Basay, Negros Oriental – Barangay Olandao put up a community water refilling station to address the concern of safe water for its constituents. The project was made possible through the initiative of its BNC Chair and Punong Barangay (PB) Hon. Pampiana Barnabe. 

Being a former BNS, PB Bernabe knows the implication of the lack of potable water on the health and nutrition of an individual. Commercial water distributors have difficulty supplying mineral water to the barangay because of its terrain and the road tends to be slippery during heavy rains. With the limited funds from the barangays, she made representation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and granted Php2 million grants for the said water project.

The water refilling station started its operation last year. The barangay also created an association called the “Olandao Water Works Association” which manages the operations of the water project and ensures its sustainability.

Having clean and safe water, the people of Barangay Olandao are now able to avoid exposure to countless diseases caused by inadequate water supply, sanitation, and hygiene. // ND II Jhianne Mae Nicole C. Tugaoen, RND