BEAUTIES AND THE BEST AT ISLAND WATER RITE. – Miss Universe Philippines winners are with Baclayon Mayor Benecio Uy (sixth from left) and Gov. Arthur Yap (seventh from left) during the inauguration-turnover of the water desalination facility on Pamilacan island off Baclayon on Friday, March 19, 2021. Islanders called Yap the “best” for providing the precious resource, which is water. (PRIMER PHOTO)
Gov. Arthur Yap ends Pamilacan islanders’ thirst for ages through an innovative water desalination facility which he turned over in ceremonies witnessed by the Miss Universe Philippines 2020 winners on Friday, Mar. 19, 2020.
The facility uses a special technology that treats saltwater into clean, safe and drinkable water in a very energy-efficient manner, making its operation cheaper and sustainable.
For the villagers led by captain Crispo Valeroso, potable water for their island has been a huge problem for them—but not anymore.
With the Miss Universe winners who are also goodwill and welfare ambassadors in witness, Yap was joined by Baclayon Mayor Benecio Uy in inaugurating the water plant.
The stunners who witnessed the ceremonies consisted of Miss Universe Philippines 2020 grand winner Rabiya Mateo, first runner-up Maria Isabella Ysmael, Boholana third runner-up Pauline Amelinckx and fourth runner-up Billie Hakenson.
Healthy, abundant and cheap water is now accessible right on the island because of the vision and willingness of the governor, said the facility builder and technology provider.
The water plant is the second of its kind on an island after the facility on Pandanon island off Getafe in the Second District.
Both facilities are life-essential commitments from the provincial government under Yap and Vice Gov. Rene Relampagos.
With the kind of desalination technology which is said to be the first of its kind in the country, the price of water for consumption can drop by more than 90%, from P60 to usually less than P5.
Yap felt the thirst of the islanders for sustainable clean and safe water that is readily available right in their area.
Capitol’s aggressive water program which is, in fact, province-wide, is a flagship initiative of the Yap administration pursuing the steadfast advocacy of care for the weak.
Pamilacan island, a part of Baclayon town, is in the First District.
Board Members Ricky Masamayor and Aldner Damalerio, and Provincial Engineer Camilo Gasatan, also joined the governor.
The water system is truly sustainable not just from the environmental standpoint but social and socio-economic as well.
The island villagers said they will be forever grateful to the Bohol and Baclayon leaders whose hearts did not fail them.
Meanwhile, Yap distributed milk and school supplies to the island children under the province’s outreach learning and nutrition programs.
The end of Pamilacan thirst is considered significant to Bohol’s observance of the World Water Day tomorrow, March 22, 2021.
At the Capitol, Yap will lead the celebration with highlight testimonies from the stakeholders and a commitment signing on the provincial government’s water supply development agenda.
The governor is working hard to address the need of the Boholanos for safe and potable water in still many areas, citing the basic fluid as both life and a right. (Ven rebo Arigo)