“Our water consumption here in the sitio is not really safe, but we don’t have a choice. Sometimes, when it floods, there’s no other way to get clean and safe water. It has always been our struggle.”

These words, filled with quiet resilience, were shared by one of the 4Ps beneficiary-residents in South Lamidan, Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, during a visit by the DSWD XI Pantawid Pamilya staff on August 27, 2024.

Many of the residents in this area belong to the Tagakaulo Tribe. Living in one of the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in the region, they face severe limitations in accessing safe water sources.

In South Lamidan, the residents rely on wells, streams, and rivers for their water. However, when heavy rains cause floods, these sources become contaminated, leaving the community with no choice but to use unsafe water for drinking and cooking.

Recognizing this dire situation, the DSWD Field Office XI, through its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, partnered with Clean Water International Philippines (CWIP) to bring hope and relief to this community. South Lamidan was chosen to receive 100 ceramic water filters—critical lifelines that would provide the residents with safe drinking water.

In addition to the distribution, CWIP conducted comprehensive training sessions on water, sanitation, and hygiene, empowering the community with the knowledge and skills necessary for sustainable change. WaSH (Water-Sanitation-Hygiene) Ambassadors were also identified among qualified 4Ps beneficiaries to champion these practices within their community.

This distribution marks the continuation of the 4Ps and CWIP’s efforts to reach out to identified GIDAs in need of such vital interventions.

This collaboration is just one of many initiatives undertaken by Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program XI to strengthen partnerships with stakeholders. DSWD FO XI remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change and uplifting communities through impactful endeavors. With the combined efforts of DSWD FO XI and CWIP, the journey toward ensuring clean water for every family in the Philippines takes a significant step forward. #BawatBuhayMahalagSaDSWD