We started early in the morning coming from Bacolod City going through the Murcia-Bago road onward to La Castellana, Negros Occidental for the turnover of the Agos Ram Pump project of Coca-Cola Philippines, in partnership with the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI), in celebration of Earth Day 2016. With several vehicles on convoy, we got to La Carlota City in about an hour. From the highway, we turned left at the crossing that indicated the way to Kanlaon City.
Going through the zigzag road wherein some points seemed to be cliffs and ravines, we went towards Biak-na-Bato to Barangay Masulog in La Castellana. The majestic Mt. Kanlaon, which was reported to be spewing ashes a few weeks before we went here, was looming before us. Getting this close to nature was indeed a great way to kick-off my personal observation of Earth Day. And, this is probably the closest view I’ve had of Mt. Kanlaon (although I have been to Kanlaon City before).
We stopped at a certain point and went down our van and then boarded an open truck Canter. The Canter went through a rough road, braving a path with slopes on both side of the road, and arrived at a round concrete structure wherein the community was waiting for our party. It was the reservoir that stores the water. And when we thought that was it, we were again asked to load the Canter and went further ahead to a more densely populated area. The small village is surrounded by mountains. I passed by a public faucet, which was obviously connected to the whole project that we were about to witness that day.
From the village, we hiked downhill, walked through a rice plantation, went downwards to cross a small stream that connects to a wide river, and climbed a steep hill where the ram pump was located. We did this while the sun was shining immensely at us, and I could feel its rays scorching my back. Imagine the villagers who had to walk this path, carrying 20 to 40 liters, or probably more, of water for their day-to-day use.
Project beneficiaries Victoriano Avila and Fructoso Casipong of the Binalbagan Water Association (BINWA) and the Can-urong Water Association (CANWATA), respectively, shared exactly that, on how it was difficult for them before the Agos Ram Pump Project was installed in their area that now benefits Sitio Binalbagan, Barangay Masulog and Sitio Can-urong, Barangay Puso. Fructoso even shared that often, their water containers would break and they had to walk again all the way to the river to fetch water.
Coca-Cola Philippines President and General Manager Diego Granizo said during the event, “In support of the 100 percent water replenishment goal of The Coca-Cola Company, we started the Agos Ram Pump Project, which provides simple and sustainable water systems to water-poor communities in the country.”
The Agos Ram Pump Project is a modified version of a 200-year old technology that elevates water without the need for electricity. It harnesses the momentum of naturally-flowing water to propel itself into reservoirs, which in turn channels water to common tap stands near the clusters of houses. AIDFI Management Committee Head Auke Idzenga explained the whole process to the Coca-Cola executives, the community partners, and other guests.
More than 140 households in the village benefit from the Agos Ram Pump, which supplies 25,920 liters of fresh water daily. Across the Philippines, a total of 20,018 households have benefited from the project since 2011. As of 2015, 1.319 billion liters of water have flowed through Agos Ram Pumps. There are 129 Agos project locations – 118 ram pumps and 11 rainwater catchment facilities and gravity installations – throughout the country, including the remote villages in my province, Negros Occidental.
We left the project site with the villagers thanking everyone who did their part in helping them have access to water. Project leaders remind them that they own this project and must work together as a community in taking care of the facility as this is a legacy they can hand over to their children and their children’s children.
Sounds like a great project o be part of and the area is simply amazing. Love all your shots, but the one of Mt. Kanlaon is my absolute favorite.
So good to see big companies like Coca Cola and their social advocacies like this one. We would not have known about these activities like this without blogs like yours.
Not really a fan of Coca Cola, due to health concerns but I do love this project! Water isn’t that readily accessible in some places, which most people, city dwellers don’t even know of. This is great for the people of Sitio Binalbagan, Barangay Masulog and Sitio Can-urong, Barangay Puso!
I think projects like this are commendable. It is saddening to note that there are still communities that do not have access to water for day-to-day use. I hope we see more water delivery system projects like this developed specially in far flung areas.
I love Coca Cola because they always give back to the community. This one is really touching because water is essential for everyone, and clean water keeps everyone healthy.
What an awesome way to celebrate Earth Day. I hope they’d organize similar events in every city. I sure would love to participate in one
It looks like a challenge to visit because of the trail. It looks really beautiful though.
Looks like a great place! The trek and the nature looks fabulous…
However not a big fan of Cocoo Cola. Not really sure on how much they take and how much hey give back!
I can only imagine the hardship that they go through. Water is an essential part of our lives and it’s tough not to have it. I would definitely go through the same thing they did in order to get water. And I am glad that Coca Cola is helping provide sustainable water for them through this pump, that’s amazing!
While I don’t drink coke, I do love how they give back and this is a really great cause. Everyone needs clean running water and I’m happy that they helped out. BTW the place looks beautiful in your pics.
Looks like you had fun. I hope you didn’t get tired, though.
I’m more wowed at how green the scenery is! its great that they’ve installed a pump
This is great. i can’t imagine living without access to water and it’s really hard for people in remote areas to get their hands on it.
Though Coke is a junk drink, at least they are trying to involve in some good initiatives. Your photos are very nice and that mountain is wow!
Nice CSR project from Coca Cola~ Hope to learn more about what they do in future, create healthier drinks perhaps?
So wondeful to see a big company like Coca Cola embarking on this project. It is a commendable efforts