AIDFI Hosts 7th Batch of Water Associations

The initial 6 batches of water associations focused mainly on water for drinking and household usage. The remaining batches shifted the focus to water for productive use, the 7th batch of water associations was a mix of three (3) associations managing drinking water systems and six (6) associations managing irrigation water systems.

The batch of 9 water associations attended the 3-day workshop themed "Cultivating Communities" on April 8 to 10. The associations were represented by their Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer, and Technician, during the workshop the representatives were divided into break-out groups that focused on the related issues on organziational, financial, and technical issues.

The communities gathered came from the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Western Samar, and Eastern Samar. They represented the following associations:

Adiangawan Small Farmers Association (ASFA)

Prk. 16, Brgy. Alangilan, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

Nakalang Farm Workers Association (NAFWA)

Prk. Talong, Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City, Negros Occidental

Pandanon Integrated Upland Small Farmers Assocation (PIUSFA)

Prk. Kawayan, Brgy. Pandana, Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental

Budlasan Agri Farm Family and Irrigators Association (BAFFIA)

So. Lower Tabalogo, Brgy. Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental

Sitio Napilu-an Integrated Farmers Association (SINIFA)

So. Napiluan, Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental

Dama Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (DAFWARBA)

So. Dama, Brgy. Cabacungan, La Castellana, Negros Occidental

Campiyak Water Consumers Association

Brgy. Campiyak, San Sebastian, Western Samar

Naparaan Water Consumers Association (NAWACA)

Brgy. Naparaan, Salcedo, Eastern Samar

Ananggi Essential Oil Producers Association (AEOPA)

So. Ananggue, Brgy. Buenavista, Murcia, Negros Occidental

The participants from these associations were welcomed by messages from our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Auke Idzenga and the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI), Ms. Maria Cecilie Alacantara, through a video message. The update on the Agos ram pump project reaching already 180 villages, then the CEO also shared about the AIDFI holistic program and new innovations in the project. In the afternoon, the participants visited the project in Prk 16, Brgy. Alangilan in Bacolod City which showcased how the farmers through the Agos project were able to become a top provider of vegetables in the markets of Bacolod City.

The following two (2) days then focused on problem solving, innovations, impacts, and the introduction of the new monitoring app and system of AIDFI. The participants then contemplated on their commitment towards Sustainability, Socio-economic, Empowerment, and the Environment of their water system and community. The summit ended with the signing of the commitments and a fellowship with live music. Participants then left the morning after back to bring renewed inspiration and spirits.

We will be looking forward to the future impact stories in their quest of cultivating their communities further.

The Agos Water Associations Summit is funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) and will gather 90 water associations from the Visayas region until May 2025. The aim is to share experiences and learnings that enhances collaboration and partnerships, and the launching of a new proactive monitoring system with mobile application.