TURNOVER. Engineer Reynaldo Anfone, provincial agrarian reform project officer (center right), and Mayor Armando Quibod (center left) lead the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon of the PHP7-million water system project with some employees and Sta. Filomena village councilmen on Friday (Oct. 30, 2020). At least 300 households from the remote village and adjacent areas are expected to benefit from the project. (Photo courtesy of Makilala LGU)
MAKILALA, North Cotabato – Residents of remote Sta. Filomena village here are now enjoying the benefits of a PHP7-million safe water facility from a partnership between the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the municipal government.
“This safe water is new and a refreshing treat for us,” village chairman Bryan Olariza said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday.
Sta. Filomena, situated some 15 km. away from the town center, was once the site of clashes between the military and the communist New People’s Army but is now a peaceful area after villagers declared the NPA as persona non-grata.
“For me, it’s a dream granted because for many years residents in the area just rely on the spring nearby, which is not enough for the whole community,” Olariza said.
The Rural Water System Level II design has a tap stand – a common faucet for at least 10 households – with the local government committing to expand and extend the water pipes to the rest of the village.
On Friday afternoon, engineer Reynaldo Anfone, provincial DAR project officer, and Mayor Armando Quibod led the simple turnover of the completed undertaking with village officials and beneficiaries.
The project is seen to benefit some 300 households in Sta. Filomena, the residents of nearby Sitio Garing of Sto. Niño, and parts of Barangay Luayon.
It was funded under the Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD) constructed in Sta. Filomena in recent months.
In his message, Anfone urged the village recipients to be responsible for taking care of the project for it to withstand and serve the community longer than expected.
He also led the oath-taking of the newly elected officials of the Water and Sanitation Association of the three adjoining villages in the area.
“Associated in this facility is your commitment to preserve and take care of it for the next generation to enjoy its benefits,” Anfone said.
Village officials and beneficiaries lauded the DAR and the municipal government for the completion of the project that is expected to improve living conditions in the area. (PNA)
