For decades, flooding and impassable road has been a perennial problem in Barangay Calapawan, Panay, Capiz.
It was a long dream of the community to dredge and clean the Calapawan creek and rehabilitate the farm to market road of the barangay. Water overflows in the creek during heavy rains and high tide.
While, the unpaved road makes it difficult for students in going to school and same time affects the delivery of produced to the market.
Kalahi-CIDSS community volunteer Letecia Bagares said they could hardly get any sleep during heavy rains and high tide. They have to be watchful and scared that the water will rise.
“Kon mag high tide nga tag 2 meters, sigurado masulod na ina sa balay ang tubig (If the high tide reaches 2 meters, the water will surely reach our house).”
Bagares, 58, recalled that they have to place their kitchen utensils and other belongings in much higher place when flood waters reached their kitchen. The kitchen is the most affected part of the house.
The nipa palms planted along the creek and the piles of rubbish blocked the waterways. They were identified by the community as major contributors in the flooding.
When Typhoon Yolanda struck Western Visayas on November 13,2013, Barangay Calapawan is badly hit. Houses were destroyed by the typhoon. Rice crops were also damaged.
The strong winds left tin roofs crumpled and piles of garbage were swept up by flood waters. The murky waters in the creek have a stench smell, said Bagares.
The mud, silt and murky water that floods bring into their homes caused foot disease locally known as “lan-ag” among the residents.
The problems on the constricted waterways and unpaved road were addressed when Kalahi-CIDSS funded the dredging of the creek and the rehabilitation of the farm to market road in 2014.
The cooperation and participation of the community particularly owners of nipa palms lined along the creek made it easier in implementing the project, said Bagares.
Owners of the nipa palms agreed to cut them down to benefit the entire community. Leaves of nipa palm are used as roof materials, said Bagares.
Today, people are now safe whether it is high tide or raining hard. The waterways are already clear of debris and nipa palms. “Wala na gaawas ang tubig kag ang talamnan wala na ginabaha mag ulan (The waters flow smoothly and rice paddies are not flooded anymore), she said.
Bagares added that fishermen living near the creek can directly bring their catch to their homes since the waterways are now free from obstruction. People also learned their lessons not to throw in their garbage into the creek.
The students are among the members of the community benefitted from the farm to market road. They can now go to school with complete uniforms and wear their shoes, she said.
Unlike before that they have to take off their shoes and socks and wear shorts in going to school.
Our dreams come true with the help of everyone in the community. Their experiences during Typhoon Yolanda also taught them lessons in life, to take care of environment and clean the creek, she added.
Equal mention must be given to the community volunteers, barangay leaders and KC staff for making the physical and moral transformation in Brgy. Calapwan. #