SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA) -- Beneficiaries of the government's community-driven poverty reduction program in Donsol, Sorsogon were given water filters to ensure that the water they drink is safe.
The filters were provided by the Waves for Water Philippines and the Management Association of the Philippines which collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol.
The advocacy groups also conducted a three-day community engagement in the villages of Banuang-Gurang, Baras, Gogon, Mabini, and Banban, all of which are sites for Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan - Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services Program of the DSWD.
The DSWD regional office stated that the water filtration system would help improve the accessibility and reliability of clean water supply in the area for up to 10 years.
Training for the management and utilization of water filter system was also conducted for the residents of the said communities. Photo by DSWD Bicol
The collaboration between DSWD and these organizations came after an initial assessment and a series of visits to these areas, which revealed a lack of potable water resources and poor water access practices.
According to MAP president Benedicta Du-Balabad their studies showed that water consumption in these areas is unsafe, and children are the most affected population in terms of health.
The communities were provided with water filters and filter buckets, along with a training period to learn how to properly manage and use them.
This enables the communities to access clean water by straining water, repairing bore-hole wells, and building rainwater storage systems in areas where groundwater is not available.
“The water filtration system ensures a high-quality water source for the communities,” she said.
All smiles for clean water. Photo by DSWD Bicol
Sonny Macinas, the barangay chairman of Mabini in Donsol town, confirms that all water filters are operational and are managed by the community.
“Dahil dito nagkaroon ng malinis na tubig at menus gatos dahil hindi na bibili ng refill na tubig ang mga residente. Malaking tulong po talaga yung filter na iyun sa amin para magkaroon kami ng malinis na tubig," Macinas said.
(Translation: Thanks to the filter, we no longer need to buy refilled water which has helped us save money and have access to clean water.)
Moreover, this project showcases the ability of government agencies to identify individuals in need of assistance and their competence to work in partnership with other agencies or partners to find effective solutions to community challenges.
Vilma Felix, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the water filtration system, which now enables her and her family to have access to clean and safe drinking water, free from the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.
Water filtration system aims to access clean water by straining water, renovating a bore-hole wells, and the construction of rainwater storing systems in places where groundwater is not accessible. Photo by DSWD Bicol
Felix expressed her hope that this project would expand to reach more communities, particularly those located in mountainous regions like Donsol.
"Dahil sa water filtration na ibinigay po sa amin, makakagaan na rin po sa trabaho nung anak ko na lalaki kasi sobrang malayo ang aming iniigiban dati (Thanks to the water filtration system we received, my son's work has become easier. Previously, we used to live far from the well and had to fetch water from it),” she said.
Du-Balabad stressed the importance of the beneficiaries being vigilant in maintaining the water filtration system and consistently carrying out inspections and cleaning procedures.
“Implementing these systems is a significant step towards providing sustainable and improved access to clean water, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of residents,” she urged the residents to take action. (PIA 5)
