Three years after Typhoon Pablo devastated Davao Oriental, the relocated residents of NHA New Bataan will finally have access to clean, affordable water. LDS Charities in partnership with A Single Drop and the LGU of New Bataan broke ground for the 11 million Clean Water Prohect in Bgy. San Roque, New Bataan in Compostela Valley on Aug. 18, 2016, barely two months after the memorandum of agreement was signed.
"Water is life" said Hon. Lorenzo Balbin, former Mayor and forerunner of this initiative. However, because of the lack of funds and being about 40 kilometers away from the water source, around 2650 families in NHA in San Roque have borne the costly deep well water source through an electric pump. It was a burden not to have affordable access to one of the most basic necessities.
News about the project was welcomed with deep gratitude by the beneficiaries, the LGU, the wash task force and A Single drop who have tirelessly seen the project's fruition after three years of tirelessly working on the proposal and sourcing a funder.
Babin was overjoyed at the ground breaking ceremony. "Dako kaayong kalipay nako kay usa na to sa mga damgo nako nga matabangan tong mga tao nga namuyo sa lugar nga gibalhin sila gikan sa mga lugar nga delikado... daghan pud sila diha nga namuyo nga diin dili sapat gyud ang tubig sa pagka karon para sa ilaha."(My happiness is great because one of my dreams was to help those that have have lived and are relocated from critical areas. There are a lot of them living there that really do not have adequate supply of water as of now)
Balbin also added, "dako kaayo among pagpasalamat nga ang gipangandoy sa katawhan...nga ma realize gyud ang maong patubig" (We are very grateful that one of the dreams of the people, having access to clean water, has been realized.)
