In line with the District’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, Warat Elementary School tapped the support of Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District (MTWD) for the completion of the school’s independent water system. Specifically, the District shouldered the provision of distribution pipeline to connect each of the classrooms with the newly installed underground water source with elevated steel tank.

The development of the water source as well as the construction of the elevated tank with a capacity of 2,000 liters was made possible through the assistance of the officers and members of the Most Worshipful Leon Angel P. Bañez, Jr. Masonic Lodge 458 (MWLAB 458) under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines. The distribution pipeline is composed of 1 ½” and ½” High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes with a total length of 260 meters.

On December 17, 2024, a formal turnover of the independent water system was conducted featuring the unveiling of the project’s marker and testing of the five-faucet outdoor wash area. The ceremony marked not only the transfer of the water infrastructure to the school but also along with its control and responsibility knowing that this project could be utilized by many more generations of learners in Warat. The head of the MWLAB 458, Worshipful Master Mario P. Narag, Jr. who is a native of Piat, shared in his message that one of his commitments made during his installation as Worshipful Master of the lodge back in January 2024 was to conduct a worthwhile project for a public school in his hometown. And he was emotional to finally witness his plans put into action and being turned over to benefit the school community.

Engr. Miller C. Tanguilan, the General Manager of the MTWD, reiterated the District’s commitment to its mandate to provide and deliver domestic water as well as its dedication in supporting communities thru corporate social responsibility programs. As past District Deputy Grand Master of Masons himself, Engr. Tanguilan ensured his devotion for the betterment of public schools where the future leaders of our country are nurtured and shaped. He also pledged to conduct water potability tests to ensure the water quality of the new water system before it can be deemed safe for drinking purposes.

In behalf of the recipient school and the district supervisor of Piat, Principal Carlito Verdadero accepted the project and extended his utmost gratitude to MWLAB 458 and MTWD for the development and construction of a water system that will benefit the learners and parents of the school at present and also for the future. Warat Barangay Chairman Norlito T. Bancud also extended his appreciation of the project and committed to support the school in ways possible for the Barangay.

The Deputy Grand Master of Masons in the jurisdiction of the Philippines, Right Worshipful Raul E. Canon, Jr., graced the momentous event and served as witness to the socially relevant initiative of the MWLAB 458 and MTWD in ensuring water availability for the school. He commended the lodge and the district for their efforts and explained further the adopt-a-school program of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. He thanked the MTWD for also accepting the challenge and request of the school to support the project. Lastly, he was pleased to note that the lodge went extra miles from the usual gift giving and funded a relevant, useful, impactful and long lasting water infrastructure project.

Other officers present during the turnover ceremony were Ms. Janice Luanne D. Cornejo, the Officer-in-Charge of WES, Very Worshipful Edwin C. Guillermo, the District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District R2 – Cagayan, Very Worshipful Mervin G. Miranda, the water system Project Engineer together with officials and members of the School’s Parents Teachers Association. MTWD’s Mr. Albert G. Babaran, Chairperson of the Board of Directors with other members of the Board, Engr. Fausta L. Tanguilan and Ms. Lorna L. Dimalanta, Assistant General Manager for Technical Services and Operations, Engr. Janice R. Cardenas, Acting Department Manager for Technical Services Engr. Danjoe S. Valdez, Board Secretary Ms. Christina F. Furigay, and Corporate Planning Team Leader Mr. Maynard V. Matammu also participated in the event.

Nearly 200 learners of the Warat Elementary School were very delighted to receive not only the water source but also the school supplies which includes bags, slippers, pens and notebooks for everyone. They were also treated to Jollibee food packs for lunch after the activity, adding even more smiles to their faces.