Barangay Bangkal is a geographically remote village located on Ilin Island, in the municipality of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, with an estimated population of around 1,000 residents. For many years, access to safe and potable drinking water has been a major concern for the community. Due to the absence of a local water purification facility, residents were compelled to obtain water from nearby barangays, often incurring significant costs—typically amounting to PHP 60 per 25-gallon container.
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In response to this long-standing issue, a collaborative water supply project was initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in partnership with POWER 4 ALL. The project aimed to establish a sustainable, community-based purified water system within the barangay. Mobilization and installation began on May 22, 2025, and concluded successfully on May 28, 2025. This was followed by system testing and commissioning and a local end-user training to ensure proper community operation and maintenance.
The project was received with great enthusiasm and appreciation by the residents. Barangay Captain Melecio Abos expressed gratitude, emphasizing the significance of the project as a life-changing development for their community. “The availability of a reliable and clean water supply is no longer a dream but a reality—one that will positively affect health, economic stability, and overall quality of life,” he said.
This initiative not only addresses an essential need but also empowers the residents by providing them with access to a basic human right—safe and affordable drinking water. The community of Barangay Bangkal extends its sincerest thanks to DENR and POWER 4 ALL for their dedication and commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.