WASH Manila

The human waste disposal system and rainwater catchment tank are intended to support the Community Center's nutrition programmes; health, hygiene and sanitation education and advocacy; and assistance to improve the livelihoods of community members. Specifically, it is hoped that the rainwater collected will reduce expenditures, allowing for the purchase of clean water from vendors.

After a training seminar, 87 Teacher Training Coordinators from the Non-Formal Education Services of the City of Manila are enabled to serve as WASH Advocates, speaking to grassroots communities about the importance of safe water and hygiene. A module on WASH is being developed to add to the curriculum of the non-formal education system in the City of Manila.

Health, Environment, Children.

Programme organisers say that what little water is available in the Philippines is sold by water merchants at a very high price. Environmental pollution and the presence of garbage and raw sewage contribute to the deteriorating health and hygiene situation of the slum dwellers.

WSSCC is an international organisation that works to enhance collaboration in water supply and sanitation among multi-stakeholders. During the International Conference on Freshwater in Bonn, Germany in December 2001, the WSSCC introduced a global campaign called WASH - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for all.

Project accomplishments to date include the construction of a three-cubic metre rainwater catchment tank. Excavations are underway for the new septic tank. As part of the WASH Hand-Washing campaign, a locally-made soap developed by a woman inventor will be packaged by the women in the community to be used by school children and sold at an affordable price to the community. A WASH Task Force made up of media, local government, NGOs, health representatives, and community members has been set up to oversee the viability and sustainability of this project.