Water and Sanitation in the Philippines

A water tank in Sagpat, Philippines © ECP 2008

In mountain villages in northern Philippines, men have traditionally made all the decisions. When farm work was done for the day, men would gather in an area called 'dap-ay' to socialise and discuss the affairs of the village. Although this tradition has now been superseded by small local government units (the 'barangay'), most of the decisions made by the barangay council are still done in consultation with village elders – normally older men. Gender workshops, an essential component of water and sanitation programs implemented by the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) emphasise the importance of women’s voices in decision-making.

In partnership with ECP, ABM provides water and sanitation systems in rural and isolated communities. Remote mountainous communities in the country are often cut-off from basic services because of the difficult geography as well as the sheer lack of government funds. Migrant communities, on the other hand, might be urbanised but lack organisation and cooperation as different groups mingle. These communities sometimes occupy government or church lands. Consequently, they must cope without water and sanitation facilities, electricity and passable roads.

Integrated water and sanitation programs provide clean water, reducing disease and enhancing livelihoods, which helps people move beyond subsistence farming.

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

  • $1.20 buys a water tap
  • $4.50 is what a hammer costs, essential to maintaining water systems
  • $103 pays for chemical and bacteriological water testing
  • $2,000 is the cost of one 3.5 cubic meter circular tank

This project needs $100,000 in 2009.
Donations to this program are tax deductible.

You can Donate Now to this project by selecting Water and Sanitation in Philippines from the full project list.

Project information can be downloaded here.