Unveiling the mask behind Tubod

It has been a household norm for the people of Barangay Balok to have Tubod as a source of water. Tubod is a Bisayan term for water source or water that comes from a spring.  It is believed to be clean, because it is located fresh from the mountains devoid of any contaminants brought by inhabitants. Others even believe it to have healing and hydrating properties. They store it in recycled jars and  gallons for safekeeping as it may be used for cooking, drinking and cleaning wounds.  Farmers drink tubod day in and out to quench their thirst after a long day of work exposed to the blazing heat of the sun. 

However, contrary to to the popular belief  belief, water analysis results shows that tubod from Purok 2,and 7, which consists of 50% of the peoples water source,  failed to reach the standards set by PNST. Meaning that is not safe for drinking, and may predispose the people to having diseases, like gastroenteritis, amoebiasis, and many more. In fact, Gastroenteritis ranked 3rd among the top causes of morbidity in Balok last 2023, with 769 cases per 100,000 population. Among the puroks that has been tested only Purok 1 passed the standards, that is if it remains so for the succeeding months. The truth behind tubod, has now secured “access to safe and potable water” as the second priority problem in the Barangay.