CPWASH, answers many problems in Ogod ARC

PARPO Gaveria and Mayor Alcantara-Cruz toast for Ogod’s potable water

Residents of Ogod ARC in Donsol, Sorsogon had a feeling of gratitude and satisfaction after DAR Sorsogon introduced the CPWASH (Community Potable Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Project and constructed a water treatment facility in their area. Edmundo H. Fulleros, Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer saw their great need of potable water so he pursued this project to be materialized.

“With so many problems I’ve encountered in my office, there was a time when a father came to me with his child asking cash to buy water. And he is from Ogod,” Hon. Josephine Alcantara-Cruz, Mayor of Donsol said smiling during the launching of CPWASH Project on November 22, 2016, “Now, here is the project that can answer not only the community’s need for potable water but it might be also the solution to other problems like diseases that was caused by unsafe water.”

Ogod is the biggest barangay in Donsol, Sorsogon. Most Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) lives here. They used to get drinking water from a deep well which is usually surrounded by riceland. So, there is a tendency of contamination with the chemicals used in farming. With the Water Treatment Facility, they will now drink safe water.

“ Ang tubig ay buhay. If this project is truly beneficial to you, replicate this in other area. DAR has already given you the skills and knowledge of doing it,” Leonito M. Gaveria, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II said.

According to ARPO-II Fe Bailon, Water Treatment Facility is just one of the components of CPWASH. Other components include Biogas and Rain Water Collector. All of these are very useful in hog raising and vegetable production. Water Treatment Facility consists of iron removal filter, biosand silter, and other indigenous materials.

This CPWASH Project in Donsol is the fifth in Sorsogon province. It is implemented through DAR’s partnership with the Barangay Local Government Unit and the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Organization.

“We funded the capacity development trainings so that the farmers may obtain skills and knowledge on how to construct this facility. Barangay Ogod and Ogod Farmers’ Association shared their resources for the purchase of other needed materials,” Liza B. Repotente, CARPO-PBDD said. ###