Quezon City, December 3, 2024 – Good Neighbors Philippines, in partnership with Megawide Corporate Foundation Inc., proudly turned over a Rainwater Catchment Facility to the community of Sitio Bakal in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, as part of the transformative ECOSKWELA Project. This initiative addresses the community’s pressing challenges of limited access to clean water and recurrent flooding during typhoons, providing an innovative, sustainable solution that empowers both the environment and the people.
“Dati, kailangan pa mag-dala ng isang galong tubig ng mga nanay para may magamit na tubig ang mga bata sa Daycare Center,” shared Ms. Welma Capallan, a teacher at Sitio Bakal Daycare Center.
For a long time, Sitio Bakal residents have faced the dual burden of water scarcity and flooding. Located in a flood-prone area, the community often struggled with rainwater lingering on the ground too long after heavy rains, creating muddy conditions that make movement in the area difficult. Now, this Rainwater Catchment Facility not only provides a reliable water source but also mitigates flooding by diverting and utilizing excess rainwater. This approach helps the community adapt to the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.
“We are maximizing and utilizing the availability of water through the rain, this is our mitigating action towards climate change.” – Mark Paner, Social Development Division Manager, Good Neighbors Philippines
Atty. Carmela Castro, Executive Director of Megawide Corporate Foundation Inc., explained during her speech: “In Megawide, there are three things we consider when selecting projects to support. We call them ISI (a play on the word ‘easy’).
“The first is Impact — we choose projects that create meaningful change and directly address the needs of the community. The second is Sustainability — we look for initiatives that promote responsible use of resources and encourage community ownership, and finally, Innovation — we strive to bring fresh, creative approaches to the challenges faced by communities. This rainwater catchment project may seem simple, but it perfectly meets the ISI criteria: it creates a direct and immediate impact, promotes sustainable water use, and is an innovative response to the water challenges in Sitio Bakal.”
This project is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together for Good Change. It is more than just a water solution; it is a symbol of resilience and innovation. Together, we have turned rain—once seen as a source of vulnerability—into a strength that uplifts the entire community.
With Good Neighbors working side by side, challenges become opportunities, and hope leads to endless possibilities.
