AIDFI was commissioned by Kasilak Development Foundation, Inc. (KDFI) to install a ram pump water system in Sitio Alon, Brgy. Malabog located within Paquibato District, Davao City. KDFI is a non-profit social development organization based in Davao City. Its primary purpose is to uplift the socio-economic condition of the communities living in a peaceful and ecologically balanced environment. The Foundation continuously link and partner with different development institutions, donor agencies, various resource providers-private, and the public to leverage resources and complement development initiatives and undertakings in various areas in Mindanao.
The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) partnered with KDFI to launch and fund the Agos - WASH Project for Sitio Alon and Barangay Darong last March 16, 2022. AIDFI has been a partner of CCFPI for more than a decade in reaching out to far-flung communities with no easy access to water.
Sitio Alon is located in the mountainous part of Davao City that is composed of the Ata tribe. The road going to the community is a mix of concrete and muddy terrains along a spectacular view of the surrounding area along an ongoing road network development between Davao and Bukidnon. The Sitio is 75 kilometers away from the City of Davao, where people rely on agriculture to earn their living. The source of drinking water comes from a spring which is located a kilometer away from the village center. Although some small sources along the road can be seen, this usually dries up during the summer season.
The project was already surveyed in August of 2021 and was submitted for funding. The water system is composed of 1 unit of 2" ram pump with a 10 cubic meter ferrocement reservoir and 2 water kiosks.
The social preparation was started on April 25 and was facilitated by our Community Development Coordinator, Sheila Tabujara. She was assisted by personnel from KDFI and the 27th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army in conducting the activities such as courtesy calls, processing legal documents, and arranging for materials and technical team.
The project installation commenced on June 20 and was headed by our Technical Services Coordinator, Andre Gallego, who, together with our Technical Services Personnel, Jerry Hermano, laid out the structures for the project. On June 21, a groundbreaking ceremony and a signing of the Memorandum of Agreement were conducted.
On June 27, the Ansayod Alon Water System and Abaca Farmers Association (AAWSAFA) was officially registered with the Department of Labor and Employment. The officers of the association were provided with training on the operation of the water system that included leadership, simple bookkeeping, and organizational development.
The project installation was completed on July 23. The water system benefits 70 households with 394 persons whose lives will be changed significantly. AIDFI believes the water brought up by the ram pump is triggering further development in a community. The project was conveyed to the water association on August 24, attended by Monina Pacheco and Jeanne Pineda from CCFPI with personnel from the Coca-Cola plant in Davao, Councilor Ralph Abella of Davao City, Joemil Montebon of KDFI, Kagawad Rommel Anib, the IP Mandatory Representative, Lt. Col Allan M Tesoro with 1st Lt. Adolph Reizer Buendia and personnel from the 27th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army, and Auke Idzenga the Co-founder and CEO with Che Idzenga (COO), Sheila Tabujara (Community Development Coordinator), and Andre Gallego (Technical Services Coordinator). The ceremony was held in the village and witnessed by the elders of the village Datu Allan Esdang, Datu Omie Ansayod, Datu Dolpo Talandang, and Datu Enrico Engay, who also serve as advisers to AAWSAFA. The project was officially accepted by the barangay and by the president of AAWSAFA. Special recognition was given to the officers of the association and the local technicians Angelou Mabasag and Romel Esdang, who were trained during the implementation of the water system.
AIDFI will continue to monitor the water system through the association and will conduct a project assessment in 6 months. A mobile phone with our monitoring app will then be provided for the water association.