Tacurong LGU vows religious implementation of UNICEF water project

TACURONG CITY - Aware of the importance of providing clean and potable water for its constituents, the city government of Tacurong vowed to effectively implement the WaSH Service Institutionalization Program of UNICEF and Single Drop for Safe Water (SDSW).WaSH stands for Water Sanitation and Hygiene.Tacurong City vowed to strengthen and sustain its programs to provide clean and safe water for and with the communities.WaSH program aims to mobilize community leaders and members to ensure that problems on water sanitation and hygiene are not left on the sidelines.UNICEF and SDSW have started this program in Sultan Kudarat two years ago. It started with a signing of a memorandum of agreement for a 5-year partnership.In 2012, WaSH was institutionalized in two pilot areasand Kalamansig and Lebak towns. This year, we are very eager to facilitate WaSH efforts in the remaining municipalities and city in Sultan Kudarat,” said Estelita dela Cruz, SDSW facilitator.SDSW conducted a WaSH orientation for LGUs in Sultan Kudarat on October 13-15 in Tacurong City.Participants were members of LGU WaSH Task Forces who will ensure that issues on water sanitation are addressed in each municipality and city.A special task force was created through an executive order issued by the town mayor with core members include personnel from LGU’s health, environment, budget, treasury, and Sangguniang Bayan office. Barangay health workers and leaders are also part of the task force.SDSW aims to capacitate WaSH Task Forces for effective and efficient data gathering and planning for strategic solutions that will address water problems in communities.After the orientation, participants were deployed in Tacurong City’s WaSH pilot sites to apply what they have learned. Among their tasks were to identify water concerns and issues through focus group discussions, household interviews, and technical assessment of water sanitation facilities. After issues and concerns are identified and validated, the task force will start to determine the possible solutions. SDSW can help LGUs in formulating project proposals and in lobbying for funds from different organizations, said dela Cruz.