Agrarian reform beneficiary members of the Botigue Farmers Association in Balawag, Tabuk City, Kalinga have adopted the method of bio-sand filter (BSF) making to address the community’s concerns on clean water supply, sanitation, and hygiene.
Adela Damaso, DAR-Kalinga Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, said the project is a component of the community-managed potable water sanitation and hygiene (CPWASH) program being implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
“The target is to have a bio-sand filter mechanism in every household for them to be secured of safe, clean, and potable water in the community,” Damaso said.
Damaso disclosed that the bio-sand filter mechanism is a simple household water treatment device. It consists of different sizes of stones and pebbles, coarse sand, fine sand, and activated charcoal arranged in layers inside the food-grade container to purify water so it will be safe for the consumers.
“In addition to the BSF and to maximize the use of the CPWASH, a ferro-cement spring box is also being constructed under the CPWASH program to support the Peking duck raising project of the organization,” she added.
Fernando Malyong, an agrarian reform beneficiary member of the association said the project is far too cheaper than buying a commercial water filter.
“Now, we will intensify the replication of this so that every household will be assured of safe drinking water,” he said.
Barangay Chair Jerry Donga thanked the DAR for the training provided by the agency. He recalled that members of the community used to rely mainly on deep wells, hand pumps, and rainwater. Donga asked the participants to donate the bio-sand filter to the barangay, which in turn committed to replicate the project by installing bio-sand filters in every household to boost sanitation and hygiene.
“The project provides low-cost, culturally acceptable, and appropriate technology to address problems on poor access to potable water supply just like what was experienced here in Barangay Balawag,” Donga said. DAR Release
