwa shows that even on remote islands with limited grid access and challenging logistics, solar desalination can be reliable, long-lasting and affordable when combined with thoughtful system design and strong local partnerships.
