In celebration of United Nation’s World Water Day, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, in partnership with Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc., culminated its Water for Peace in Marawi project through a groundbreaking ceremony held recently.
“The Water for Peace in Marawi project aims to address the Maranao’s need for clean, safe, and usable water after the Marawi siege that made it difficult for them to access this important, basic necessity,” said Monique Castro, PCPPI corporate affairs and communications senior manager.
The project turned over seven 20,000-liter tanks to a total of six transitional shelters: five of which got a tank each, and one village with two tanks. It also benefitted 10 underserved schools which were given a 3,200-liter water tank each. One hundred forty thousand Maranaos have already benefited from the project and with the final tank on its way, it is set to benefit more.
A 50,000-liter water tank is set to be turned over to the new, larger transitional village being developed in Brgy. Rorogagus which is intended to house at least 1,000 families and 40,000 Internally Displaced People (IDPs). Priority lodging will be given to 600 IDPs who are currently residing in the city’s capitol and will also benefit 400 more families from different camps to ensure transitional villages are not congested.
The project also includes community training on water management and hygiene with the PDRF team carrying on these trainings to instill the value of water and how to use it properly and sustainably.