Zamboanga:Clean water is now within reach for 70 to 80 Subanen households in Barangay Sipakong, Bacungan, Zamboanga del Norte, following the construction of a 50-cubic-meter Small Water Impounding System (SWIS) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This initiative aims to provide water for both domestic and agricultural needs.
According to Philippines News Agency, the SWIS project anticipates potential water shortages due to the projected very strong El Niño, expected to last until mid-2027. The project aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to address water scarcity and improve water security in communities with limited or unreliable water supplies.
Before the installation of the SWIS, residents had to endure a challenging trek uphill, approximately 500 meters from the nearest road, to access springs and other water sources. This task often required 30 to 45 minutes of walking, adding strain to their daily routines. The new system now reduces the community's reliance on distant water sources, significantly easing the burden on families.
Barangay Kagawad Ramon Dampayla expressed relief, noting the convenience of having a water source nearby. Sangguniang Kabataan Chair Danilo Anticamara Jr. highlighted the system's impact, stating that it has significantly improved water accessibility, benefiting both household activities and farming.
Meanwhile, resident Ofelia Belhot emphasized the importance of maintaining the project, as its discontinuation would force families back to the forest springs. Beyond addressing household needs, the stored water supply also supports agriculture, aiding families in sustaining food production during reduced rainfall periods.
Marie Angelique Go, DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula OIC Executive Director, underscored the importance of watershed management in protecting natural resources and ensuring they benefit local communities. She noted that projects like SWIS demonstrate the connection between effective water management and community livelihood sustainability.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration and the World Meteorological Organization have indicated that the very strong El Niño is expected to peak around late 2026 and persist through the first half of 2027. As the country braces for potential climate-related challenges, the SWIS serves as a crucial resource for the Sipakong residents in navigating the anticipated dry conditions.
