Every Filipino child deserves a healthy and secure upbringing, with the opportunity to pursue their dreams as they grow. Sadly, millions of children from low-income families are denied this chance to thrive due to waterborne diseases. According to World Vision, the accessibility of clean water in the Philippines is further exacerbated by the climate crisis. The country experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually, resulting in significant damage to sources of drinking water in both rural and urban communities, including waterways and deep wells.
In a bid to ensure children have access to clean drinking water and to curb the spread of waterborne illnesses in their communities, P&G has partnered with World Vision Philippines to distribute its Purifier of Water technology as part of the Children’s Safe Drinking Water (CSDW) Program. Since 2023, these organizations have provided over 200 million liters of clean water to nearly 50,000 Filipino children and families.
Innovation in a small packet
P&G’s Purifier of Water was created by P&G scientists in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a rapid and innovative solution for purifying contaminated and unsafe water. This powdered mixture utilizes technology akin to that used in municipal water systems in developed nations. Each 4-gram Purifier of Water packet contains ferric sulfate, which acts as a coagulant, and calcium hypochlorite, functioning as a disinfectant. These components effectively eliminate dirt, prevalent waterborne bacteria and viruses, and other contaminants from 10 liters of potentially hazardous water in just 30 minutes.
Sustained support
Since 2012, World Vision has been distributing P&G Purifier of Water packets to households in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. These areas, primarily located along the Agusan Marsh, rely on this marsh as their main water source, in addition to rainwater. However, these regions are prone to severe flooding during powerful typhoons, leading to contamination of their untreated drinking water sources.
The CSDW Program is now in its 12th year of providing clean drinking water to impoverished communities. P&G has allocated 3.4 million Purifier of Water packets to World Vision for distribution to Manobo families residing along the Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur and North Cotabato.
Covering 15 percent of the nation’s freshwater resources, the Agusan Marsh is home to many Manobo families who reside in floating houses and depend on rainwater or nearby springs for their water needs, including drinking, bathing, and other activities. Unfortunately, the consumption of contaminated water often leads to stomach ailments among both children and adults.
As one of the primary beneficiaries, P&G and World Vision continue to support the residents of the Agusan Marsh by regularly distributing P&G Purifier of Water. This aid is particularly crucial during disasters, such as recent flooding and landslides, which have prompted Agusan del Sur to declare a state of calamity.
The enduring partnership between P&G and World Vision exemplifies their dedication to offering innovative solutions for clean drinking water, particularly in times of crisis. P&G’s Purifier of Water, equipped with advanced technology, not only ensures access to safe drinking water for Filipino children but also fosters healthier and more fulfilling lives for them.
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