POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato–Residents of Sitio Amguo in Barangay Landan here will no longer endure the grueling daily trek just to obtain clean water supply.
Sitio Amguo’s local government unveiled over the weekend a water system that will not only serve 84 poor tribal households but nearby farms as well.
Brian de Eyoy, project coordinator of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, said the Provincial Capitol spent about PHP2.9 million for the installation of the hydraulic ram pump.
The lack of potable water and scarce water resources around the community made life very difficult for residents, mostly members of the B’laan tribe who depend on seasonal upland farming for their livelihood.
Village leader Pendro Pandita said the problem was compounded by the village’s isolated location, which hampered the delivery of basic government services.
De Eyoy said the project was among the priorities set this year under its spring development initiative for waterless communities.
He said the water system, a borrowed technology from the non-governmental Pasali Aid Foundation that assists marginalized communities, features a reservoir with an indigenous filtering system and has a capacity of 25 cubic feet.
It is attached to six impounding tanks or tap stands strategically installed in various areas of Amguo to provide water to the community’s clustered households, he said.
Citing Pasali’s assessment, he said the technology is ideal for the community as it can operate 24/7 with little supervision, has low maintenance and repair cost, and does not need fuel or electricity to operate.
De Eyoy said it would enable residents to save time, put an end to carrying heavy water jugs to and from the water source, improve their general health, and venture into possible vegetable growing and animal rearing.
Vice Gov. Vicente Jesus, who led the unveiling, urged the beneficiaries to take proper care of the water system and put it to good use. (Frances Kristine Alvero/PNA)
