CONNER, Apayao – About 5,000 residents of the Municipality of Conner in Apayao enjoy six completed Level II water systems funded through the DILG – Bottom-up Budgeting program.
As of press time, the Level II water system projects located in Talifugo, Paddaoan, Manag, Ripang, Ili, and Malama were inspected by members of the DILG regional project monitoring team Johnny Mauting, Jereille Gayaso and Mark Anthony Ticbaen, assisted by MLGOO Cecille Eugenio, Engr. Michelle Bumatay, Municipal Engr. Estella Camma together with the municipal engineering staff last April 28.
Project funds amounting to PhP 3 M were directly downloaded by DILG-CAR to the Municipal Government of Conner who also disbursed its counterpart for the said water systems.
According to MLGOO Eugenio, it is the first time for the community to enjoy Level II water systems. Level II water system means piped water from a communal water point such as spring system, with communal faucet system.
DILG Engr. Ariel Moyaen explained that these Level II water systems are designed and prepared for upgrading to Level III water system having extensive distribution network of piped water connecting individual households. To do this and to sustain the project, the rural water supply association should be operational and capable to manage the water system.
Said projects are contained in the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan of Conner identified by the stakeholders, including civil society representatives who are partners not just in project identification but also in project monitoring and evaluation.
The projects will be turned-over by DILG to the Municipal Government of Conner for its upkeep and maintenance once the project completion reports are submitted to DILG-CAR.
Other on-going projects in Conner are the flood control worth P 500,000.00 and the construction of drainage canal lining in Guinaang, Conner worth P 1M, funded under the BuB-Local Government Support Fund and DILG-BuB, respectively. Another is the P 12 M water system project under the DILG SALINTUBIG program covering various barangays of Conner.
The SALINTUBIG or Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig para sa Lahat is a program of government for waterless municipalities and barangays. A municipality or barangay is considered waterless when more than 50 percent of its population has no access to safe and potable water.
It is hoped that this program will delist Conner from the list of waterless municipalities in the Region.
By Carol Guidangen Gano