{xtypo_dropcap}U{/xtypo_dropcap}ntil this summer, over a hundred families in Dulian-Upper Bunguiao got their drinking water from the river, creeks, and spring. Farmers could not plant cash crops because there was no reliable source of water.
All that will now change with the recent installation of a water system, a project facilitated by the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Center for Community Extension Services and funded by the Assisi Development Foundation (ADF) – PEACEPATHS Mindanao. The water system now serves 110 families with an average of 7 members each.
The water system was inaugurated on May 6, 2010. The event was graced by Richard Dee and Victoria Elisa Aquino-Dee, trustees of Assisi Development Foundation.
The Dulian-Upper Bunguiao water system is the second such project of the CCES. In February 24, 2009, a similar project was inaugurated in Sitio Luuk, Limpapa, a village populated by Subanons, Muslims and Christians. ADF advocates the promotion of peace and development especially in areas where varied cultures and vulnerabilities to conflict exist.
ADZU President Fr. Antonio Moreno S.J. encouraged residents of Dulian-Upper Bunguiao to value and take care of the water system.
During the inauguration program, Aquino-Dee said ADF has high hopes that the water system, in one way or the other may improve the lives of the people in the community. She also said that ADF looks forward to future partnership on projects that will alleviate the economic condition of the community.
Gerardo Bumatay, ADF Program manager on environment, said that he hopes the community will be able to expand the system to all the sitios of Dulian-Upper Bunguiao.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Dulian Barangay Chairman Perfecto Dela Cruz, expressed his gratitude to for the water system and the other projects implemented by ADF and ADZU-CCES such as Sustainable Agriculture, Cattle Disbursement, and Health Programs.
The inauguration was marked with an unveiling of the project’s signboard and ribbon cutting. Fr. Mateo Caay together with Fr. Mercedito Salatan led the blessing of the water system. Pablo Rey Pio Fuentes, PEACEPATHS Mindanao Program Manager, officiated the induction of officers of the water system. A Simple salo-salo followed at the Barangay Hall.
