In a move to enhance disaster resilience, the local government of Arteche in Eastern Samar is set to construct a water refilling station, funded by a PHP1-million grant from the 2023 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award. This initiative, spearheaded by Mayor Roland Boie Evardone, aims to secure a reliable source of clean and safe drinking water, particularly crucial during and after natural disasters.
Mayor Evardone emphasized the importance of the project, stating that it will ensure the availability of potable water alongside food supplies during emergencies. Arteche, situated in the northeastern part of Eastern Samar near the border with Northern Samar, faces frequent flooding, especially in villages along riverbanks, which often contaminates local water sources.
The new station is not only a disaster preparedness measure but also expected to serve as a local enterprise, generating additional revenue for the municipality when not responding to emergencies. Currently, the town’s five private water refilling stations are insufficient to meet the needs of its 4,320 households, forcing residents to seek water from the neighboring town of San Policarpo.
The SGLG, established under Republic Act 11292, is designed to motivate local government units (LGUs) to improve governance and service delivery. The incentive fund provided to awarded LGUs like Arteche supports projects that enhance community well-being and infrastructure.