Calbiga: More than 1,290 residents in three villages in Calbiga, Samar now have direct access to clean and safe drinking water following the completion of a major water system upgrade. This followed after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) turned over on Tuesday the upgraded Level II to Level III Water Supply System serving Barangays Mahangcao, Borong, and Macaalan, as part of the national government's efforts to improve health, sanitation, and basic services in local communities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PHP13.33-million project, funded under the Local Government Support Fund-Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (LGSF-SAFPB), involved the replacement and installation of 1,600 linear meters of pipelines, construction of a water treatment facility and management office, and provision of 430 metered household water connections. The turnover ceremony was led by DILG Eastern Visayas Regional Director Arnel Agabe, together with Calbiga Mayor Red Nacario, other DILG and local government officials, and village leaders from the three beneficiary communities.

'The project goes beyond infrastructure development, as it represents an investment in public health and a testament to the government's commitment to participatory budgeting and collaboration with civil society organizations,' Agabe said during the turnover. Nacario welcomed the project and expressed optimism that Calbiga's long-standing problem of access to potable water is gradually being addressed. He also thanked DILG Region 8 for its continued support of the town's priority development projects.

The LGSF-SAFPB is part of the national government's effort to operationalize localization strategies under the Philippine Open Government Partnership. The program aims to ensure universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation, strengthen hygiene services, and help end open defecation by 2030.