The
Philippines is known for its water resource – seas that are abundant with fish
and other marine ecosystems, rivers and lakes that host freshwater flora and
fauna, and springs that are considered to be one of the cleanest. However,
there are communities that still do not have access to water.
For
generations, upland communities have lived lives that required them to wake up early
to draw water from distant sources; a life where children would spend more time
drawing water for household use than playing outdoors; a life where mothers
juggle between providing water for their families and finding the time to care
and nurture.
In
line with its global thrust of returning the same amount of water used in the
production of its beverages to nature and communities, Coca-Cola Philippines installed
13 hydraulic ram pumps this September and October through the Coca-Cola Agos Program.
In 2015 alone, 1,984 million liters of water have been returned to nature and
communities through the project’s water ram pump installations.
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The
interiors of the Agos ram pump show that it is made of materials that are
easily accessible at a local hardware store. The pump was designed in such a
way that once turned over to the villagers, they can easily maintain and repair
it on their own.
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“We
believe that water is an integral resource in ensuring the sustainability of
communities. Through the ram pump’s simple and sustainable mechanism, we are
able to bring water to people who need it most. More than the water, it is
giving these communities a fresh start, an opportunity to create a more
sustainable future,” said Diego Granizo, president and general manager of
Coca-Cola Philippines.
In
the last two months, the villages of Ebag in Barugo, Templanza and Luwan in
Matalom, all in Leyte, together with the villages of Libtong, Villa Caneja,
Cabunga-an, Caray-Caray, and sitios Puro, Mocal Bocal, and Baras, and the
village proper of Barangay Catmon in Naval, Biliran will be receiving the
Coca-Cola Agos ram pumps. Completing the list of recipients are Sitio Sadsadan
in Barangay Balbalan, Sitio Bullalayao in Barangay Pantikian, both in Kalinga
Province, and two areas in Barangay Camias, including Sitio Pasbul, and
Barangay Inararo in Porac, Pampanga.
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After
the Coca-Cola Agos Program ram pump was installed in Lake Lahit, residents
started getting water from tap stands near their homes. Gone are the days when
they have to trek for hours to get water for their daily needs.
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In
partnership with the Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation, Inc. (AIDFI),
Coca-Cola Philippines has been bringing the ram pump technology to various
upland communities who do not have access to water. The ram pump technology
allows the elevation of water from a remote source to upland areas without the
need for complex machinery and electricity. The ram pump used in the Coca-Cola
Agos Project relies on gravity-assisted hydraulic force to propel water into
reservoirs which brings water to conduits near clustered households.
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