Church Supports Community Water System Project with DCPO to Benefit Remote Davao Communities

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strengthened their partnership through the signing of an Instrument of Donation and Acceptance and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 26, 2026, at the DCPO Headquarters—supporting the implementation of a community water system project that will benefit families in far-flung areas of Davao City.

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community welfare and supports the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay Program (R-PSB), which promotes stronger collaboration between law enforcement and local communities through responsive and people-centered service.

The ceremony was led by PCOL Mannan C. Muarip, Acting City Director of DCPO, and attended by Abenir Pajaro, Area Manager of the Welfare and Self-Reliance Department of the Church, together with Anthony John Balledos, Country Director of humanitarian services, Jude Solidarios and Loehl Gementiza also from the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance. Hon. Leah C. Bellera of Barangay Colosas attended the ceremony.

Supporting Communities Through Service and Partnership

Through the collaboration, the Church provided support for the establishment of a community water system project designed to improve access to clean water in underserved areas—an essential resource that strengthens health, safety, and daily living conditions for families.

In his message, Abenir Pajaro, Area Manager of the Church’s Welfare and Self-Reliance Department, emphasized that humanitarian efforts are guided by the Savior’s teachings to serve others.

“As the Savior Jesus Christ taught, we find ways to be of service to our fellowmen,” he said.

He explained that the Church’s humanitarian assistance comes from the sacrifices of its members and is carefully managed to ensure long-term benefit for communities.

“For us who are working in the Humanitarian division of the Church, we have the responsibility to make sure that while we make donations where they are appropriate, we also work closely with partners who will help care for these projects funded by sacred contributions,” Pajaro shared. “As we work together with the community, we pray that these donations will be sustained so they can serve more people for many years to come.”

Quoting the scripture, he added, “When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are also in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).

Strengthening Support for Far-Flung Communities

Rizaldito Castro, President of the Davao Philippines Stake, expressed appreciation for the initiative of the Davao City Police Office to extend support to communities where access to essential services such as clean water remains limited.

“I am grateful for the efforts of our local police force in reaching out to families in far-flung communities where access to basic needs like water is not always available,” he said. “Through this project, we see not only increased police presence but also a stronger partnership between public servants and the community working together to uplift lives.”

President Castro added that collaborative efforts like this reflect a shared commitment to care for others and strengthen communities.

“We believe that God loves all His children wherever they may be,” he said. “He invites individuals and organizations to work together to extend that love through service. As we do so, both those who receive help and those who serve are strengthened.”

Commitment to Long-Term Community Impact

PCOL Mannan C. Muarip emphasized that the project reflects DCPO’s continuing mission to serve communities in remote areas and strengthen trust through meaningful service aligned with the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay Program.

“The purpose of the R-PSB is for our fellow Filipinos in far-flung areas of Davao to feel that they are being supported and cared for,” he said.

He also reaffirmed DCPO’s commitment to ensuring the project’s long-term success.

“We are fully committed to the implementation, monitoring, and sustainability of this project so that every cent has a lasting impact,” he added.