The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has reported the installation of a hydraulic ram pump in Floridablanca, Pampanga that seeks to benefit more than 250 families, mostly Aetas.

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the project is jointly implemented by DOST Region III and the Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) based in Bacolor, Pampanga, in cooperation with the local government of Floridablanca.

"A hydraulic ram pump was recently installed in the Sitio Camachile in Nabuclod, Floridablanca, Pampanga which is home to 251 families, or roughly 1,000 individuals, mostly Aetas. With the installation of a hydraulic ram pump, carrying water from the stream at the foot of the mountain to their homes has become a thing of the past,” he said in a report.

He explained that the “Hydram” pump is a device that utilizes the energy from flowing water such as a spring, stream or river to pump water to a height above its source.

“It uses a mechanism that pushes an average water discharge of 22 liters per minute and a multi-media filtration system that uses activated carbon, pebbles, coarse sand, and fine sand,” he said.

Hydra was developed through a DOST III-funded research project conducted by Engr. Inla Diana Salonga of the DHVSU research, development and extension office, the DOST chief said.

“As an offshoot of the project, the local government unit of Floridablanca through the office of Mayor Darwin Manalansan is now working with DOST Region III thru its Pampanga provincial office to study the possibility of having the water channeled to the residents’ houses,” de la Peña said.

During the turn-over rites, DOST III Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat directed DOST- Pampanga Provincial S&T Director Mary Michelle Quiambao to finalize plans to provide gardening tools and vegetable seeds for the establishment of backyard vegetables gardens in the community.

“Now that you have a readily available source of water, you should be able to grow vegetables to supplement your diet and also as a source of additional income,” Sicat said.

Lito Apang, the IP Kagawad coordinator for the project, thanked the DOST and its partners for implementing the Hydram initiative.

“Malaking tulong po ito sa aming komunidad at makaka-asa po kayong iingatan po namin ito (This is a big help to our community and you can expect that we will take care of it),” he said.