A first: House sets aside P10B to implement solar-powered water supply system nationwide
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Ako Bicol Party-list's solar-powered water supply system program will be implemented nationwide to the tune of P10 billion, House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Zaldy Co bared in statement Sunday, April 30. "As the chairman of the appropriations [panel] in Congress and with the concurrence of the Speaker [Martin Romualdez], we have approved the allocation of P10 billion for the implementation of solar-powered water supply systems throughout the entire country," said Co, an Ako Bicol nominee in the House of Representatives. "This is the first time that Congress has allocated funds for the implementation of solar-powered water supply systems throughout the Philippines," noted the second-term congressman. The solar-powered water supply system uses solar energy to provide a cost-effective and sustainable potable water supply to upland communities without access to services of water concessionaires. Ako Bicol has been busy expanding the program in Bicol the past few months ahead of the expected effects of El Niño or the extended dry season. The party-list said that the initiative to fund the program's nationwide implementation marks a significant milestone of the House under Speaker Romualdez and President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos toward promoting sustainable water supply solutions. The solar-powered water supply system's built-in filtration provides cleaner water compared to traditional systems relying on non-renewable sources. The water produced by the system is safe for drinking, unlike that provided by water concessionaires. In addition to providing sustainable and affordable water supply solutions, the solar-powered water supply system also ensures that beneficiaries can maintain the system at a minimal cost. They only need to pay P20 per family per month for the maintenance of the filter system, significantly lower than the minimum monthly payment of P200 for water concessionaires service. This makes the initiative more accessible to underserved communities in need of clean water, but cannot afford the high costs of traditional water supply systems, Co said. Ako Bicol Party-list first implemented the potable water supply program in Bicol three years ago.