BSF method brings clean water to Tabuk City
THE concerns about clean water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in Balawag, Tabuk City, Kalinga can now be easily addressed using the bio-sand filter (BSF) method.
Adela S. Damaso, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-Kalinga Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, said the agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) members of the Botigue Farmers Association in the said municipality have already adopted the project.
Damaso disclosed that the project is a component of the community-managed potable water sanitation and hygiene (CPWASH) program being implemented by the agency.
“The target is to have a bio-sand filter mechanism in every household for them to be secured with safe, clean, and potable water in the community,” Damaso said.
Damaso explained that the bio-sand filter mechanism is a simple household water treatment device. It consists of different sizes of stones and pebbles, coarse sand, fine sand, and activated charcoal arranged in layers inside the food-grade container to purify water so it will be safe for the consumers.
“In addition to the BSF and to maximize the use of the CPWASH, a ferro-cement spring box is also being constructed under the CPWASH program to support the Peking duck raising project of the organization,” she added.
Meanwhile, Fernando Malyong, an ARB member of the association, said the project is far too cheaper than buying a commercial water filter.
“Now, we will intensify the replication of this so that every household will be assured of safe drinking water,” he said.
Barangay chairman Jerry Donga, on the other hand, thanked the DAR for the training provided by the agency.
He recalled that community members used to rely mainly on deep wells, hand pumps, and rainwater. Donga asked the participants to donate the bio-sand filter to the barangay, which in turn committed to replicate the project by installing bio-sand filters in every household to boost sanitation and hygiene.
“The project provides low-cost, culturally acceptable, and appropriate technology to address problems on poor access to potable water supply just like what was experienced here in Barangay Balawag,” Donga said.
