No More Hell Run By Filipinos 8: Potable Water

The Philippines has been an independent nation since July 4th, 1946.  That is 79 years as of this writing. And yet, there are still villages that do not have drinking water. Recently one village finally set up potable water and its being hailed as a victory. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2075823/bohol-village-finally-gets-potable-water

Residents of Barangay Pangpang in this town now have access to safe and potable water following the turnover of a solar-powered water system equipped with an ultraviolet (UV) filtration unit on June 25.

The project, implemented by Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya (SIBAT) and funded by Misereor, a Catholic relief agency based in Germany, is expected to benefit more than 70 households in the coastal barangay.

Retired Col. Arthur Evangelista, executive assistant to Gov. Aris Aumentado, lauded the project as a testament to cooperation between the government, civil society, and communities.

“This is a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and compassion. With this solar-powered potable water system, we’re not just addressing a basic need. We’re investing in the health, dignity, and future of Pangpang’s people,” said Evangelista, who delivered the message on behalf of Aumentado.

Pangpang, where most residents rely on rice farming and small-scale fishing for a living, has long struggled with the lack of access to safe drinking water.

Many households, despite meager incomes, had no choice but to buy purified water at a high cost, placing an added burden on the already tight family budgets.

The problem worsened after Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) devastated Ubay in December 2021, destroying infrastructure and cutting access to potable water for months.

In response, SIBAT, which has been working with Bohol communities since 2007, spearheaded a Community-Based Renewable Energy System potable water project using a solar-powered pump and UV filtration system.

Mathias Kruse, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Manila, also praised the initiative.

“This is good news. SIBAT is doing excellent work for the people,” Kruse said.

SIBAT Executive Director Estrella Catarata shared that completing the project took three years due to several challenges, including logistical hurdles and pandemic restrictions.

Following Typhoon Odette, many communities in Bohol, including Ubay, faced a severepotable water shortage, forcing residents to rely on unsafe water sources orexpensive deliveries from neighboring towns.

Catarata said the organization is also implementing two other water projects in the towns of Mabini and Carmen, likewise funded by Misereor, which will be completed by February 2026.

The newly inaugurated system will be operated by the Pangpang Farmers and Fishermen’sOrganization (PAFFO), ensuring local management and sustainability.

For residents like Aileen Subrio, 49, the project is life-changing.

“After the typhoon, water was so difficult. Purified water was far and expensive at P25per gallon. We’re so happy to finally have our own refilling station here,” said Subrio, a mother of three.

Another resident, Mary Ann Sayson, 42, who previously paid P25 per gallon for water deliveries from nearby towns, said she can now buy potable water for just P10 per container through PAFFO.

“It’s cheaper and it’s right here in our barangay,” she said.

The turnover marks a significant milestone for Pangpang, symbolizing hope, resilience, andthe promise of better days ahead for the community. 

The assistant to the provincial governor calls this a celebration but that is a lie. This village received potable water not through the Philippine government, who should be tasked with that problem, but through a German relief agency. I have previously written about the problem of foreign agencies doing the work of the Philippine government. You can read about it here. 

Since World War 2 all of East Asia has recovered and moved into the modern age. Singapore, South Korea, and Japan were all decimated in the 1940's and are now major economic and technological centers. In that same time frame the Philippines has lagged behind and cannot even provide its citizens with basic commodities like drinking water. This is why it must declared No More Hell Run By Filipinos!