A new chapter of hope has begun for the Ayta Mag-antsi community in Sitio Burog, Bamban, Tarlac, with the completion and inauguration of their first deep well water system under the Roots to Shoots (RTS) program. This milestone was made possible through the strong collaboration among Manila Water Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), World Vision Development Foundation (WVDF), and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation, Inc. (BCFI), with vital support from Clark Water Corporation and Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
More than just infrastructure, the project delivers a promise fulfilled: to provide consistent, safe, and accessible water for families in geographically disadvantaged areas. The newly inaugurated deep well now supplies clean water to 127 Ayta Mag-antsi households, significantly improving their quality of life, with full-scale implementation currently underway to further expand coverage.
Clean water is more than a basic necessity; it is a cornerstone of health and development. With safe water now flowing in Sitio Burog, families are better protected from waterborne diseases, children can grow healthier, and food preparation and hygiene practices are greatly improved. Access to clean water is essential in the fight against undernutrition, as it helps prevent infections and ensures the body can effectively absorb the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive.
The inauguration ceremony was a joyful and meaningful celebration, attended by partner organizations and warmly hosted by the Ayta Mag-antsi community. It stood as a powerful testament to the impact of people-centered and collaborative development. As part of the event, Manila Water Foundation also conducted capacity-building sessions with community leaders, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to sustainably operate and maintain the water system.
This deep well is only the beginning. The next step is transitioning to a Level III fully reticulated water system, delivering water directly into households and ensuring that no family is left behind.
As the first RTS deep well project in the region, this initiative represents a shared commitment to transforming lives through improved access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. It is a vital step toward building healthier, more resilient communities—one drop of clean water at a time.
