Bato, Makilala, Cotabato Philippines Water for All; Leaving No One Behind

Chapter 1: Bato, Makilala, Cotabato

In the small Philippine barangay (hamlet) called Bato, Makilala, Cotabato Philippines, is where I live. We have three main sources for obtaining fresh water for our daily chores: the spring, the well, and the faucet.

Inhabitants of suburbs of Bato have plenty of access to springs and wells.

However those who live in central Bato depend heavily on tap water. However all these channels that ensure us a steady supply of fresh water is thanks to one big natural water resource that is hidden away in the faraway hills.

In 2005 Philippines government struck underground water in Makilala. It passed the laboratory tests and was approved for human consumption. A water reservoir was proposed for the region that would provide water to surrounding villages and towns. But the project did not live up to its expectations. Only barangay Bato benefited from it.

However, as the years passed by, the standing waters of the reservoir was subjected to water contamination due to flooding and mismanagement of the authorities. A majority of the population suffered diarrhoea.

Then the droughts hit barangay Bato. El-Nino was active and we were really helpless. Plants died and harvest thinned. We were left with no water and no food.

On this approaching World Water Day I want to deliver a wakeup call to the entire nation and the world beyond our seas. It is high time we take steps to protect our natural water resources from man as well as from nature itself.

Governments should take measures control man-made activities to minimize the impact they bring on natural water resources. New rules and regulations should be introduced.

Adverse weather conditions should be monitored around the clock and pre-emptive actions should be taken well in advance. If we are not prepared, our survival will be questionable.

Water is for all. Let’s Leave No One Behind.