Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 14(1), pp. 61 - 70
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2026.140106
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Water Security System Assessment in a Philippine Rural Area

Rolina C. Paran ¹, Christine Omela V. Ocampo ², Maria Elena A. Aparente ³, Dawn Iris Calibo-Senit ⁴, Adrian P. Ybañez ^5,*
1 College of Technology and Engineering, Cebu Technological University- Tabogon Campus, Cebu, Philippines
² Industrial Engineering Department, College of Engineering, Cebu Technological University- Danao Campus, Sabang, Danao, Cebu, Philippines
³ Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Cebu Technological University- Main Campus, Cor MJ Cuenco and R. Palma Street, Cebu City, Philippines
⁴ College of Technology, Siquijor State College, Larena Siquijor, Philippines
⁵ Institute for Molecular Genetics, Parasitology and Vector-borne Diseases, Cebu Technological University- Main Campus, Cor MJ Cuenco and R. Palma Street, Cebu City, Philippines

ABSTRACT

Water security remains a pressing but often overlooked issue in many rural communities in the Philippines, where limited infrastructure, weak governance, and socioeconomic challenges hinder the effective management of water resources. In Tabogon, a rural municipality in northern Cebu, these constraints contribute to persistent issues in water accessibility, safety, and regulation. This study aimed to assess the current water security status and related concerns in selected barangays of Tabogon. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data gathered through structured interviews involving 408 adult household representatives. The majority of respondents were female (64.7%), aged over 51 (35.5%), high school graduates (34.8%), and housewives (45.3%), living in households of three to six members (72.5%). Farming (29.2%) was the most common livelihood, and 28.9% reported a monthly income exceeding PhP[z4] 7,500 (approx. USD 129). Results indicated intermittent water supply, limited access to potable water, and weak enforcement of local water management policies. Furthermore, there was a noticeable absence of formal guidelines for groundwater use and poor implementation of existing water protection laws. These findings highlight critical gaps in rural water governance and infrastructure. The study contributes empirical evidence to support local policy development and advocates for targeted, community-based water security interventions in similarly underserved rural areas.

KEYWORDS
Water Supply, Water Governance, Water Security, Rural Area, Tabogon, Cebu, Philippines

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Rolina C. Paran , Christine Omela V. Ocampo , Maria Elena A. Aparente , Dawn Iris Calibo-Senit , Adrian P. Ybañez , "Water Security System Assessment in a Philippine Rural Area," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 61 - 70, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2026.140106.

(b). APA Format:
Rolina C. Paran , Christine Omela V. Ocampo , Maria Elena A. Aparente , Dawn Iris Calibo-Senit , Adrian P. Ybañez (2026). Water Security System Assessment in a Philippine Rural Area. Environment and Ecology Research, 14(1), 61 - 70. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2026.140106.