Catarman: The municipal government of Catarman in Northern Samar formally turned over a Level II Potable Water Supply System to the upland village of Imelda on Tuesday, providing residents with safer and more accessible drinking water.

According to Philippines News Agency, the project was funded through the Local Government Support Fund-Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The initiative, costing PHP5 million, is expected to benefit 1,040 households in the village.

For many years, residents of Imelda village relied primarily on wells for their water needs. Local officials stated that the new facility would ensure a more reliable supply of safe, potable water and help improve sanitation and public health in the community.

The project includes the installation of 15 tap stands, each equipped with two faucets strategically located across the barangay to serve beneficiary households. Village chief Eduardo Fuesto Jr. expressed gratitude to both the national and municipal governments for making the long-awaited project possible. "This project is a significant development for our community. It will greatly improve the daily lives of our residents by providing easier access to clean and safe water," he said.

Mayor Dianne Rosales urged residents to help preserve and maintain the facility to ensure its sustainability. "The government listens to the people and strives to provide what they need. I value your shared commitment to taking care of this project," Rosales said.

The Barangay Water and Sanitation Association will oversee the operation and maintenance of the water system. Local officials also urged beneficiary households to help protect the facilities, particularly the faucets and distribution points, to ensure the project's long-term serviceability.

Aside from the water system, the village has also benefited from the installation of solar-powered streetlights funded by the NTF-ELCAC program, further improving public services and community development.