For years, clean water was never guaranteed for hundreds of Badjao families in Sitio Alaska, Barangay Mambaling, where residents often adjusted their daily routines around an unpredictable water supply.
That long-standing problem is now being addressed through “Bohe Maka Sannang” or “Water is Life,” a community-based initiative that aims to provide safe drinking water while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the community.
The project was launched on June 21 through a partnership among JCI Cebu, JCI Japan, and several Japanese organizations committed to supporting underserved communities.
The water purification facility is expected to benefit more than 500 Badjao families, or around 2,000 individuals, including learners of the Nano Nagle Learning Center.
Aside from providing access to potable water, the project seeks to reduce health risks associated with unsafe water and poor sanitation, long-standing concerns within the community.
Arlyn Daomani, president of the community’s livelihood group, said unreliable water service has been part of their daily lives since she was young, with families often waiting for water to flow at unpredictable hours.
“Usahay dili siya moagas — unya og moagas, kanang ting-klase na. Usahay moagas siya gabii unya pagkabuntag wala na sad,” Daomani said.
She added that many residents have experienced stomach-related illnesses, particularly during the rainy season, which they believe are linked to poor water quality.
Daomani expressed gratitude for the project, saying access to clean water has long been one of the community’s greatest needs.
“Dako kaayo og tabang kay lisod baya ang tubig. Nalipay mi nga kami ang napili nga natagaan og tubig,” she said.
The initiative is funded through a grant of two million Japanese yen, or approximately P750,000, under JCI Japan’s SMILE by Water initiative through the JCI RISE program, which supports community development projects.
Jay Alegarbes, JCI Cebu vice president for community development, said Sitio Alaska was chosen after assessments conducted in northern Cebu, southern Cebu, and Metro Cebu identified the area as facing serious challenges in water access and waste management.
He said the project is designed to remain sustainable by training community members to operate and maintain the water purification system.
“Since the system is coming from Japan, this system is self-sustaining… We have a training for the community as well, on how to maintain it,” Alegarbes said.
Beyond improving water access, the initiative will train about 20 Badjao women to produce eco-friendly hand soap using purified water from the facility.
Organizers hope to develop the activity into a social enterprise by linking the community with hotels and restaurants that could become regular buyers, providing residents with an additional source of income.
Photo by SBA
Comments