In a remote village in the southern Philippines, where previous fighting had left hundreds of families displaced, SoA recently provided over 4,000kg of rice and other food products, a project you can read more about here. Now, as people return to their homes the US Army team is working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and local barangay (village) leaders to help deliver a critical resource. Water. Prior to the installation of the water pump residents had to walk approximately two miles through steep terrain to reach the water source. While the AFP continues to address the security situation in the area, the ability to deliver water directly to the barangay will address the main concerns of the local leaders, and drastically improve the livelihood of a community vulnerable to violent extremist recruiting and influence. Solar panels donated from the US-Philippine society will power the pump, however, they were unable to provide the pump and piping that would deliver the water to the village. For these reasons, the US Army team on the ground identified this critical need to Spirit of America. Oversight of the pump will be managed by a local council that was started by impl. project, a US-based NGO, who previously helped deliver food aid while residents were displaced. This donation not only meets a critical need for water, but it proves to the community that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is responsive to their needs and reinforces the US commitment to the enduring partnership between our two nations. The AFP will continue to eliminate ISIS-affiliated groups in the area, and address main security concerns. With your help, SoA can contribute to this important project, a small part in achieving peace in a vulnerable area.