The province of Sarangani, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Safe Water, hosted the second Sarangani Provincial Water Summit on Wednesday, August 14, at the Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City.
The event highlighted the province's accomplishments in addressing water security challenges. It also showcased the “water champions,” hailed as the "heroes behind Sarangani's strides towards water security." They shared their stories of dedication, perseverance, innovation, collaboration, and success.
The water champions who shared their stories during the event included Alabel Mayor Vic Paul Salarda, former Sarangani PENRO Officer Rolando Tuballes, Alabel OMAg Head Giselle Gestupa, coffee farmers Cedelia Mozo and Renny Boy Takyawan, as well as Bro. Manny de Leon.
The summit was attended by notable figures including USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn, USAID Safe Water Chief of Party Alma Porciuncula, Vice Governor Elmer de Peralta (representing Governor Rogelio Pacquiao), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Joseph Capuno, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Capitol department heads led by Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos, and various partners, stakeholders, and environmental champions.
Mission Director Washburn praised the robust partnership between the USAID Safe Water Project and Sarangani Province, which has been instrumental in building a water-resilient future over the past five years. He highlighted Sarangani as one of only two local government units in the country with its own Provincial Integrated Water Security Plan (PIWSP), a critical step towards achieving a water-secure future.
“With the success we have in this event, I hope everyone in the room will feel inspired to continue building a water-secure future for Sarangani and spreading your experiences throughout the country,” he said.
Vice Governor De Peralta expressed gratitude to local and international partners for their crucial role in ensuring that every Sarangan has access to safe, clean, and sustainable water.
The summit also featured an exhibit showcasing the knowledge products of USAID Safe Water and the initiatives of Sarangani's "champions" from local government units, private sectors, and community organizations.
The summit concluded with USAID-Philippines, the provincial government of Sarangani, and their partners reaffirming their collective commitment to supporting the journey towards a water-secure Philippines.
Sarangani is the first province in the Philippines to implement the Safe Water project. The USAID signed a five-year, P869-million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Palawan, Negros Occidental, and Sarangani to address water security challenges faced by communities in these provinces.
USAID provides technical assistance to help these provinces gain reliable access to clean water. The project started in 2020 and will end in 2024.
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