Typhoon Haiyan: Thank You!
February 25, 2014
The Mayor of Bingawan thanked Water Missions International for the gift of safe water.
In the aftermath of the typhoon, the children were especially vulnerable to water-borne diseases. There were many reported diarrhea cases because the dug wells that were the primary sources of drinking water became contaminated from surface run-off. We felt helpless after the pronouncement from our municipal health officer that all our sources for drinking water were unsafe.
We do not have piped water supply system for our people nor good sewerage facilities for them. Recent surveys also showed that our town belongs to one of the most waterless areas in the Philippines, yet we have a stable source of water from a nearby well. Since it is untreated, our residents are forced to buy very expensive purified water from commercial establishments. How to change the paradigm has been my dream since I assumed office four years ago.
We feel that the Living Water™ Treatment System (LWTS™) from Water Missions International is heaven-sent, an answer to our prayers. After the system was installed, we campaigned aggressively among our constituents concerning the availability of free safe water near the town hall. The response was quite overwhelming. People from as far as 5 kilometers away have lately been bringing their jeepneys, tricycles, motorcycles, and multicabs (small pickups) to get drinking water. Even the water dispensers in our government offices are now using LWTS-processed water.
Water Missions International staff member Josue teaches the people of Bingawan about safe water, health, and hygiene.
On January 22, we gathered our Barangay captains, school principals, division heads of our local government units, and those from the civil society for a lecture from Water Missions International representatives on safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. We hope and pray that Water Missions International will allow us to use the water system on long-term basis so that more people can benefit from it. " —Hon. Matt P. Palabrica, Mayor, Municipality of Bingawan, Province of Iloilo
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