Water and Sanitation in the Philippines

ABM’s water and sanitation program in the Philippines has evolved from the provision of simple water systems in rural and remote communities ten years ago, to a more integrated community development program that also addresses other issues in the communities at present. It is believed that a more lasting impact can be had when other pressing development problems in the community are addressed at the same time. The availability of water means that the use of water-sealed toilets also becomes possible, so one or two public toilets (within the community or sometimes in a primary school in the community) are included as part of the project. With time saved from walking to the water source several times during the day, many households welcome the opportunity to engage in income-generating opportunities so the program also incorporates some funding for small economic
activities. As well, environmental awareness becomes part of the project as the community is taught to care for their water source, and environmental awareness becomes part of training and workshops. Working together on the project fosters cohesiveness and unity among community members and is hoped will help them to develop projects on their own in the future.

ABM, in partnership with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP), continues to prioritize the provision of simple water and sanitation systems to remote and mountainous communities in the country. In addition to the primary goal of improving access to potable water, this integrated program also covers environment, health and sanitation, and livelihood components to address more widely the development issues confronting these communities.

Here are some of the ways your gift will be used:

    • $1 buys a water tap or the cost of 8 tree seedlings that will be planted around the water shed (approx.5,000 seedlings are normally ‘planned’ for planting with each water project)
  • $5.50 buys a bag of cement
  • $35 buys a 1 piece 2” GI pipe
  • $90 pays for the chemical/bacteriological watertesting that is a requirement before a water system is installed
  • $750 is needed for fencing materials, normally consisting of a 3-strand barbed wire, around the water source (the fence lasts 10–15 years)
  • $1,250 builds a 2-compartment toilet (for boys and girls) for a primary school that has at least 300 students
  • $1,750 is the cost of one 3.5 cubic metre circular tank, including wire mesh, cement, sand and gravel requirements

We need to raise $100,000* in 2008
You can Donate Now to this project by selecting PHP 27
*Donations to this project are tax deductible for individuals.

To find out more: 2007 project information
For the most recent update: 2007 project update