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Goducate provides potable water for villagers in Laguna, Philippines

Apart from providing housing for some families whose homes were destroyed by Typhoon Ulysses (see June 4 blog), Goducate has also partnered with Water Mission International to provide the families with potable water (see blog Mar 12). The completion of the potable water project was unveiled on May 29.

This area, Mariang Bukid, Tagumpay Bay, Laguna, did not have a source of safe and clean water. Some residents would buy a gallon of water for 10 pesos per container. Those who could not afford to buy containers of water had to put up with the water they got from the “poso” (dug-out wells).

Goducate can serve only 30 households per day with potable water because our water tank is quite small. It holds only 105 gallons. The greatest challenge is that many people are uncertain whether the water produced is really clean and safe for drinking. Mr Joy Ibañez, a volunteer with Water Mission International, has conducted some tests on the water and found it safe. However, we are waiting for the results of some microbiological and physicochemical tests of the water that would certify the water to be potable.

Unveiling of the potable water project
*Our guest writer is Rossa Mae Diaz Luceño, a Goducate volunteer.
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Goducate to provide new homes and potable water in Bay, Laguna

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Goducate Meek and Lowly Sanctuary, Barangay Tagumpay, Bay, Laguna on March 9, 2021, to mark the beginning of two projects.

One project is the installation of potable-water systems for the community. The people in this barangay (village) have been using a hand pump to get their water from a deep well.

The other project is to construct new houses for families whose homes were badly damaged during typhoon Ulysses in November 2020 and who do not have the finances for reconstructing their homes.  Some of the families have continued to live in their damaged homes, whereas others moved into evacuation centers. The new homes are also designed to be elevated so that occupants need not have to evacuate when the village is flooded. Also each of the new homes will include a toilet. Some of houses in the villages do not have their own toilets, and some do but in a low-lying area that can get flooded.

Ten households have been chosen to be the beneficiaries of the housing project.

This Goducate project is being led by Mr. Leo Decinal in partnership with the Municipal Mayor of Bay, Laguna, the Hon. Jose Padrid, the Barangay Captain of Tagumpay, Bay, Laguna, Hon. Florencio Dungo, and Water Mission.

Other partners helping with the projects are the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in the leadership of PLTCOL Ledon Monte, and Municipal Link, Department of Social Welfare and Development under the charge of Mr. Maynard Marasigan.

*Our guest writer is Donnalyn Pereira, a staff member at Goducate Laguna.