Lanao del Sur inaugurates biggest water system

WAO, Lanao del Sur—the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Japan on Tuesday launched the largest water system in Lanao del Sur that will provide clean and safe water amid the pandemic.

The water system connects six barangays with a population of over 10,000 people. These barangays have limited water access for two decades. The water system with 69 tap stands will cover communities, agricultural areas, schools and a birthing clinic.

“Water has become more valuable during Covid-19, especially for areas facing multiple burdens such as extreme poverty, conflict, and climate change,” said Khalid Hassan, director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.

“We are grateful to the Government of Japan for giving us the opportunity to take part on Mindanao’s development through this water project that creates decent work, provides safe water and promotes peace,” Hassan added.

Undertheilojapanwaterandsanitationproject,263communitymembers were trained and hired in construction, mostly those who lost their jobs and livelihoods due to the pandemic.

A Single Drop for Safe Water , as the project’s implementing partner further supported the community contractor, Katutungan Irrigators’ Association in building the water system. Workers received wages and social protection benefits. Occupational safety and health protocols were implemented.

The project also ensured equal employment opportunity by engaging women in construction, and planned for its sustainability through social dialogue.

In addition to promoting decent work and contributing to peace-building in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the project also helped upgrade technical and financial skills of the community.