Project Oplan Katutubig

Project Oplan Katutubig is a community initiative designed to provide reliable access to clean and safe water to 24 families of the Aeta Ambala community and the Payangan Integrated School in Barangay Payangan, Dinalupihan, Bataan.

For many years, families in the community had no direct water supply. Residents—including children—were forced to walk 2 to 3 kilometers daily to collect water from unsafe and unreliable sources, exposing them to health risks and consuming valuable time that could otherwise be spent on education, livelihood, and community development.

A significant milestone was reached on July 14, 2025, when the Dinalupihan Water District completed a new pumping station, creating the opportunity for a sustainable and safe water source for the area. However, the availability of water infrastructure alone does not guarantee access. The households and school still require individual service connections, pipelines, and water meters to benefit from the system.

Recognizing this critical gap, the Rotary Club of Pasig West launched Project Oplan Katutubig to ensure that the benefits of the new water facility reach the intended beneficiaries. The Club committed to funding the installation of service pipes and water meters for 24 Aeta Ambala families and two schools, enabling them to connect to the new water system.

To effectively manage resources and implementation, the connections are being completed in phases, allowing the project to gradually expand its reach while mobilizing support for the remaining beneficiaries.

Progress to Date

Batch 1 – August 14, 2025

The Rotary Club of Pasig West funded the installation costs for six beneficiaries, including the community school.

Batch 2 – November 20, 2025

An additional seven families were successfully connected to the water system through financial support from the Club.

Next Phase

To fully realize the vision of Project Oplan Katutubig, the Rotary Club of Pasig West will continue mobilizing partners, donors, and sponsors to fund the installation of water connections for the remaining 13 families.

Completing these connections will ensure that every family in the Aeta Ambala community, as well as the school, gains reliable access to safe and sustainable water—transforming daily life, improving health conditions, and strengthening the community’s future.

We recently returned to Barangay Payangan in Dinallupihan, Bataan on February 5, 2026 to check in on our potable water project. It is one thing to see the infrastructure on paper, but quite another to see how clean, accessible water is directly supporting the daily lives of the Aeta ambala families. Success for us is not just about the flow of water, it's about the health and sustainability of the community.

Seeing the Aeta families utilize the system reminds us that monitoring is not just a technical requirement - it's about showing up, listening, and ensuring that the promises we made continue to be kept.

And this visit ensures the project long-term viability and allows us to address maintenance needs alongside community leaders and stakeholders.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to District Governor, Gina Sanchez, for approving the generous District Grant needed to support this water project.

We likewise express our sincerest appreciation to the Rotary Club of Pasig headed by GP Roy Quejada  for sponsoring the family of Olivia dela Cerna and to Rotary Club of Pasig South headed by GP Atty. Arnel Victor C. Valeña  for sponsoring the family of Edwin dela Junta. Your kindness, generosity and unwavering support are deeply valued and truly appreciated.

Within our reach...happy serving! 

Written by: Good President Polly Bautista and PP Mark Tiglao, Rotary Club of Pasig West