Aiding Tabuk, Kalinga: Water Systems and Supplies Bring Hope to Six Villages

In the rugged Cordillera Ranges of the Philippines, Kalinga Province is a remote region where indigenous communities, steeped in tradition, face modern challenges. Despite the abundance of rainwater, 12% of households lack access to clean water, and 52% have no sanitary toilets. Children traverse muddy roads to collect water, often missing school, as education is compromised by the lack of basic infrastructure.

In a significant humanitarian effort, six villages in Tabuk, Kalinga - Bulanao, Guilayon, Nambucayan, Laya West, Cudal, and Tanudan - along with three elementary schools, have received essential infrastructure aimed at improving access to water and sanitation. A total of 6,807 individuals, including 4,556 residents and 2,251 schoolchildren, benefited from the project, which provided four elevated tanks, three wells, six water reservoirs, five water distribution pipelines, 15 tap stands, six toilets, and 18 wash stands at local schools. In addition, sanitation and hygiene training was conducted to ensure the long-term health and well-being of the communities.

The initiative, spearheaded by Rotary Melbourne and partners, unfolded against the backdrop of a devastating cyclone that inundated Kalinga. In the wake of the disaster, Rotary responded swiftly, opening opportunities for further aid, including shipments of medical supplies and personal care items through a 20-foot container to the isolated Sierra Madre mountains. The relief efforts extended beyond immediate needs, with donations of seeds to support crop propagation at Guilayon Elementary School, helping to restore livelihoods and ensure food security.

By May 2020, the project was completed, delivering life-changing infrastructure to the region. These efforts reflect the broader goal of fostering sustainable development in the region, providing not only immediate relief but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient future for the people of Kalinga.

The turnover of the Nambucayan Water project was witnessed by Past Rotary District 9800 Governor Iven Mackay, District 3700 Governor Celso Cruz and officers of the Rotary Club of Marikina Valley.