Leyte Herald, August 09, 2019
This article captures the essence of the community effort, the partnership with the Palanas Farmers Association of the Philippines, and the impact of the project on local residents, providing a detailed and engaging narrative suitable for a local newspaper.
Farmers Relief Builds Lifeline for Community with University Partnership
Ormoc City, Leyte – In a heartwarming demonstration of community resilience and innovation, Farmers Relief, formerly known as Ormoc Relief, has successfully completed a landmark project to provide clean water to the area. Partnering with the Palanas Farmers Association, among other local support, Farmers Relief raised substantial international donations to construct a water well, equipped with solar panels, ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply even during power outages. With the help of the expert searchers of the University of The Philippines, the hidden aquifer was located in no time.
Local residents band together to clean up after Typhoon Yolanda. Photo credit: Leyte Herald
A Community Effort The initiative, which began six months ago, has brought significant positive change to the lives of many residents, especially in remote areas. Thirty local farmers were employed at the start of the project, providing much-needed jobs and economic support to the community. The solar-powered system not only cut down on operational costs but also guaranteed an uninterrupted water supply, crucial during the frequent blackouts experienced in the region.
Purest Water in the Region The University of the Philippines conducted extensive tests on the water quality from the newly drilled well, which taps into an underground river 40 meters below the surface. The results confirmed that it is the purest water in the area, a vital resource for the health and wellbeing of the local population.
Volunteers distribute water to remote areas and the elderly. Photo credit: Leyte Herald
Affordable and Accessible - the local well is named "O" after the French word for water, "eau," the project has become a beacon of hope and reliability for many. During the typhoon season, when water access is often compromised, "O" ensures that even the most vulnerable – the elderly and those in remote areas – have access to affordable and clean water. The water is sold at half the price of other sources, making it accessible to a broader segment of the population.
A Beacon of Hope Post-Typhoon Yolanda This initiative is particularly poignant in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda, which devastated Asia and left millions without homes. The community of Ormoc, including its fishermen, now has a reliable source of clean water thanks to "O." This project stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the people of Leyte and the enduring spirit of solidarity in times of crisis.
Construction of the water well using local labor. Photo credit: Leyte Herald
As the project continues to deliver water and hope to those in need, it exemplifies how community-driven efforts, bolstered by academic partnerships and innovative solutions, can create lasting positive impacts. Farmers Relief and the University of the Philippines have set a precedent for sustainable development and community empowerment in Leyte.
By: Maria Santos
Comments