BORONGAN CITY- Some 18 poor communities in Eastern Samar now enjoy free water for domestic use under the PNP’s “Poso Mo, Sagot Ko” project.
On Jan. 7, the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office led by PMaj. Rommel Cesista turned-over three jetmatic water pumps in Sitio Maligaya, Brgy. San Miguel, Balangiga town; Sitio Ilawod, Brgy. Naparaan, Salcedo town; and Sitio Lubang, Brgy. Binalay, Gen. MacArthur town.
One elderly, Lola Patricia Onorosa, 69, of Sitio Maligaya carried her small pail to fetch water from the new water pump.
“Ha akon edad, maupay nga harani na an akon pag-alog,” (In my age now, it is better that the water pump is near my house) as she thanked the police officer who pumped water in her pail.
The Balangiga Municipal Police Station put up the jetmatic water pump for at least 36 households, said Punong Barangay Rommel Hilaria.
The next stop was in Sitio Ilawod, Naparaan, Salcedo, this time sponsored by the 2nd Eastern Samar Police Mobile Force (ESPMF) based in Brgy. Buenavista, Quinapondan.
Despite the rains, at least a few of the 65 households that can benefit from the water project showed up. Like the Balangiga folks, they too thanked the police for the project.
“Our mandate is for peace and order but we also look for other projects that can help our people, especially that water is important in the fight against COVID-19,” said Cesista who represented Provincial Director Carlito Abriz.
In Sitio Lubang, Binalay, residents get their water for laundry and cooking in the stream located some 50 meters from the highway, but the water gets soiled during heavy rains, said Maria Madolid, 76.
Now, she alleged that the water is even safe for drinking.
Gen. MacArthur Chief of Police PLt. Mark Anthony Dancel said that they will still submit water samples to health authorities.
But the residents may now use the water for domestic use other than drinking, he advised.
The project is a brainchild and considered one of the best practices of the Eastern Samar Police led by Police Director Carlito Abriz.
Set for turnover are for some six more in other areas.
Earlier this year, the police built houses for 26 poor families in poor areas in the province. The police stations also regularly distribute grocery items to those in need.
As the Poso Mo Project is almost over, Abriz said he is thinking of another project to benefit the poor.
They may opt for electrification of some unenergized sitios, a lady police officer said, or provision of solar panels for light.
(nbq/PIA E. Samar)
