Safe Water Supply

Delivering Safe Water to Protect Children’s Health and Future

In the island and upland communities of Bohol Province, Philippines, access to safe and reliable drinking water remains a serious challenge. Due to the limestone-based geology of the region, rainwater quickly seeps underground, and the absence of major rivers makes it difficult to secure stable freshwater sources. Many households are forced to rely on unsafe wells contaminated by seawater or untreated surface water, leading to waterborne diseases, particularly among children.
To address these challenges, Ikaw Ako Foundation implements an integrated Safe Water Supply Project that combines "rainwater harvesting systems" with "hygiene and sanitation education". By installing rainwater collection and storage tanks --primarily at elementary schools-- we provide a stable supply of safe drinking water that can be managed by local communities themselves.

In December 2025, this approach was formally recognized by the "Bohol Division of the Department of Education", which commended the project for its contribution to improving the learning environment and protecting students’ health through reliable access to safe water. This recognition reflects not only the infrastructure provided, but also the long-term educational and community-based impact of the project.

In parallel, hygiene education programs are conducted for schoolchildren, alongside sanitation awareness activities for parents and community members. By promoting proper handwashing, safe water usage, and basic hygiene practices, the project emphasizes sustainable behavioral change rather than one-time interventions.

The project is being implemented from 2020 to 2026, targeting "15 villages and approximately 15,000 residents" in northern Bohol. In each village, a water management association is established, and operation and maintenance manuals are developed to ensure long-term, community-led management.

Looking ahead, Ikaw Ako Foundation aims to expand the project beyond schools and begin "supplying safe water directly to surrounding communities", enabling households as well as public institutions to benefit from improved water access. Through this expansion, we seek to strengthen community resilience and create a scalable model for rural water supply.

Access to safe water improves children's health, reduces waterborne diseases, and supports education and livelihoods. Through this project, Ikaw Ako Foundation continues to work with local residents and government partners to build resilient communities where people can live with dignity, safety, and hope for the future.