FINALLY the dream of Barangay Kadayacan, Maria Aurora, Aurora for a continuous supply of potable water for more than 1,700 residents has come true.
This was made possible through the water system project of the Rotary Club of Hadano Naka Japan and Rotary Club of Metro Baguio bringing clean water to this far-flung community which is a home mostly of the Kankanaey and Bago tribe.
Resident Edgardo Arquiao said having a permanent system of water supply has been their dream for more than three years. Now, they are truly happy enjoying a clean water from their own faucet at home ending their agony of walking far just to fetch water from the nearest source in the mountain and carrying gallons of water needed by his family.
“Kami po ay labis na nagpapasalamat sa Rotary Hadanao Naka Japan at RCMB dahil sa tagal ng panahon na wala man lang kaming katubig tubig, ngayon nagkakaroon na kami ng kinakailangang tubig sa umaga at hapon.” (We are very thankful to Rotary Hadano Naka Japan and RCMB because after many years of having no water, now we have the needed water supply in the morning and afternoon), Aquiao said.
The facility which provides clean and potable water to every household through the five kilometer above-ground pipes was completed and turned over to the barangay on February 24.
During the inauguration and turn over ceremony a ritual was conducted by the indigenous groups who also presented a cultural presentation as their way of thanking the Almighty for the blessings they received and the help provided by the two Rotary Clubs.
Village Chief Florencio Walleng also expressed his gratitude to all the people involved in the project.
“Kami po kung sana naiintindihan ninyo ito pong sinasabi ko ngayon at mararamdaman niyo kung ano ang nararamdaan ko at nararamdaman ng mga tinulungan ninyo kami po ay nagpapasalamat. Kung hindi po sa inyo sa totoo lang wala pa po kaming tubig ngayon na maiinom,” (If you can only understand how I feel and how all the people you help feel, we are so thankful for the help you have given us. Because of you, we already have water to drink) says a teary eyed Walleng.
For his part, RC Hadano Naka President Isamu Takahasi enjoined the community to take care of the water facility and maintain its cleanliness and operation not only for their benefit but also for the future generation.
Meanwhile, RCMB President Elma As-il also appealed for the protection of the water system which is under the Global Grant No. GG1754911 and likewise for the preservation of the environment and the water source.
RCMB Past President Oscar Matusalin said a seminar on operation and maintenance of water sanitation will be done on their next visit in the barangay after six months. The sanitation unit of the village will conduct the orientation for water sanitation.
This noble project of the Rotary Club of Hadano Naka Japan and Rotary Club of Metro Baguio has improved the quality of life of the community by having a safe and reliable access to water. It’s now for the beneficiaries to protect the facility.
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