On February 25-27, AIDFI hosted again another batch of 11 water associations from Leyte, Biliran, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental. They travelled to Bacolod City to participate in the 3-day summit held at AIDFI's Learning Center with the them "Cultivating Communities", the aim is to build sustainable water association to manage the water systems which were conveyed to them through the Agos ram pump project funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI).
The first day began with an opening program with the presence of Monina Pacheco, the Senior Program Officer of CCFPI siad that each and everyone should be open to sharing its problems and finding of solutions that will help sustain their community in the long run, there are many associations and each one has to try to be the best.
Auke Idzenga, the Chief Executive Officer of AIDFI shared how AIDFI was able to start very small to where it is today through passion and hard work and that it is not impossible for each association to reach the same in cultivating their community.
A visit to Sitio Ananggue in Brgy. Buenavista, Murcia followed in the afternoon where the participants learned about the essential oil enterprising project of AIDFI that is supplied with water by the ram pumps at the source located 90 meters below. They also got to learn and share about the experience of the water association with the water kiosk and the essential oil project.
The following 2 days, the representatives which were the chairperson, treasurer and technician joined workshops on organizational, financial, and technical issues, innovations, and solutions. The associations also made a commitment towards socio-economic, the environment, empowerment, and sustainability of the project.
On the last day, associations signed their commitment and enjoyed with AIDFI a culmination night with music and singing.
The associations that joined the 5th Agos Water Associations Summit were:
Panaghiosa sa Barangay Humay Humay Associations (PASHBA)
Brgy. Humay Humay, Guihlngan, Negros Oriental
Antawan Small Farmers Association (ASFA)
So. Antwan, Brgy. Canlandog, Murcia, Negros Occidental
Barangay Haguihikan Farm Workers Association (BAHICWA)
Brgy. Haguihikan, Naval, Biliran
Bagacay Water Consumers Association (BAWACA)
So. Bagakay, Brgy. Haguikhikan, Naval, Biliran
Catmon Water Association (CAWA)
So. Mocal Bocal, Brgy. Catmon, Naval, Biliran
Red Cross Village Farmers Workers Association (RECROVIFAWA)
Brgy. Cagbuhangin, Ormoc City, Leyte
Barangay Ibag Water Farmers Association (BIWFA)
Brgy. Ibag, Barugo, Leyte
Lanawan Farmers Association (LAFA)
Brgy. Lanawan, MacArthur, Leyte
Alegria Water Association (AWA)
Brgy. Alegria, Bato, Leyte
Datag Water Consumers Association (DAWACA)
Brgy. Datag, Garcia Hernandez, Bohol
So. Laray Agos Water Association (SLAWA)
So. Laray, Brgy. Cagbuhangin, Ormoc City, Leyte
The Agos Water Associations Summit is funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. (CCFPI) and will gather 90 water associations from the Visayas region until May 2025. The aim is to share experiences and learnings that enhances collaboration and partnerships, and the launching of a new proactive monitoring system with mobile application.
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