In a significant stride towards improving the lives of families in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office XI (DSWD FO XI), in collaboration with Clean Water International Philippines (CWIP), has embarked on a mission to deliver safe and clean water through innovative technologies. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), an initiative of DSWD FO XI, has teamed up with CWIP, a global Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) committed to enhancing access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene, particularly for children. This partnership, solidified by a Memorandum of Agreement signed on October 26, 2023, in Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City, aims to address the pressing issue of water scarcity, especially among 4Ps beneficiaries living in remote areas.

CWIP, renowned for its dedication to ensuring a world where children can thrive by providing essential water-related amenities, will deploy Ceramic Water Filters to identified 4Ps beneficiaries in GIDA. These filters are crucial lifelines where access to safe drinking water is scarce, catering to the needs of indigenous communities and beyond. Alongside the distribution of these filters, CWIP will conduct comprehensive training sessions on water, sanitation, and hygiene, empowering communities with the knowledge and skills needed for sustainable impact.

Moreover, CWIP is committed to fostering livelihood opportunities by selecting Water-a-Sanitation-Hygiene (WaSH) Ambassadors from qualified 4Ps beneficiaries. These ambassadors will play a pivotal role in promoting the importance of clean water and sanitation practices within their communities.

The organization shall provide extensive training in WaSH practices and the technical intricacies of the Ceramic Water Filter project among the identified WaSH Ambassadors to ensure that they are prepared for their roles and responsibilities. While DSWD and the 4Ps shall assist in the monitoring of these livelihoods and the living conditions of the 4Ps beneficiaries certified as 4Ps WaSH Ambassadors to assess the overall impact of the project on the quality of their lives. This collaboration also entails the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the projects, programs and initiatives in WaSH and Food Security and other allied sectors depending on the availability of resources.

During the ceremonial signing of the agreement, Mr. Darrell Nelson, CEO and Founder of CWIP, demonstrated the effectiveness of the Ceramic Water Filter to key stakeholders, including Atty. Vanessa B. Goc-ong, Regional Director of DSWD FO XI. This demonstration showcased the technology’s ability to provide safe and clean water, marking the beginning of a timeline wherein both parties commit to swift implementation of the initiative.

In addition to addressing long-standing water issues, the partnership also entails CWIP extending assistance and services to DSWD FO XI during disasters and calamities in the Davao Region, highlighting a broader commitment to community welfare.

This collaboration exemplifies just one of the many initiatives undertaken by Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program XI to strengthen collaborative efforts with partner stakeholders. DSWD FO XI remains unwavering in its dedication to fostering positive changes and uplifting communities through such impactful endeavors. With the combined efforts of DSWD FO XI and CWIP, the journey towards ensuring clean water for every family in the Philippines takes a significant step forward.

Outreach in Sitio Pegalongan Matigsalug IP Community

Together with the Enhanced Support Services Intervention (ESSI) turnover of projects, CWIP representatives joined the visitation on November 28-29, 2023 in Sitio Pegalongan, Marilog District, Davao City. The said NGO gathered the Matigsalug Tribe in the area and discussed the importance of ensuring clean water for their families’ consumption. This time they introduced the technology — Water Ceramic Filter to aid the community in consuming safe drinking water.

Along with the discussion and lectures, the CWIP also identified the WaSH (Water-a-Sanitation-Hygiene) Ambassador in the said community who’ll take up the responsibility for monitoring the provided Ceramic Water Filter in their area.

In the succeeding months, CWIP and DSWD XI will conduct capacity-building activities for the different ambassadors for the plan to create associations to be able to sustain the technology (Ceramic Water Filter).

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