The Bohe Maka Sannang project, launched on June 21, 2026, by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Cebu and JCI Japan, will provide safe drinking water to approximately 525 Badjao families in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City. The initiative addresses long-standing sanitation and health issues in the community.
Japanese Technology for Clean Water
The project, funded by a 2-million Japanese yen grant (approximately P752,000) through JCI Japan’s SMILE by Water initiative under the JCI RISE program, utilizes a modern Japanese water filtration system. The system treats water from existing supplies, including tap connections, communal sources, and rainwater, through a multi-step process: raw water is pumped into a treatment unit, passes through an ultra-filtration membrane to remove sediments and bacteria, undergoes UV sterilization to eliminate viruses, and is finally stored in clean stainless-steel tanks for resident use.
Health and Livelihood Benefits
JCI Cebu noted that the facility is designed to provide a stable supply of safe drinking water for families and students in Mambaling, where official assessments showed urgent needs. Unsafe water causes severe health problems, especially for young children. JCI Japan vice chair Kotaro Mizuyama stated, “The project aims to address these health issues directly.” In addition to clean water, the initiative includes livelihood programs such as soap-making for women and jewelry-making for children. About 20 women will receive livelihood training, and the water system is expected to benefit around 2,000 local residents. The community has also received financial literacy and basic equipment maintenance training to ensure long-term sustainability.
Future Management
Organizers said the project will be carefully monitored before full turnover to the community for shared management. By equipping residents to run the facility themselves, project leaders aim to improve access to clean water, reduce illness, and create sustainable income opportunities for Badjao families for years to come.
