Written by Charity Joy Limpiado, Volunteer Writer, Operation Blessing Philippines
Sitio Canununghan resides near the outskirts of Barangay Borong in Calbiga, Samar. Families who live in the said area primarily get a living from planting rice and farming crops such as banana, cassava, taro and ginger.
After the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013, the number of accessible water sources narrowed down making it hard for the residents to look for clean and safe water. Adding to this problem is the occurrence of El Niño, which greatly affected the livelihood of the people.
Lydia Hagnaya (left) interviewed by OB volunteer writer.
Meet Lydia Hagnaya, a 44-year-old mother with four children to feed, clothe and send to school. She is a conventional housewife who does the household chores and takes care of the children, while also helping her husband at work in the rice field and farm.
Lydia’s family is one of those who were affected by the natural disasters. When the El Niño occurred in their place, the water for the irrigation of their farm became limited, which later on also affected their budget for everyday living, including the budget for purified water. These instances forced them to fetch water directly from the rain.
Lydia admitted that they used to get minor stomach problems from drinking unsafe water. But not until when Operation Blessing Philippines introduced to their barangay the chlorinator – an equipment used for treating water with chlorine.
Lydia is very thankful for the installed water station in their place. She is assured that her children are now safe from the diarrhea outbreak in their province. She is also hopeful that many would be able to benefit from the water station such as the nearby barangays who have problems with safe water.
Many people are still using unsafe drinking water, however you can be a blessing to those in need! Help them get clean drinking water. Partner with us today. Call us at 477-78-02 to 04 or visit www.facebook.com/obphil or www.obphil.com.
