Masbate: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 5 is set to tackle the water supply challenges faced by an island community in the province of Masbate. Utilizing the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, the department plans to implement a PHP20 million project in Barangay Gilotongan, Cawayan town, using innovative Air-to-Water Technology (AWT).
According to Philippines News Agency, Ranelle Anne Sertan, the social marketing officer for DSWD-5, stated that this island community will be the pilot site for the project, which is anticipated to be operational within the year. The technology will extract moisture from the air to produce clean drinking water, a method previously employed in regions experiencing severe water scarcity. Sertan highlighted that the initiative aims to supply 1,000 liters of potable water daily to the community.
KALAHI-CIDSS National Program Manager, lawyer Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, which involves DSWD, local government units, and the community at large. “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 stated.
Sertan also mentioned that DSWD-5 is actively working to enhance disaster preparedness and improve access to essential services in isolated areas. To better understand the community’s issues and evaluate the project’s sustainability, a team conducted focus group discussions, and Regional Director Norman Laurio visited Barangay Gilotongan.
The community of Barangay Gilotongan, home to 1,098 households, is in dire need of reliable water sources and waste management facilities. Prior to this initiative, the community successfully completed five subprojects under KALAHI-CIDSS, including the construction of a health station, a school building, a facility for post-Covid-19 and disaster recovery, a barangay road, and facilities for three child development centers.
