Around 3,000 residents in the municipalities of T’boli and Surallah, South Cotabato will now enjoy 24/7 access to potable water thanks to the rehabilitation and expansion of water systems in four (4) barangays.

The existing water system in barangays Lamhaku and neighboring Talufo, T’boli have long suffered from neglect and deterioration, decreasing the time of water rationing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The expansion in Brgys. Talahik and Blakang, Surallah meanwhile, will have more households benefitting from the water system.

Twenty-one solar panels were installed to power the water facility in the community of Surallah supported by Tribal Leaders Development Foundation, Inc. (TLDFI), Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines (CCFP). This project will aid the indigenous residents and Muslim and Christian communities.

"We hope that through this project, there will be improvement in the condition of our tribal people, " TLDFI Board Member Ronar Guardaya shared during the project handover on July 23, 2019.

Present in the ceremony were Brgy. Talahik officials, the principal of Upper Talahik Elementary School, sitio leaders, community members, TLDFI Board of Trustees and staff, and representatives from CCFP and PEF.

“The development of a new water source meant that TLDFI can expand their coverage to more households. In Brgy. Talahik, for instance, from 50 households, they are now servicing 72 households, with more families expected to connect In Brgy. Lamhaku, 200 out of the 330 households are connected to the water system; in Brgy. Talufo, 116 out of 150 target households are connected. Both barangays are located in the Municipality of T'boli,” PEF Program Officer Amaris Cabason said.

TLDFI officers and staff were given a training on water system management so they can maintain the steady operation and ensure the sustainability of these improved water systems, for the continued benefit of the communities.

PEF has been working with CCFP, community organizations, and other civil society organizations on providing safe and affordable water to thousands of households all over the country.