THE role of the local government unit, like the province or municipality is to provide “Water is a basic social service” as mandated by the Local Government Code of 1991 or Republic Act No. 7160.
And definitely this is what the provincial government has done, so far, to the island barangay Malingin, Bien-Unido, Bohol during their visit last week to the said island-barangay.
The 1991 LGC mandates LGU its responsibility (i) in providing basic services such as water supply, sanitation, and flood control, (ii) in being responsible for infrastructure facilities such as waterworks, drainage and sewerage, irrigation systems, and (iii) in enforcing sanitation and potable water related laws. Sec. 17 of the 1991 LGC mandates provision of potable water supply and sanitation, as well as water-related services and facilities
Also under RA 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, the Philippine law (is) empowering the barangay (village) as the primary unit for local governance, decentralizing power for more responsive service delivery in areas like health, welfare, and dispute resolution.
Gov. Aris Aumentado, along with his wife, Congw. Vanvan Aumentado and Board Member Fernando Estavilla, pointed out that with its responsibility the province provided a desalination water system for islanders to have a potable water and ease their burden in securing drinkable water from mainland.
Also, the governor said the province also provided a livelihood programs for the islanders to hopefully prevent them from illegal fishing, using deleterious methods during the Barangay Service Caravan on said island and island barangay Mawmawan on February 20, 2026.
Almost a 1,000 islanders received assistance from the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development OPSWD) during the sai caravan.
There were 465 and 497 families from Malingin and Maomawan Islands, respectively, benefited from the distribution of food packs containing rice and canned goods. Free Medical and dental services medicines and vitamins for livestock were also distributed, along with free legal services for residents.
Some 240 plus pupils of Malingin Elementary School were given school bags and supplies.
Also, free haircuts provided by the Philippine Army are availed of by fathers and male islanders.
The caravan was the result of the composite efforts of Local Government Affairs Office, Medical Outreach Unit, Education Development Center of the Governor’s Office, Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, Provincial Health Office – Dental Section, Bohol Employment and Placement Office – Public Employment Service Office, Provincial Cooperative Development Office, Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, Provincial Treasurer’s Office, General Services Office, and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, in partnership with the local government of Bien-Unido led by Mayor John Felix Garcia.
Island-Barangay chair Arne Nellas and Sangguniang Barangay thanked the provincial government for the manna from Capitol as they welcomed the officials’ outreach program. (RVO)
