The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 5 (Bicol), through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), is set to resolve water scarcity and enhance community resilience in an island community in Masbate province.
In an interview on Thursday, Ranelle Anne Sertan, DSWD-5 social marketing officer, said a PHP20 million project would be established using Air-to-Water Technology (AWT) in Barangay Gilotongan, Cawayan town.
“This island community will serve as a pilot site for the project, which is expected to be implemented within this year. The AWT will generate clean drinking water from humidity in the air, a solution that has been used in other areas facing severe water shortages,” Sertan said.
She noted that the project would provide the community with 1,000 liters of clean, potable water daily.
In a statement, KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Manager, lawyer Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin, noted that the initiative involves the DSWD, the local government units, and the entire community.
“In KALAHI-CIDSS, we ensure participation from everyone so that we are all involved in identifying and implementing the projects that are meant for us,” she said.
Sertan added that DSWD-5 continues to improve disaster preparedness and access to basic necessities in vulnerable and isolated areas.
“To gain insights into the issues faced by the community and assess the capacity of the barangay and municipality for project sustainability, a team conducted focus group discussions last Tuesday. Our Regional Director Norman Laurio also visited the community,” she said.
Barangay Gilotongan has 1,098 households in need of clean and safe potable water sources, as well as waste management facilities.
The community has previously implemented five subprojects funded under the KALAHI-CIDSS program – a health station, a school building, a rest and relief facility for post-Covid-19 and disaster recovery, a barangay road, and amenities for three child development centers. (PNA)
