Removing the need for them to endure long walks to sources.
Recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR) said that the a PHP2 million project in Barangay Butbut Proper in the province of Kalinga has become operational to serve 147 households.
The said Level II Water Works Project (Spring Development), overseen by the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), aims to address the long-standing issue of residents, who are part of the Butbut tribe, in getting safe, potable water within their reach.
The Butbut Tribe is one of the many ethnolinguistic groups within the Kalinga province, primarily inhabiting the rugged, mountainous terrain of Tinglayan and are known for their fierce independence and rich warrior history, becoming one that survived centuries of colonial influence.
Through this project, a 31.394 cubic meter intake tank, filtration tank, and main tank have been installed, as well as pipelines and fittings, hauling of materials, and other external works.
First to be linked to the direct water supply is the Butbut Community Integrated School, which children of the Butbut tribe attend, to provide a conducive learning environment.
“With the new system in place, the school now benefits from a more stable and accessible water supply that supports sanitation and learning activities,” said School Head Joy Bagni.
As for Barangay chairman Pedro Bugawit, the equipment reduces the burden of water collection, improves health conditions, and restores time for education, livelihood, and community activities.
The turnover ceremony was held in the remote Barangay Butbut Proper and was received by the community reflecting gratitude and unity.
Project Coordinator, Angelica Jacela of the WRMO noted, “This initiative helps alleviate one challenge at a time faced by the community. Its success is a reflection of unity. We encourage everyone to help maintain the water system and protect the water source.”
For his part, this initiative, which is part of the larger directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said, “Our objective is evolving into becoming architects of systems that bridge the gap between resource management and community resilience.”
“We are building a foundation where water security is no longer a daily struggle for upland communities, but a permanent catalyst for their health and progress,” he added.
By virtue of Executive Order No. 22, Marcos underscored water as a vital resource that sustains health, lives, and economic activities.
In line with that, the WRMO targets to complete over 30 island and remote village projects before the end of 2026, which is said to be benefiting a cumulative total of 440,904 residents nationwide.