LUBAO, PAMPANGA— For the residents of Barangay Bancal Pugad, the daily struggle of hauling heavy buckets from communal wells is officially a thing of the past.
A new ₱7.6 million water supply system, funded by the Provincial Government, has transformed life in this coastal community, providing over 580 families with a steady, 24/7 flow of clean water directly to their homes.
Ending the “Igib” Era
For decades, families in this remote area relied on “poso” (hand pumps) and manual hauling, a labor-intensive process known locally as igib. The new system, spearheaded by Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, aims to modernize rural infrastructure and improve public health standards.
“The goal was simple: bring the water to the people, so they don’t have to go searching for it,” provincial officials noted during the project’s rollout.
By the Numbers: The Infrastructure Shift
According to the Provincial Engineering Office, construction began in June 2025. The project utilizes a sophisticated deep-well source powered by electricity to ensure high-pressure delivery.
| Project Detail | Status/Impact |
| Total Investment | ₱7.6 Million |
| Beneficiaries | 580+ Families |
| Current Installations | 190 of 250 target households completed |
| Operational Status | Fully Functional (24/7) |
Redundancy and Reliability
Lubao Mayor Esmeralda Pineda and Councilor Jayson Pineda-Victorino visited the site this past weekend to inspect the facilities. Recognizing the vulnerability of coastal areas to power outages, the system includes a unique dual-layer backup:
- Legacy Tech: A vintage 1980s Japanese-engineered motor water tanker remains on standby.
- Modern Storage: A municipal-provided overhead tank to maintain pressure during electrical failures.
A Regional Ripple Effect
Bancal Pugad is just the first milestone in a larger provincial initiative. Four other coastal barangays are currently undergoing similar transformations:
- Sasmuan: Brgy. Mabuanbuan and Batang 1st
- Macabebe: Brgy. Candelaria and San Esteban
Local authorities confirmed that water quality testing is currently underway in these areas to ensure the supply meets strict potability standards before final activation.
For the people of Bancal Pugad, however, the sound of a turning faucet is already the sound of progress.
