BOHOL second district Rep. Vanessa Aumentado and Gov. Aris Aumentado drink water straight from a faucet of a water desalination facility in Malingin, Bien Unido, Bohol. (Contributed photo)
CEBU CITY – For years, water has been scarce in the island-barangay of Malingin in Bien Unido, Bohol.
That perennial problem was finally solved when provincial officials, led by Gov. Aris Aumentado and second district Rep. Vanessa Aumentado, turned over a P7.4-million water desalination facility to the barangay on Friday, Feb. 20.
The solar-powered water desalination plant converts salt water into safe drinking water. The facility is capable of supplying up to 11 cubic meters or 11,000 liters of clean water daily.
Also present during the turnover ceremony were Board Member Fernando Estavilla, Bien Unido Mayor Felix John Garcia, personnel of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO) which implemented the project, and representatives of Nxtlvl Water Technology Inc., the project contractor.
Barangay Councilor Felix Lopez Jr. said they will push for a barangay ordinance that will collect P10 for every container of water taken from the facility.
Lopez said fees collected will be used to maintain the facility.
Malingin Barangay Captain Arne Nellas thanked Gov. Aumentado for the project even if he lost in the barangay during the last election.
“My sincerest thank you to our governor for realizing this project that we have been dreaming of,” Nellas said.
Rep. Aumentado emphasized that essential services will be brought to every barangay regardless of political inclinations.
She urged barangay officials to work closely with the provincial government to help improve basic services.