A long-awaited dream for reliable and clean water is finally becoming a reality for the residents of Barangay Naalad in the City of Naga, Cebu. A newly initiated water drilling project is now offering concrete hope to solve a persistent water shortage that has plagued the community for generations.
Decades of Struggle for a Basic Necessity
For years, residents in the mountainous areas of Barangay Naalad have endured severe water scarcity. This is not a new crisis; the lack of water has been a burden passed down from their parents and grandparents. Historically, the community relied solely on small irrigation canals and springs flowing from the forest, but these sources were insufficient, especially during the dry summer season when supplies would nearly vanish.
The daily reality for many involved significant hardship. Residents often had to line up before sunrise to collect water, carrying heavy buckets from distant sources as a normal part of their routine. This chronic shortage of clean water severely impacted household needs and community sanitation, creating a deep-rooted problem demanding a real and lasting solution.
A New Dawn: The Water Drilling Project Begins
The tide began to turn on September 9, 2025, when a new water drilling system was officially launched in the barangay. This long-anticipated project is funded by the Local Government Unit (LGU) and spearheaded by the barangay captain, who has been instrumental in pushing for a resolution to the water crisis.
During the initial testing phase, the strong flow of water brought immense joy to the community, serving as a tangible sign that a solution was finally underway. The project guarantees a reliable and clean water supply for Barangay Naalad and is projected to be fully completed by January 2026.
Community Collaboration and Future Steps
While construction continues on a solar power system that will operate the entire project, hope remains high among Naalad's residents. One resident expressed great happiness with the new water supply, noting it will be a major help for their daily needs and the overall livelihood situation in the barangay.
This initiative highlights the critical importance of community collaboration and support in solving long-standing issues. The arrival of the new water system marks a sign of progress and hope for Barangay Naalad, inspiring the belief that through unity, more communities can benefit from real solutions to their essential needs.
Based on a report by Sheryn Mae C. Sinoy, UV BA-Communication student.
