Five public elementary schools in the remote communities of Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental are adopting the rainwater harvesting system in a move toward water conservation, improved water access, and disaster and climate resilience.

They are the beneficiaries of the Bridging Rural Infrastructure Development for Growth and Empowerment (BRIDGE) Project, a collaboration between the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) and Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Negros Occidental Bacolod City Chapter.

“We share the commitment in promoting sustainable access to water resources and supporting improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices in schools,” the collaborators said in a news release on Monday.

The rainwater catchment system facilities were turned over to CPSU Agricultural Extension Outreach Program-Farmers’ Village Training Center Elementary School, NOAC Elementary School, Nabung-an Elementary School, President Osmeña Elementary School, and Tagukon Elementary School on Aug. 14.

About 800 pupils are benefiting from the project in the five school recipients.

CPSU president Dr. Aladino Moraca and PRC-Negros Occidental Bacolod City Chapter administrator Rita Benita Mirasol led the signing of the memorandums of agreement and the turnover ceremony, in the presence of Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Superintendent Ferdinand Sy, at CPSU.

The installation of the rainwater catchment system facilities supports the schools’ implementation of DepEd’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools program.

“Through rainwater harvesting, we turn a natural resource into an opportunity — conserving water today while preparing schools and communities for tomorrow,” PRC-Negros Occidental Bacolod City Chapter said in a statement.

In its report, the CPSU said project was designed to contribute to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 3 or the Good Health and Well-Being.

In particular, Target 3.3, which seeks to, among others, end water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases by 2030.

The project also aims to help meet SDG No. 6 or Clean Water and Sanitation, focusing on Target 6.2 to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation by 20230. It pays special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

Through the BRIDGE Project, pupils are also taught about food security and schools commit to establish a garden to grow vegetables in school.

Pupils and their families are encouraged as well to plant fruit trees in their homes.

“Through this trade-off, the university and its partner aim to address SDG No. 2 or Zero Hunger by promoting agricultural productivity among pupils, teachers, and families, with school-based activities made easier by access to water,” CPSU said. (PNA)