World · Philippines Bureau
P38-M infrastructure deal to bring water, roads to Manobo communities
A tripartite agreement signed this week aims to deliver clean water access and improved road connectivity to indigenous villages in Surigao del Sur. The P38-million project targets hundreds of Manobo residents and farming families in the upland communities.
LSN Philippines ·
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Indigenous communities and agricultural households in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, stand to benefit from a major rural development initiative following the execution of a tripartite agreement on October 29.
The accord prioritizes the fast-tracking of essential infrastructure projects within the indigenous residents' ancestral domain. The combined water and road projects carry a total value of P38 million and are designed to address long-standing service gaps affecting hundreds of families in the upland settlements.
Clean water access represents a critical need for the Manobo villagers, many of whom currently lack reliable sources of potable water. The complementary road infrastructure improvements are expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate better market access for local farming communities.
The tripartite arrangement brings together government agencies, local authorities, and indigenous community representatives to coordinate project implementation. Officials indicated the agreement demonstrates commitment to delivering development benefits directly to ancestral domain residents while respecting indigenous land rights and community priorities.