Barangay Talubin in Bontoc is well known for its fresh mineral water flowing from its aquifers and streams in the mountains down to the river.
Local folk use to tap their potable water from the side of the mountain that leads towards Barlig.
But Jovita Oydoc, 69, and barangay tanod, said that their usual sources of potable water no longer provide enough of this life sustaining resource. People have constructed houses and farms near the area and they use most of the water that flows to the pipes towards the village.
With the help of the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), a level 2 potable water system was constructed that taps water from the opposite mountain.
The funding for the P5.56-million-worth potable water system subproject was shared by the World Bank through loan proceeds covering 80 percent, the DA 10 percent), and the local government of Bontoc 10 percent.
Aside from solving water supply problems in the community, the subproject was proposed to also help reduce morbidity due to water-borne diseases.
The subproject was completed in December 2021 and was formally turned over on Aug. 26, at Barangay Talubin.
The turnover ceremony was led by DA Regional Executive Director Cameron Odsey together with Bontoc Mayor Jerome Tudlong, and Talubin Punong Barangay Veteriano L. Dulay.
Representatives from the provincial government from the Office of the Congressman of Mountain Province participated in the event.
In his message, Odsey enjoined the stakeholders and beneficiaries to take good care of the project. He also commended the mayor of Bontoc for his initiative of providing possible royalty for Barangay Talubin for environmental and watershed services for Bontoc.
Tudlong thanked the DA for bringing its programs and projects to the municipality that benefits the farmers and the community as well. He appreciated the people in Talubin for protecting the watersheds that provides ecological and many benefits to Talubin and Bontoc and communities.
Meanwhile, representatives from the province’s top officials expressed the support of their offices to the completion and sustainability of the project which will reinforce the programs and services of the LGUs. The Talubin potable water system is the second PRDP supported subproject in Bontoc along with the improvement of the Mainit-Chorngawan potable water system at Barangay Mainit. – Press release