DAR constructed CP Wash projects for the farmers of Cagayan

The Rain-water Collector was being constructed inside the premises of Payagan East Elementary School at Ballesteros, Cagayan

CAGAYAN – The Department of Agrarian Reform has recently turned-over 2 Community-managed Potable Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (CP-WASH) project worth P160,000.00 to Bical-Baliuag ARB Cooperative at Peñablanca and Payagan Farmers Cooperative in Ballesteros.

Both ARBOs received a complete package of Water Sanitation (WATSAN) Facilities which consist of 1) Iron Removal Filter (IRF); 2) Bio-Gas Digester (BGD); and 3) Rain-Water Collector (RWC).  As for the distribution of WATSAN facilities, in the case of Ballesteros thru the initiative of its LGU, the facilities were awarded to three clientele group, IRF was awarded to Payagan Farmers MPC, while the BGD to benefit Agrarian Reform Beneficiary (ARB) Rema C. Aleste and RWC was given to the Payagan East Elementary School. On the other hand, the WATSAN facilities in Peñablanca was solely awarded to Bical-Baliuag ARB Cooperative to complement their various managed agri-business enterprises.

The Biogas Digester component of the project is a good substitute for liquified petroleum gas for cooking, using animal waste as a source of gas through decomposition process while the water tank is equipped with iron removal to ensure the constant flow of clean water.

The undertaking was led by DAR-Cagayan Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer I (PARPO I) Nida V. Agustin and CARPO PPBD Engr. Pedro T. Barasi.

PARPO I Nida V. Agustin said that the low-cost technology project would bring inspiration and enthusiasm among the people in the community towards the cause of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. 

She extended her gratitude to the ARBOs for being DAR’s partner in rural development, she further stressed the need to safeguard all development projects given to them for their own welfare and benefit.  The low-cost technology project could be replicated by the LGUs for them to reach a wider scope of community households in the provision of a potable water system, PARPO I Agustin added.

Engr. Pedro T. Barasi, CARPO-PPBD shared his observations, that the major problem in some areas in the province is the lack of water supply. He then advised the project beneficiaries to maintain the project which not only provides potable water but also promotes proper hygiene in the community most especially among women and children.

Editha L. Manue, Bical-Baliuag ARB Coop Chairperson, unceasingly thanked the DAR and other CARP Implementing Agencies in the construction of the technology which would aid them in the operation of their agri-business enterprises. This would greatly contribute in increasing the income of the ARBO and alleviate the condition of the community. MARVI T. BULAN, PIO-Cagayan