DSWD project provides remote community with clean water

KIDAPAWAN CITY – At least 156 families, mostly indigenous peoples, from a remote village in Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat, now enjoy a steady supply of clean water. 

 

The potable water system project that now services the B’laan community was completed last week, said Gemma Rivera, assistant regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region 12.

 

Rivera said the project was part of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS), a community-driven undertaking which aims to address the ‘most pressing needs’ of the people in areas considered ‘poorest among the poor.’

 

The project, which cost P750,000, was turned over to Barangay Eday officials. The barangay is in one of the remotest areas of Columbio town.

 

Village officials had earlier told DSWD staff that the community relied on a river and spring for their drinking water. These sources are located few kilometers away from the community.

 

These sources, however, are not safe for drinking. “Yet, we had no choice, then,” said a village official during the turnover.

 

According to reports, most of the illness cases monitored by Barangay Eday’s health office were “water-borne diseases.”

 

The project in Barangay Eday, Rivera said, is one of the 107 potable water system projects completed in Southwest Mindanao since 2003 under the Kalahi-CIDSS.

 

In total, according to data from the DSWD-12, projects were worth P131 million. — DVM, GMA News