THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has finished 102 potable water projects under the Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (Salintubig) and expects to complete 30 more by next year for Northern Mindanao.
DILG-Northern Mindanao Regional Director Arnel Agabe said the goal of his department to deliver safe and reliable water supply in rural communities in the region has been met.
“It is a privilege to be one of the beneficiaries of Salintubig (Region 10), but we also expect our local government units to extend the necessary efforts in ensuring that our water facilities are properly maintained,” Agabe said.
In a report made by DILG staff Twig Cyla Bacali, Barangay Babalaya in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte was one of the recipients of the Salintubig program and residents are very thankful for the project.
“Sauna agi-on na lamang gayud namo sa katawa ang kabug-at sa galon aron madala lang ang tubig paingon sa balay (Back then, we would simply laugh off carrying heavy containers home),” Bacali quoted Eleasar, 48, one of the residents, as saying.
Barangay Babalaya was provided with Level 2 Water Supply Systems, with tap stands serving every nine households. The reservoirs were designed to hold a large volume of water to supply the growing number of residents.
The Salintubig program is set to expand coverage to 18 rural communities from eight municipalities in Region 10.
According to the DILG website, the implementation of Salintubig since 2016 has provided Region 10 with "opportunities for water infrastructure development to identified communities."
The project aims to provide potable water supply systems to waterless communities, including health centers and resettlement sites with low service coverage.
It also aims to help raise the capabilities of local government units and local water utilities in planning, implementing, operating, and managing water supply facilities in a sustainable manner.
The DILG report said Salintubig is in line with the national government’s goal of providing safe, adequate, and sustainable water nationwide, as stated in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.