For years, residents of Sitio Haduan in the Clark Freeport Zone have grappled with a lack of clean and potable water. But on one fortunate day, hopes were rekindled and happiness flowed like rushing water.
On July 21, 2021, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in partnership with Clark Water Corporation (CWC) and Manila Water Foundation (MWF) launched the newly renovated water system at Sitio Haduan. Gladness beamed on the faces of 150 families who will finally experience an abundance of safe water in their area.
Connecting the water pump to electricity, fixing the facility’s motor pump and rebuilding broken pipes were all part of the work done to restore the Haduan water facility. A timer or automated switch was also built to make the operation of the facility easier.
Mostly benefitting Aetas, the renovated water facility is also part of CDC’s numerous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects which aims to promote inclusive development of communities surrounding this Freeport.
“Natuwa yung mga tao, sobrang tuwa. Ang tubig kasi ay buhay natin. Kahit kumain ka ng tinapay, kailangan mo parin ng tubig. So ibig sabihin ang tubig ay buhay ng tao,” Roy Tanglao, Tribal Leader of Sitio Haduan said as he shared the significance of the renovated water facility in their community.
Tanglao shared that the provision of potable water that is safe for consumption was a huge help to their daily lives, easing the burden of fetching water from far-flung areas.
Tanglao also expressed how thankful they are to the current leader of CDC, President Manuel R. Gaerlan for his genuine intention of reaching out to the Aeta community.
“Napakalaking bagay para sa amin nito. Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa presidente natin ngayon na si Gen. Gaerlan. Nakita niya kung gaano kahirap ang sitwasyon noong binisita niya ko. Laking pasasalamat ko sa kanya dahil pinuntahan niya ako, dumaing ako sa kanya, umaksyon agad. Konting salita, maraming ginawa.”
For Fe Layson, principal of the Haduan Negrito Elementary School, a supply of clean and safe water is not only essential for the daily routine of residence in Haduan, but it will also usher in a better life for the young minds in the community.
Layson mentioned that with better water quality, they can efficiently educate 137 Aeta students about proper hygiene, an essential practice given the current health crisis.
“Malaking tulong ito lalo para sa mag bata. Sa hygiene nila lalo na ngayong pandemic pati na sa pang araw araw na kailangan nila lalo na sa inumin,” she added.
She also shared and looked back on how the Haduan community struggled with the scarcity of drinking water.
“Ilang years din akong nanirahan sa Haduan at nakita ko yung hirap nila lalo na nung wala pang patubig magiigib sila at maglalakad for 1-hour para lang makakuha ng tubig. Tapos hindi rin natin alam kung safe yung kinukuha nilang tubig mula dun sa bukal. Matagal narin po kasi itong problema at nakikita ko na sa pamamagitan ng bagong water system mababawasan na ang yung mga pagkakasakit nila dahil marami sakanila nagkakaroon ng diarrhea, amoeba, at kung minsan impeksyon sa dugo dahil sa hindi tiyak ang malinis na tubig. Kaya umaasa kami na sa pamamagitan ng proyekto na ito, na may malinis na tubig at regular na nachecheck, mababawasan ang mga ganung cases in the future,” Layson said.
Layson said that the efforts of CDC and its partners have greatly helped in lifting a huge burden upon the shoulders of people in Haduan.
“Malaking tulong po talaga ang CDC lalo na ang mga CSR projects nila. CDC took care of everything in the best way that it can. Lahat ginawa na nila para matulungan ang community. Sana po wag mag sawa ang CDC sa pagtulong sa ating mga kapatid na Aeta,” she added.
For his part, CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan encouraged the members of the Haduan community to take care of the facility. He also assured them that the state-owned corporation will continue to guide them towards development.
“Protektahan nyopo yung ating water line at pangalagaan nyo na hindi po masira at yung ating mga kawad ng kuryente. Para kayo ay tuloy tuloy at ikanga for 24/7 may tubig at may kuryente. CDC is taking care of our neighbors, hindi lamang po itong main zone, hindi lamang po para sa sarili naten, hindi lamang para sa pagnenegosyo, kasama po dapat ang pag asenso ng mga pamayanan na nakapaligid sa Clark Freeport Zone at Clark Special Economic Zone,” he said.
Clark Water Corporation, CDC’s partner agency, stated that the project is a worthwhile endeavor that is relevant to their mission.
“Isa pong malaking karangalan sa amin na maging parte ng isang napakagandang proyekto. Bilang isang utility company, isa sa mga layunin namin ay makapagbigay ng sapat at malinis na tubig sa bawat komunidad na aming nasasakupan. Bagamat ito pong Sitio Haduan ay labas ng ating service coverage area, sa pakikipagtulungan po natin sa CDC at sa mga community leaders nabuo natin itong project na ito at naisakatuparan,” Christina Cruz, Manager of CWC said.
The CDC, CWC, and MWF supported the creation of a water system in Haduan in 2017. The facility eventually required to be repaired and restored due to damages and poor maintenance in order to rejoin the area’s water line. The state-owned company and Clark Water additionally contributed more than P300,000 to the water facility’s renovation. Aside from the water system, the electricity line in Haduan was also repaired.
More than just business, CDC and its partners envision to create sustainable growth not only within Clark Freeport Zone but also in nearby communities. After all, development is best achieved when it is felt by everyone in the community. And as for the residence of Sitio Haduan, an abundance of water in their area sparked a myriad of hope not only in the present but also for the future.