Bontoc, Mountain Province – In a significant milestone for the community’s water security, the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) concluded its research project entitled “Safe and Secure Water Supply for Mountain Indigenous Communities” which was funded by the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Council of the Philippines (DOST-NRCP).
The project aimed to identify the challenges and factors contributing to supply inadequacy and uneven distribution for the four barangays of Central Bontoc through surveys, key informant interviews, and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs).
In a formal turnover ceremony held on July 4, 2023, at JBA Building, Samoki, MPSPC President Edgar Cue, DOST-Provincial Science and Technology Office-Mountain Province OIC Minirva Songaben, and the research team handed over the project outputs to Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr.
The research project, spearheaded by MPSPC Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Epiphania Magwilang, focused on determining the water quality of the three major domestic water sources in this capital town thus recommending interventions to maintain water parameters within values set by the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW).
During the turnover ceremony, Magwilang expressed gratitude for the support received from both the DOST and the Bontoc LGU through the Waterworks Office. She emphasized that the project’s success would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and cooperation of all stakeholders involved.
The outputs of the research project include a detailed map of the municipal waterworks distribution network, proposed filtration system for the Pattig Tank, map of potential production well locations, schedule of manifold valves opening, and Solar PV Submersible Pumping System.
Meanwhile, Dr. Cue highlighted the role of the academe in contributing innovations for community development.
“We recognize our role that it is not only right, but it is proper that whatever innovations that are developed in the halls of the academe are eventually shared to the community. After all, we do this not for ourselves but for the sake of addressing pressing issues in the community,” he said.
In his remarks, Mayor Tudlong expressed his gratitude to MPSPC and the DOST for their dedication in addressing the water supply challenges faced by the indigenous communities. He underscored the importance of the research project outputs in formulating policies and implementing initiatives that would provide safe and secure water sources for the residents.
“These outputs will surely serve as valuable resources for the Bontoc LGU to make informed decisions and necessary actions in ensuring the long-term water security of our town,” he added.
Also present during the turnover were Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, SB Members Viola Okko, Benedict Odsey II, and Dan Evert Sokoken, as well as the personnel from the Waterworks Office.
