Baliguian Island Water Project
What is Baliguian Island?
Baliguian Island is a small but isolated island off the fishing town of Concepcion in the Philippines. It takes about a 2 to 3-hour boat ride to get to the island. There are about a thousand inhabitants that live on the Island. There is no electricity there and their way of life is very primitive. Most of the islanders subsist on fishing and crabbing. Clean water and sanitation on the island is a luxury for most islanders. Because of their lack of a clean water and sanitation system, the Rotary of Kapolei is planning on doing an international Clean Water and Sanitation (WASH) project for Baliguian Island.
The Town of Concepcion
The town of Concepcion is located on the the northeastern part of Iloilo province. Concepcion is known as a “Barangay” or district within the province. The people here speak a dialect called “Ilongo”. There are four provinces in Panay: Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, and Aklan. Concepcion was hit the hardest by Typhoon Haiyan. Till this day, many families are still displaced and have not received much proper aid.
Concepcion’s main industry is fishing. There are several islands off the coastline inhabited mostly by fishermen. Concepcion has many secluded but breathtaking islands to visit. It’s a perfect place to go if you like to experience the natural beauty of the ocean and the mysteries of a faraway destination. Especially those that seek an adventure. You can ride a boat to a secluded island, rela and have the entire beach to yourself.
About Baliguian Island
Baliguian Island is the furthest island off the coast of Concepcion. It takes about a 2-3 hour boat ride to get there and is out in the open seas. During the typhoon season (usually June till November) traveling to Baliguian is dangerous. I was there in June of 2018 and wanted to visit. But due to rough seas and unfavorable weather conditions, we were not able to.
Here are some stats about the island below:
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Deemed the Miracle Island
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1000 Islanders
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Over 200 families
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The main source of food and income is fishing
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2-3 hour boat ride to get to the island
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Islanders have to ride a boat for 2-hours to get fresh, clean water
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No electricity. They use generators and torchlight
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Although most infrastructure is repaired, damages from Typhoon Haiyan still persist
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There is no clean, drinking water and sanitation on the island
My family and I will be heading back to Concepcion hoping to visit the island. We will rent a boat and venture to the open seas. We hope the weather will be favorable then. We will also explore other mysterious islands of Concepcion. Then we will travel up north to Sicogon Island and the Isla de Gigantes, or the Island of the Giants for some fun in the sun and rest and relaxation.
Our goal is to visit Baliguian island for a site inspection during this trip. Although its a family vacation its also part of a rotary mission to help the Islanders. It will be an adventure of a lifetime so you are welcome to come along. As Rotarians, we want to make the world a better place to live. That’s why we are going there.
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