MCCT project supplies water for Higaonon community in Buenavista, AgNor

Posted on March 30, 2021

For the Higaonon community of Sitio Monteverde, receiving a pump-driven water supply is a huge blessing.

Located in a far-flung sitio of Barangay Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, Monteverde has had problems in accessing water over the years.

“Dili na namo kinahanglan nga mu-adto pa sa pinakaduol na barangay na mudagan og 30 minutos, para lang makakabo ug tubig (We do not need to travel 30 mins to the nearest barangay just to fetch water),” Eduardo Libot Sr., association president, shared.

*Hazel Palasol, social welfare officer III, leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Monteverde MCCT association water supply.*

Finally, their need of a water source was addressed when the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) Program turned-over and inaugurated the P243,544.50 project on March 25-26, 2021.

The water supply of the association has a safe vending machine installed in it. This is a coin-actuated machine through which water will automatically come out. A water container would just cost Php20.00 for those who would avail. The water is already assessed by the Provincial Health Office and people are advised to only use it for laundry, cooking, cleaning, among others. However, the association plans to retest the water source in April for suitability for drinking.

“Dako ang among pasalamat sa DSWD Caraga pinaagi sa Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program tungod kay ang dugay na nga plano sa lokal na panggamhanan, kamo gayud ang pinakauna nakahatag sa mga residente sa Monteverde (Our biggest thanks to DSWD Caraga through the 4Ps the realization of the long-term plan of the LGU for the residents of Monteverde),” Walter Tuga, Punong Barangay of Simbalan, humbly said.

Also present during the inauguration was 4Ps Division Chief Crislea D. Celeste, who delivered her message of appreciation to the members of the project team implementers – Provincial Link Ruth P. Tambura, PSWDO staff Francisca Angeles, and MSWDO Celia M. Bolongon.

*Crislea D. Celeste, 4Ps regional program coordinator, readies the key of responsibility to be handed to the Local Government Unit of Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, down to the association president.*

The established maintenance committee of the Monteverde association shall be fully responsible for the operation and maintenance of the project. While the 4Ps Municipal Operations Office (MOO) shall continue the monitoring of the project. Elvie Mae Bagaipo, assigned Community Facilitator in the area, expressed her joy when the water supply started to flow.

“Grabi gyud nakong kalipay pag-agas sa tubig. Sa akong kalipay, nakahilak ko kay natuman na gyud ang dugay na gipaabot sa mga beneficiaries (I was overjoyed when the water flowed. I cried tears of joy because finally, after years of waiting, their dream project is now realized),” Bagaipo said.

To date, there are 78 more livelihood project under MCCT to be launched within the first semester of this year.###(Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga). ###(Social Marketing Section/DSWD Field Office Caraga)