The Department of Science and Technology VI (DOST VI) has partnered with the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI) to implement the project entitled, “Installation of Ram Pump Water Systems and Provision of Water Filters to CEST Communities in Western Visayas” under the Grants-In-Aid Program of DOST VI.

The project’s general objective is to set up a sustainable community-owned ram pump water system in four communities from the provinces of Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, and Guimaras, either for drinking, household use, or agriculture.

In the Province of Aklan, the project will be implemented in Barangay Manika, Libacao, Aklan, where there is no source of potable water. The community acquires its water supply from the free-flowing water from the mountain or river. Hence, the ram pump water system is the perfect solution since the community’s setting is highlands. The ram pump, with an output of 1,627.20 liters or eight (8) drums a day, will be for household use and can benefit 28 households or 225 persons. Moreover, the provision of table-top water filters will help the 28 households in Barangay Manika, including the PNP and Philippine Army Detachment Area.

The turn-over ceremony for the ram pump water system and 40 table-top water filters to the community of Barangay Manika was recently conducted. With this collaborative effort, DOST VI through its Aklan Provincial S&T Office (PSTO) and AIDFI aim to provide sustainable water systems to remote communities, ensuring access to clean and safe water for households and agriculture. The project also promotes community ownership and responsibility, fostering sustainable and long-term solutions to address the water needs of the community. (DOST VI-KMU)