Vira Vira gears up for expansion

Vira Vira Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association, Incorporated (RWSAI) is presently serving more than 6,000 residents of Brgys. Subec, Saguigui, Baduang, Burayoc and Saud in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Vira Vira Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association, Incorporated (RWSAI) is looking into the possibility of expanding its area of operations in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

Jojo V. Constantino, Vira Vira general manager, said they are presently supplying potable water in Brgys. Subec, Saguigui, Baduang, Burayoc and Saud, all in Pagudpud.

“We would like also to extend our services to Brgys. Caparispisan and Poblacion Dos,” said Mr. Constantino.

In the late 80’s, Vira Vira was established through the assistance of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the water and sanitation program of the World Bank.

The local government unit and barangay residents also gave their equity for the startup operations of the water system.

Alex L. Malapit, Vira Vira RWSAI board of directors’ chairperson, said before Vira Vira, they had a barangay water system.

“But since it could only serve a small portion of the population, many of us fetched our drinking water from a ‘bubon-bubon’ or a hole we dug at the riverbank,” Mr. Malapit lamented.

It was a health nightmare since the river also served as the “toilet and bath” of many residents then. During those days, diseases, especially diarrhea, easily spread.

Today, Vira Vira is serving more than 6,000 residents of its area of coverage. At only P62 per month, they supply a household with affordable and safe water from the Vira Vira Spring in Saguigui.

In return for the support of the community, Vira Vira is giving cash mutual aid, senior citizen’s discount and free water supply to public schools, barangays halls, day care centers and cemeteries.

“But we are not resting on our laurels. Our ultimate goal is to have a municipality-wide operation,” Constantino added.

Provincial agrarian reform program officer II Vic M. Ines gave assurance that DAR Ilocos Norte is always ready to assist Vira Vira in their plans and operation.

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BARD NOTES: Happy bard-reading to Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos, Laoag City Mayor Chevylle V. Farinas, Laoag City Vice Mayor Michael V. Farinas, Badoc ABC President Virgilio Calajate, Ilocos Norte Provincial Treasurer Josephine P. Calajate, Dr. Miramar Bumanglag, DAR-Ilocos Norte PARPO II Vic M. Ines, DAR-Ilocos Norte CAO Rudy Acacio and PNB Pasuquin Branch Manager Metty V. Guerrero.

Greetings also to the employees of AMA Laoag, Laoag City PNP, DAR Ilocos Norte, DepEd Laoag, DepEd Ilocos Norte, PNB Pasuquin and to the residents of Barangay 6, San Agustin, Laoag City.