PGMA K4K Program potable water system reaches Samar villages

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE (PIA Samar)
March 16, 2007

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  To win the war against poverty and even insurgency PGMA through the program Kalahi para sa Kalayaan (K4K) brought about potable water system in Barangays Lulugayan and Parina in Jiabong, Samar.

In a simple turn-over ceremony, members of the Philippine Army  through Major Joselyn Regis of the 546th Engineering Brigade, received accolades from Jiabong Mayor Chanita Gabieta and the Barangay officials in Lulugayan, led by Brgy. Captain Nolito Lagbo.

The project said construction engineer Elmer Galang cost some 500 thousand as the source was a good two kilometers away. Mano Pedro Abalos, 64 said that in the past their source funded by other NGOs would dry up during summer days but this project being assured of water supply even during dry days would now best serve some one thousand households in Lulugayan and neighboring sitios.

Jiabong Municipal Engineer Pedrito Resano told PIA that they are satisfied with the job done by the army.

Resano served as inspector and monitor of the project. The Presidential Management Staff (PMS) usually validates the projects under the Office of the Presidential Assistance on the Peace Process (OPPAP).

The project said Galang, stemmed from Special Operation Team (SOT) activity where AFP elements were immersed in the barangays and in the process identified the top four priority needs of the area.

Though the funding and actual implementation took place after three years, rural folks welcomed the   project wholeheartedly.

Construction, said Galang took place in less than three months. Some 12 members of the Engineering Brigade and some rural help joined forces to effect the construction.

In Barangay Makabitas and Salvacion both of Jiabong, water systems were also identified. Construction said Galang will soon be done.

Meanwhile, a school building in barangay Malino, Jiabong is now being used by schoolers. The last three projects are still part of the (K4K) program.