House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the ceremonial opening of the faucets of a wash area at Sapang Uwak High School, officially commencing the restoration of water supply for 500 families of the Aeta indigenous group in Porac, Pampanga, last August 31. 

The former president was joined by Manila Water President and CEO Ferdinand Dela Cruz, Manila Water Philippine Ventures President and CEO Virgilio Rivera, Jr., Manila Water Board Director Antonino Aquino, North Luzon Regional Business Cluster Head Robert Baffrey, and Porac Mayor Carling Dela Cruz in symbolic rites in preparation for the development of a more sustainable water supply system that will include the construction of a water source, treatment facility, additional water tank, as well as transmission lines.

 
Welcoming former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were Manila Water President and CEO Ferdz Dela Cruz, MWPV President and CEO Perry Rivera, Manila Water Board Director Tony Aquino, North Luzon Regional Business Development Head Boogz Baffrey, Ayala Land President and CEO Bobby Dy, and Porac Mayor Carling Dela Cruz.
 

The opening of the wash area for the indigenous community represents the collaboration of different organizations and stakeholders who are continuously working to provide a sustainable water system that would resolve the need of the residents of Barangay Sapang Uwak for reliable, clean and safe water. This includes the Manila Water Foundation which will provide assistance in community organization, capacity-building and values formation to ensure that the community can responsibly manage the water supply system once completed.