Manila, June 11 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is accelerating the rollout of low-cost community water refilling stations nationwide, targeting at least 49 operational sites by the end of 2026.

In a news release Thursday, the DENR said the initiative aims to make safe drinking water more affordable and accessible, specifically in underserved communities where potable water remains expensive, and at times, unreliable.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the projects, under the DENR-Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), reflect one of the agency's broader mandates to strengthen the country's water security efforts.

He said the WRMO, created under the present administration of President Ferdinan...