A small community in Palawan has been provided with Hydropanels — the first of its kind.
The province of Palawan is known for its majestic mountains and vast bodies of water, ultimately making it a favourite destination for tourists to explore. In contrast to its tropical scenery, the main city consists of souvenir shops, gardens, and other establishments tourists might want to visit. However, just beyond the bustling city are smaller communities residing on elevated terrains.
During a global crisis, small communities living far from urbanised cities are one of the most vulnerable. Unfortunately, one of its communities, Binta't Karis, has little to no water resources.
Considering that the community is situated around Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape, the highest point of Palawan, its water infrastructure is working against gravity. This makes it difficult to install water support similar to communities situated on lower terrains.
The residents would fetch water by foot from the river around the mountain. Saisi Pinlasan, a student from Binta't Karis Iskulat, shares that she would have to fetch water ahead of her classmates before coming to school. Sometimes, they would return home with buckets of murky water. For years the community has been deprived of a clean water source.
They are left with no other choice but to drink dirty water, consequently affecting their health and their daily lives. Dehydration and diarrhoea had plagued the community, and lives have been taken. But the adults, children, and infants were still left to depend on unclean water.
Binta't Karis was in dire need of clean, drinking water until recently, the SOURCE Hydropanels were installed.