Operation and maintenance (O&M) officers from Tahderiyyah centers in three regions of Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) participated in the recent orientation-workshop on O&M.

The activity kicked off in Zamboanga Peninsula region May 10, 2015, followed by Zamboanga-Basilan region on May 13 and Ranaw region on May 17.

The activity aimed to develop sustainability mechanism for the water, sanitation and health (WaSH) facilities established in madaris (Islamic schools) under the Tahderiyyah program particularly on health component.

During the training, BDA Central Management Office (CMO) staff who facilitated the training oriented the participants of what O&M is and its importance for the sustainability of the projects established for their children.

Major output of the activity is the O&M plan that each participant has developed through an actual workshop using a sample presented to them.

“We also encouraged them to develop a plan not only for the WaSH facilities but also for their whole madrasah, first as part of the capacity building objectives we wanted for them, and for the whole management also of their schools, for their children”, Engr. Samera Monib, BDA Project Operations Officer, said.

There are already 375 WaSH facilities constructed out of 656 targeted by the program.

Accordingly, there is also a conduct of same activity for the remaining four regions of BDA covered by the program scheduled this May 2015.

WaSH is an integral component of Tahderiyyah program implemented by the BA with support from DFAT Australia (then AusAid) and in partnership with United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

It is aimed at the promotion of the importance of health towards complete wellness of the children.

A Single Drop for Safe Water (ASDSW) is also a partner of the agency as service provider on capacity building.