Barangay Talubin in Bontoc is well known for its fresh mineral water flowing from its aquifers and streams in the mountains down to the river.

The local folks use to tap their potable water from the side of the mountain that leads towards the town of Barlig.

But Jovita Oydoc, 69, and barangay tanod, said that their usual sources of potable water no longer provide enough of this life sustaining resource. People have constructed houses and farms near the area and they use most of the water that flows to the pipes towards the village.

With the help of the Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), a Level II Potable Water System (PWS) was constructed that taps water from the opposite mountain.

The funding for the completed PhP5.56-million-worth PWS subproject was shared by the World Bank through Loan Proceeds (80%), the DA (10%), and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Bontoc (10%).

Aside from solving water supply problems in the community, the DA-PRDP PWS subproject was proposed to also help reduce cost of morbidity due to water-borne diseases.

The subproject was completed in December 2021 and was formally turned over on August 26, 2022 at barangay Talubin.

The turnover ceremony was led by DA-CAR-Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey together with Bontoc Mayor Jerome Chagsen B. Tudlong, and Talubin Punong Barangay Veteriano L. Dulay.

Representatives from the Provincial LGU of Mountain Province and from the Office of the Congressman of Mountain Province participated in the event.

In his message, Director Odsey enjoined all the stakeholders and beneficiaries to take good care of the completed PWS. He also commended the Municipal mayor of Bontoc for his initiative of providing possible royalty for Barangay Talubin for environmental and watershed services for the town of Bontoc.

Mayor Tudlong thanked the DA for bringing its programs and projects to the municipality that benefits the farmers and whole Bontoc community as well. He appreciated the people in Talubin for protecting the watersheds that provides ecological and many good benefits to Talubin and Bontoc and communities.

Meanwhile, the representatives from the province’s top officials expressed the support of their offices to the completion and sustainability of the project which will reinforce the programs and services of the LGUs.

The Talubin PWS is the second PRDP supported PWS subproject in Bontoc along with the improvement of the Mainit-Chorngawan PWS at barangay Mainit.

By Robert L. Domoguen, InfoACE Unit Head (with notes from Erwin Batnag, PIO-Mountain Province)