A new water system project was inaugurated in Sitio Kaging, Tarlac, serving 36 Aeta families and eliminating a nearly one-kilometer trek for clean water. The project is part of the Roots to Shoots (RTS) Light: Community Nutrition and Resilience Program, implemented in partnership with Manila Water Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., and Clark Development Corporation.
A Milestone for the Indigenous Community
The new water system, located in Barangay Sto. Niño, Bamban, Tarlac, was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Aeta Tribal Chieftain Noel Lundang, PSFI Executive Director Sebastian Quiñones, and Thaison representative Sheila Umalos. The event was marked by an indigenous dance ritual and the distribution of hygiene products and Safeguard soap. For the 36 Aeta families in Sitio Kaging, the project means they no longer have to walk nearly a kilometer to fetch water, saving them time and effort while improving their access to safe drinking water.
The Roots to Shoots (RTS) Light program is designed to address nutrition and resilience in communities through integrated interventions. By partnering with Manila Water Foundation, Pilipinas Shell Foundation, and Clark Development Corporation, the initiative demonstrates how multi-sectoral collaboration can bring essential services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Strengthening Partnerships for Community Resilience
The partnership between these organizations builds on a history of successful collaborations focused on water access and community development. Manila Water Foundation has been involved in similar water projects across the country, including a water system turnover in an Aeta community in Tarlac in collaboration with the Clark Development Corporation . Clark Development Corporation has also worked with Pilipinas Shell Foundation on various community programs, and the three organizations have partnered on water and sanitation initiatives in the past. The Pilipinas Shell Foundation remains committed to improving lives and livelihoods through sustainable programs in education, health, and enterprise development. Together, these partners are helping to build more resilient communities by ensuring that clean water is accessible to those who need it most.
