KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Soccsksargen is helping far-flung villages in the region to look for potential sources of potable water through their Groundwater Resource and Vulnerability Assessment (GRVA) program.

During PIA’s Performing and Informing program, MGB 12 regional director Engr. Efren Carido, said GRVA is a way to determine sources which the LGUs can tap for water systems.

“We really need water. Ito ay isang programa na nag-assess tayo ng availability ng ground water. Itong groundwater ay tubig sa ilalim ng lupa na potential sources of potable water para sa ating communities,” Carido added.

Carido said several local government units are already utilizing their reports in terms of groundwater availability, including identified Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) project areas.

In 2021, MGB already conducted GRVA for the municipalities of Sto. Niño, Lake Sebu and Surallah in South Cotabato, Columbio in Sultan Kudarat and Malungon in Sarangani.

The official also revealed that their teams are currently conducting assessments for areas in the municipalities of President Roxas and Antipas in Cotabato Province.