Bacolod NGO vying
for int'l environment award

The Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc., a Bacolod-based non-government organization, is one of the four top contenders for an international environmental award for its hydraulic ram pump, its press release said.

AIDFI is on the shortlist of four organizations in the RELX Group Environmental Challenge 2015, that is all about providing sustainable access to safe water and sanitation. There were 135 entries from 45 countries, and AIDFI's entry, titled “Running Water Uphill through Ram Pumps Powered by Water and Passion”, is competing for the top two spots, the press release also said.

The awarding of the first and second winners selected will be held August during the Stockholm Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden.

AIDFI's entry features the local manufacturing and installation of ram pumps in uplands communities and farms. Over the years, the NGO has supplied some 370 barangays with 222,000 people with drinking water. It helps organizations in other countries to avail of the ram pump through a complete technology transfer, like Afghanistan, Colombia and Nepal. It is presently training a Mexican technician in Bacolod, while a transfer to India is still being worked out, the press release said.

The NGO's hydraulic ram pump already won the Ashden Award that was presented by former US vice president Al Gore, the BBC World Challenge 2010, Ramon Magsaysay Award 2011, and the Energy Institute Award (London) in 2011.

The RELX Group is a world-leading provider of information solutions for professional customers across industries. Its Environmental Challenge prioritizes solutions that are replicable, scalable, sustainable and innovative, and must have practical applicability and involve local communities and other key stakeholders, the press release added.*