Laguna Water recently received its first gold recognition from the 50th Anvil Awards for its Tubig Para sa Barangay program which aims to improve the quality of life of poor communities in Laguna by providing access to basic water services.
Laguna Water which provides water services for Biñan, Sta. Rosa, and Cabuyao is a joint venture company between the Provincial Government of Laguna and Manila Water Philippine Ventures, a Manila Water subsidiary. Together, both public and private entities have committed to deliver safe and sustainable water supply to poor families, most of which have relocated from the congested Metro Manila and danger zones in coastal communities. This sector relied on poorly maintained shallow wells which made them prone to waterborne diseases. Some depended on expensive vended water which added burden to their pockets.
The winning program Tubig Para sa Barangay made the commitment of Laguna Water possible through designing a water network suited to communities in relocation sites and informal settlements. To make it affordable, it introduced an acceptable payment scheme and other modalities to maximize the number of beneficiaries. Depending on the financial capability of the intended beneficiaries, connection fees are offered on staggered basis.
Today, Tubig Para sa Barangay beneficiaries enjoy safe, reliable, 24/7 potable water for P20.00 per cubic meter, a price far lower than the cost they once paid for vended water. This effort, which brings reliable potable water for the constituents of Laguna, supports the lead of Gov. Ramil Hernandez in prioritizing health under his eight-point program for the Province.
The Provincial Government of Laguna, in partnership with the Manila Water subsidiary will continue to implement this project to make water services accessible to all residents, regardless of social status, in the concession area.
IN PHOTO: Laguna Governor Ramil L. Hernandez (7th from left), Laguna Water President Virgilio C. Rivera, Jr. (9th from left), and Laguna Water General Manager Melvin John Tan (4th from left) received the Anvil Award of Gold for Laguna Water’s Tubig Para sa Barangay program together with Manila Water Operations Chief Operating Officer Ferdinand Dela Cruz (1st from left), Chief of Staff Vince L. Soriano (2nd from left), Provincial Administrator Atty. Dulce H. Rebanal (5th from left), Calamba Councilor Ruth Mariano–Hernandez (6th from left), and representatives of Laguna Water.