The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) donated water pump for the benefit of residents of Brgy. Buracan, Dimasalang, Masbate, Philippines.

On October 16, 2026, the Ecclesiastical District of Masbate leadership hosted the handover of the pump that draws water from 120 feet deep, as well as conducted a Care for Humanity event for the distribution of care packages to the residents.

District supervising minister, Brother Renato C. Estrada Sr., led the ribbon-cutting for the water pump project that was made possible with the collaboration of the Felix Y. Manalo (FYM) Foundation Inc.

In an interview, he said, “We chose this barangay because our fellow countrymen here need help the most, and to follow what is written in the Bible of aiding those in hardship—a duty we know and firmly believe brings glory to the Lord God, as it is obedience to His command.”

Before, residents would have to travel approximately three kilometers to the neighboring Brgy. Balantay for water ration.

“Water scarcity here is a major struggle. Every single day, we have to fetch water all the way from the next barangay,” explained Matthew Sales Jr., head deacon of the Buracan Local Congregation. “Sometimes we leave while it is still pitch dark just to secure a spot in line, and other times, when we queue in the afternoon, we end up waiting until the early hours of the morning just to get water because it all depends on how strong the flow is over there.”

“We resort to digging our own wells, but these temporary solutions quickly dry up when the dry season sets in,” shared Roger Bulan, village chief. “A deep well installed before also ran dry during summer due to its shallow depth, leaving us constantly searching for water because of a lack of funding.” 

Meanwhile, the giving of care packages started around noon time. Brother Estrada together with ministers in the district led the distribution to residents of about 300 care packages, containing rice, canned good, and noodles.

“This is a big help to us, and we’re truly grateful that our barangay was selected to receive this,” expressed Gemma Jumapao, village council member, on behalf of the residents. “The water pump also provided is such a blessing. It carries not just water, but hope and relief to every family benefiting from it.”

Barangay Buracan in Dimasalang is a coastal town located in the southeastern portion of the mainland of Masbate province. Residents experience limited access to clean household drinking water. As an area dependent on copra/coconut farming, small-scale cropping, and livestock, local income fluctuates with seasonal yields and commodity market prices. Low-income households remain sensitive to inflation in food prices and fuel.

“We express our deepest gratitude to the Lord God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the Church Administration led by Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, to the Deputy Executive Minister, Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, and to the FYM Foundation for their unwavering care for our vulnerable countrymen,” enthused Brother Felix Hate, assistant district supervising minister.