New water system project benefits Surigaonons
At least 3,000 residents of barangays Aras-asan, Unidad and Tubo-tubo in the municipality of Cagwait, Surigao del Sur will now enjoy a steady supply of safe and potable water through the new water system supported by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) and the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. (CCFPI).
PEF and CCFPI recently handed over the new water system developed in Camoning Creek to Aras-Asan/Unidad Rural Waterworks & Sanitation Association, Inc. (AURWSA) for the benefit of the people of Cagwait. The new source will increase water production by 100% or double the previous capacity of AURWSA within the next 10 years.
The spring water was collected and channeled to a filtration and chlorination system to ensure water portability. The water system includes the installation of more than four kilometers of transmission pipe to their two main water reservoirs and setting up of a new distribution pipeline to serve barangay Tubo-tubo.
Providing access to basic social services, particularly water, is one of the key advocacies of PEF. PEF has invested close to 200 million in various water projects since its founding and partnered with civil society organizations and community organizations to provide safe and affordable water that benefited 4,500 households all over the country.
According to Roberto Calingo, PEF Executive Director, “PEF, together with CCFPI, will expand and duplicate similar water projects to Palawan, Ifugao, and Cebu so we can reach out to more communities who are in need of clean and potable water.”
For Cecile Alcantara, CCFPI President, “We are very happy to partner with PEF in this project, because, for us, this is really scaling up. We are bringing water to the households!”
With the rehabilitation and expansion of the new water system, AURWSA chair, Leticia Goyongco shared “we can now serve our consumers 24/7, and benefit more communities.”
Present during the turnover were Cagwait Municipal Mayor, Hon. Lilian Yu Lozada, PEF ED Roberto Calingo, Partnership and Programs Manager Omar Salvo and PEF staff; CCFPI President Cecile Alcantara and Program Officer for Environment Monina Pacheco; barangay officials and residents.
