ARAYAT, Pampanga — With water jugs provided by the provincial government, 2,633 residents trooped to the newly inaugurated Maria Sinukwan Purified Water facility in Barangay San Juan Baño here on Monday to get their fill of free clean and safe potable water.
“Ikayu mu pu king Pampanga ing ating danum a makanyan. Siniguru ku pu a malinis ini. Lalu na pu kareng anak ngeni, dapat pu na malinis a malinis pu ng danum da pung iinuman bang ela mikasakit,” enthused Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda who led the inauguration with Mayor Jeffrey Luriz, barangay chairman Froilan Soriano, provincial environment and natural office chief Arthur Punsalan, and provincial social welfare and development officer Fe Manarang.
The governor emphasized that the project aims to prevent water-borne diseases, particularly among children, as part of the province’s “Alagang Nanay Preventive Healthcare Program.”
Equipped with solar-powered water filtration technology developed by the provincial government, the facility ensures that water sourced from the mountain is purified and safe for consumption.
To ensure proper maintenance and operation of the facility, the provincial government, in coordination with the municipal and barangay officials, shall assign trained personnel equipped with appropriate protective gear to manage the water system.
According to the LGU, the project will not only benefit the residents of Barangay San Juan Baño but will also contribute to nearby communities especially students in the said town.
“Buong bayan po ng Arayat libre po rito, ang gusto ni Nanay, more than 10,000 bottles ire-refill namin, pamimigay namin sa mga schools. Nagre-ready kami para next year may pamimigay kami sa mga schools,” Mayor Luriz said.
Residents expressed their gratitude for the initiative, noting that access to free purified water will help reduce household expenses and allow them to allocate resources to other essential needs.
“Maraming salamat kay Nanay kasi mahalaga yan sa mga bata, hindi na kami bibili. Yung pambayad namin ng inumin, pwede na namin pambili ng bigas at iba pang pangangailangan sa bahay,” said Lorena Dela Paz, one of the residents.
Governor Pineda also reminded residents of the importance of protecting and preserving natural water sources, emphasizing that water from the mountain is a valuable resource that must be cared for responsibly. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Kiervin Cayanan, Daniel Ombina
