RC Makati Completes Sto DomingoWater Project

Water is essential—imagine waking up with no access to it. You start your day not with breakfast or a shower, but by joining a long queue of people with buckets and water containers at hand. This was the daily reality for over 2,300 households in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur.

For years, the residents of this municipality endured limited access to clean and reliable water. Their primary sources were communal pumps and water delivery trucks—systems prone to long waits and insufficient supply. But after years of scarcity, that burden has finally been lifted.

RC Makati has successfully completed the Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur Deep Well Potable Water Supply and Distribution Project (Global Grant No. GG2092028)—a major initiative supported by contributions from RC Makati (US$20,000), RC Formosa Happiness, New Taipei City (US$1,000) as the international partner, Rotary International District 3830–Philippines (US$3,750), Rotary International District 3490–Taiwan (US$30,000), and the balance of US$42,750 from the world fund of the The Rotary Foundation. With total funding of US$97,500, the project enabled the construction of a new well and laid the groundwork for a fully operational Level 3 waterworks system, ensuring access to safe, sustainable water for thousands of residents.

As of today, 574 households across eight barangays in Sto. Domingo now have direct access to clean water.

On May 8, Pres. Keith Harrison, along with FA Rachel, PP JunJun Dayrit, and incoming Director Michael Hsu, traveled to Sto. Domingo for the project’s closing ceremony—celebrating a mission fulfilled.

They were joined by project partners Mr. Nonoy S. Fernandez, Area Manager of 3H Sto. Domingo Waterworks; Barangay Captain Jun of Nagbettedan; members of RC Vigan; and residents now benefitting from the new system. The ceremony opened with a handwashing education session led by RC Vigan IPP Glenda Rabino, highlighting the importance of sanitation alongside access to clean water.

PP JunJun gave an overview of the project’s journey—from its roots in the 3H Water Initiative in San Fernando, Pampanga, to the pandemic-induced delays that set back implementation for nearly two years. Pres. Keith conveyed his gratitude and joy at seeing the project through, while FA Rachel bridged the message in Ilokano, connecting more deeply with the local community. A ribbon-cutting and blessing followed, along with the signing of a usufruct agreement with the Sto. Domingo LGU, formally entrusting operations to MR3H and SD3HWI.

The road to this success was not easy. The initiative began in 2018 under (then President) PP JunJun Dayrit, who launched the initial grant application. Though the first attempt lost funding due to delays, RC Makati reapplied in 2019 and persisted through a rigorous approval process—including a pivotal video call with the Areas of Focus (AOF) manager. The grant was approved on March 10, 2021, and the formal groundbreaking took place on March 19, 2022.

During implementation, project objectives were adjusted with TRF’s approval. Originally, a shallow well and expanded distribution network were planned in the densely populated Poblacion area. But with no suitable wellsite available there, the project shifted to Barangay Nagbettedan, five kilometers away and home to about 150 households.

A geo-resistivity test conducted by a hydro-geologist revealed that a deep well—not a shallow one—was needed. Though more expensive, the deep well offered greater capacity and long-term viability. As a result, Nagbettedan became the initial beneficiary. Plans are underway to expand distribution westward to Barangays Binongan (200+ households) and Nambaran (300+ households), and eventually link the system to Poblacion and adjoining communities.

To support this expansion, a “Looping Project” was completed, linking Nagbettedan to neighboring Barangay Nambaran and connecting the network to a 150-cubic-meter Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) tank in Barangay Nalasin. This auxiliary tank will provide backup water during peak demand or interruptions, drawing from the now fully interconnected pipeline system.

The Sto. Domingo Water Project is a continuation of a legacy that began in Rotary Year 1999–2000, under then president, Tito Panlilio. That year, RC Makati secured a 3H (Health, Hunger, and Humanity) matching grant of $189,000 from The Rotary Foundation to launch the San Fernando Water Project in Pampanga.

After a decade of effective operations under RC Makati’s supervision, the system was formally turned over in 2012 to the San Fernando City Water District. The initiative became known as the Makati Rotary 3H Resources Inc. (MR3H). Impressively, of the $189,000 grant, only $150,000 was spent—thanks to prudent management and favorable conditions—leaving $39,000 in savings. With TRF’s approval, these savings, combined with earnings from cooperative operations, funded a second water system in Virgen de los Remedios, Bamban, Tarlac, launched in 2009 and still operational today.

Now, over two decades later, MR3H is behind its third major effort—the Sto. Domingo water system. Once fully expanded, this project is expected to serve up to 2,300 households or approximately 13,800 people across Ilocos Sur.