Ethtyl Garganera

Ethtyl Garganera, a 47-year-old mother from Baroy Lanao Del Norte, has always put her family’s needs above her own. For years, her family lived without access to water in her home, relying on a public water pump (poso) to meet her family’s daily needs. As a mother of her home, she endured the daily struggle back and forth of collecting water from the poso. For her, it was time-consuming and exhausting because she does everything own her own causing her body aches. Ethtyl often worried about how long she could continue this exhausting routine, but she had no other choice.

 

Ethtyl planned of having a water connection at home. She hoped that one day she could turn on a faucet and have clean water available in her home making life easier and safer for her family. But with limited resources they have, the planned seemed challenging-until she learned about the WASH Loan Program offered by Serviamus Foundation Incorporated (SFI) in partnership with Water.org. The program developed in partnership with Water.org and Mindanao Microfinance Council which provides affordable loans to help families build water connections and improve sanitation facilities.

 

Ethtyl is a member of SFI for 2 years, met the eligibility criteria of being an active member for at least 18 months. When she realized she qualified for the program, she applied for it. The process was simple and accessible and giving her the opportunity to turn her plan into reality. With the financial support she received through the WASH Loan Program of SFI, her family successfully constructs a safe and reliable water connection directly to her home. She constructed four faucets to make daily life easier. One faucet was built for her laundry, making washing clothes much more convenient. Another was installed in her kitchen sink, bringing water directly to where it’s needed for cooking and cleaning. She added a faucet outside for watering her plants. Lastly, she installed one in her toilet room, ensuring better sanitation and comfort for her family.

 

Ethtyl is grateful to SFI and Water.org for the opportunity given to her to finance this life-long solution to her water problem. The impact of the project for her family was life changing. She is happy that she doesn’t endure anymore the daily challenges of carrying heavy water container back and forth from the poso. The daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing have become easier and more convenient, saving her time. She now feels healthier and happier.

 

Indeed, Ethtyl is deeply grateful for giving her the means to achieve something she dreamed of. Her story is a shining example of how the WASH Loan program empowers families to overcome daily challenges and build better lives. Her journey is an inspiration, showing how access to clean water and sanitation can transform not just homes, but lives.