Households in So. Minaluha, Brgy. Tagukon now enjoy greater access to domestic water through CPSU’s training on “Solar-Powered Water Pumping System for Small Irrigation and Household Use” last February 3-5, 2022.
The said activity was part of the University’s extension program through its Extension and Community Services Office (ECSO) headed by ECSO director Dr. Jimmy Degillo, in partnership with the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF), and the Gender and Development (GAD) Office headed Sir Noel Dayono. The training and installation process was led by Sir Jundel Gonzaga of CAF.
As a tie-up project with the community and the LGU of Negros Occidental, in line with the upcoming inauguration of the agricultural tramline, this initiative aims to respond to the long-standing dilemma of the community in terms of accessibility to potable water supply in their area.
Residents used to carry gallons of water as they walk through steep, ragged and dangerous terrains to get to their water source in the area which is inside a deep cave. This chore, usually done by women and children, has become part of their daily routine not minding the great risks and perils it may pose to them.
Dr. Aladino Moraca, CPSU president, stated that waterless communities and far-flung areas that still largely depend on wells and springs for water source, are the target recipients of the University’s extension initiatives.
“It is in these off-grid communities that CPSU makes its programs be felt especially to the underprivileged households. To address the issues on water in the area, as well as the safety of their women and children, this project was realized,” Dr. Moraca explained.
Maryvic Pedrosa, CAF Extension Coordinator, further added that the goal of the project was to build and maintain transformation efforts in water supply that is sufficient and reliable for the residents.
“We have installed a 180-meter hose from their source [in the cave] going to the water tank. Now, they have easy access to water supply for domestic and backyard use,” Ma’am Pedrosa said.
This is part of the CPSU’s sustainable targets as the area has been identified to be the future extension program beneficiary of the University for agri-eco tourism, livelihood and training site for its business Management and Engineering programs, especially with the opening of the agricultural tramline.
By: J.A. Emoy
Photo credits: M. Pedrosa, J. Degillo & J. Gonzaga