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WORLD WATER DAY – ADVOCATING FOR CLEAN WATER FOR CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION IN SIARGAO

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SIARGAO  ISLAND – Access to clean and safe water is a critical issue in Siargao, where climate change and pollution threaten water security for children and communities. To address this, Action Against Hunger and UNICEF led initiatives, supported by New Zealand Aid, in Burgos, Siargao, in celebration of World Water Day. These activities focused on reducing pollution through a coastal clean-up and educating communities on sustainable water management, aligning with both organizations’ commitment to safeguarding access to clean water and promoting  climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

Water security in Siargao is not only about access but also about protecting the island’s natural water sources from pollution. The increasing accumulation of waste along the coastline directly threatens marine biodiversity and the cleanliness of freshwater supplies.  

To address this, on March 24, as part of the World Water Day celebration, a community-led coastal clean-up was conducted, bringing together residents, barangay officials, and government agencies to clear debris from a 5-kilometer stretch of Burgos’ shoreline. 

Through this clean-up initiative, part of the “Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme”, Action Against Hunger highlights the importance of waste management in maintaining water security. Indeed, left unchecked, waste accumulation on beaches and coastal areas degrades water sources, making it even more challenging to provide clean and safe drinking water. 

Around 30 people from different barangays of the municipality of Burgos participated in the post-celebration activity for World Water Day. Action Against Hunger, together with the community members and the local government representants, took part in collecting a total of 17 sacks of waste from the shoreline. 

 

Action Against Hunger team, community members, and local representatives joined forces to clean the beach in Barangay Baybay in Burgos, as a post-celebration activity of World Water Day. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger.)

In photo: Plastic waste collected during the beach clean-up session in the Municipality of Burgos, Siargao Island. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger.)

Among the collected waste, a significant portion consisted of plastics. These include plastic bottles washed ashore, broken fishing nets, and microplastics. The presence of microplastics is particularly alarming as these tiny fragments enter marine ecosystems and ultimately pose serious risks not only to marine species but also to human health through food consumption. 

This issue is even more pressing given that Siargao Islands is a Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS), a designated conservation area aimed at preserving its rich biodiversity and natural resources. The accumulation of plastic waste in such a protected zone highlights the urgent need for stronger waste management practices and community engagement to safeguard the island’s ecosystems. 

In photo: Wendie Gonia, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Burgos introducing the advocacy of the World Water Day Celebration to the students of Burgos Central Elementary School. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

In this way, the community of Burgos is already taking proactive steps in this direction. This clean-up session is not the first one they’ve conducted this year.  

“A month ago, we already conducted a beach clean-up session and collected 25 sacks of waste. This brings the total to 42 sacks of waste gathered within less than a month,” says Wendie Gonia, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) for Burgos.  

By participating in these kinds of activities, residents and local representatives are actively contributing to the coastal and environmental protection including local water sources and further reinforcing the vital link between clean water, proper sanitation, and environmental health. “It is clear that we need to advocate to change practices and behaviors to protect our coasts,” she emphasized. 

Effectively controlling pollution is crucial, as poor waste management threatens water quality and endangers ecosystems and human health. Coastal pollution – particularly plastic waste – contaminates marine environments and increases the risk of waterborne diseases, directly affecting communities’ access to safe drinking water. 

 

What happens to the collected waste after the clean-up?  

After the clean-up, the collected sacks were subsequently transported to a designated center. In the municipality of Burgos, the waste is carefully sorted for proper disposal, with most recyclable materials transported to the local government’s material recovery facility (MRF) in Barangay Poblacion. Meanwhile, residual waste is taken to the residual containment area in Sitio Patag. 

Finally, plastic bottles and metal waste are collected by a local company responsible for processing recyclable materials off the island. These are then repurposed into useful items such as school chairs. Glass waste, on the other hand, will be processed locally, by the LGU within the month using the newly acquired equipment. 

By involving community members and with the mobilization of the local government, the initiative fosters environmental responsibility and raises awareness of the vital connection between pollution control, clean water access, and climate resilience.  

Specifically, the participation of the Office of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources (MENRO), the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRM), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Protected Area Management Office of the Protected Landscape and Seascape (DENR-PAMO–SIPLAS) , is crucial as these key representatives play a vital role in enforcing long-lasting positive change. 

It’s important to note that Siargao’s coastal and island communities are among the most at-risk in the Philippines, frequently facing natural disasters such as typhoons, floods, and landslides. The island’s limited infrastructure and geographical isolation pose additional challenges, including restricted access to clean water and sanitation services. Many municipalities, including Burgos, San Benito, Del Carmen, Pilar, and Santa Monica, are classified as 4th to 6th class – these are considered low-income municipalities and are often faced with limited resources to invest in critical lifelines for their constituents. 

The devastating impact of Typhoon Odette in December further exacerbated these vulnerabilities, causing widespread damage, reducing household incomes, and increasing health risks—particularly for children, women, and other vulnerable groups. In response, Action Against Hunger has been actively supporting the island’s recovery through resilience-building initiatives to ensure that their communities are better equipped to face future challenges. 

 

SCHOOL INTERVENTION ON WASH PROMOTION

In addition to the clean-up activity, World Water Day was also an opportunity to engage with students and school personnel on the importance of WASH. Action Against Hunger conducted an interactive session in the Burgos Central Elementary School to present key WASH promotion initiatives, focusing on hygiene practices and safe water consumption. This intervention was an opportunity to raise awareness among young people about their role in adopting sustainable hygiene behaviors.  

In Picture: Action Against Hunger team introducing sustainable hygiene behaviors to the students of Burgos Central Elementary School – Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger

During this intervention, DENR-PAMOSIPLAS also participated – introducing their action, explaining to the students the biodiversity and the importance for them to preserve the forests of their island. By involving schools in WASH and environmental advocacy, the initiative reinforces the long-term sustainability of sanitation practices ensuring that future generations understand and uphold these essential principles. 

 

OUR ACTIONS 

“Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme,” a partnership between Action Against Hunger Philippines, UNICEF and New Zealand Aid, aimed at strengthening climate-resilient WASH services in disaster-affected areas. 

Our action aims to improve local governments’ WASH services and governance mechanisms for disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and climate change adaptation and to improve access to clean water, promote hygiene, and ensure proper sanitation to reduce waterborne illnesses and improve public health.  

Through technical training, resource provision, and strategic planning, the project enhances regional and provincial capabilities in WASH and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). By aligning operational management with national and regional action plans, the project ensures long-term sustainability and community resilience in the municipalities of Burgos, San Benito, Del Carmen, Pilar, and Santa Monica, in Siargao Island.  

FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE 

By fostering sustainable practices and strengthening local capacities, this initiative contributes to the long-term well-being of Siargao’s communities, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for future generations. The project aligns closely with UNICEF’s advocacy for children’s rights, ensuring that underserved areas receive the necessary support for resilient and inclusive development. 

 

The World Water Day beach clean-up and school intervention serve as crucial reminders that improving water quality and sanitation requires both community participation and systemic change. By addressing pollution, raising awareness, and enhancing WASH services, this initiative ensures that access to clean water is not only about infrastructure but also about advocating to preserve the environment that sustains it. 

To know more about the project, check out the project briefer:
Typhoon Odette Recovery and Rehabilitation Towards Climate-Resilient Programme

 

Written by: Alexane Simon
Contributors / Editors: Maricel Vina Menez, Joyce Sandajan

Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger

PROMOTING CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND HYGIENE DURING EMERGENCIES

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Barangay Catanusan, located in Minalabac—one of the three poorest areas in the province—was severely affected by flooding when Tropical Storm Kristine passed through, followed by five other storms. The residents faced tremendous hardship as the rising waters endangered lives, and even now, the community continues to struggle with the aftermath. Homes, livelihoods, and essential services, including daycare centers, were submerged. UNICEF, Action Against Hunger, and the Center for Disaster Preparedness, with support from the UN Central Emergency Fund, are working closely with parents and teachers to ensure that children receive vital hygiene education.

CAMARINES SUR ─ During the storm surge, Barangay Catanusan in the Municipality of Minalabac was heavily impacted. “Our barangay is located in a low-lying area. Due to our geography, we serve as a catch basin for Minalabac. When it rains for three days, we are already flooded,” shared Melinda Nalzaro, a daycare center teacher in the community.

Between October and November 2024, no less than six storms hit the region, bringing heavy rainfall to Barangay Catanusan and leaving homes, livelihoods, services, and residents devastated. The daycare center, located just two meters from the Bicol River, was also severely impacted by the flooding.

In photo: Elna Quirante, a 29-year-old mother whose child attends the daycare center in Barangay Catanusan, shares her experience during the flooding caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

For instance, Elna Quirante, a 29-year-old mother whose child attends the daycare center, did not evacuate on October 21, initially thinking it would just be a mild storm. The following evening, floodwaters had already entered their home, forcing them to seek higher ground. For two nights, they sheltered on their roof, surrounded by water more than two meters deep. On October 24, rescuers arrived and evacuated them to a relative’s house for seven days.

In photo: Melinda Nalzaro, a teacher at the daycare center in Catanusan, shares how she braved the floodwaters to save equipment and materials from the daycare. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

The Catanusan Daycare Center, one of the registered evacuation centers, sheltered eight families. However, floodwater quickly rose to about six feet. The rapid increase in water levels prompted an immediate evacuation. “The current was strong, so I prioritized getting the pregnant women and persons with disabilities to safety first. It was terrifying because it took about eight to ten people to push the boat against the strong current,” Melinda recalled.

The next day, despite the flooding, Melinda returned alone to the daycare to rescue their belongings. “I tried to save whatever I could, placing the freezer on a table to prevent damage. Unfortunately, I ended up with body pains from all the heavy lifting. I managed to retrieve my laptop, but it no longer works. I also secured important documents for child development workers, though most of the folders and records were damaged or lost in the flood,” she said.

As she made her way back, the water level had risen even higher. “The flood was already chest-deep. I slipped and nearly drowned, but thankfully, a man nearby saw me and pulled me out,” she recalled.

While Melinda talks about her experience, Elna shares how the disaster took a toll on their emotional well-being. “The flood left not only physical damage but also deep emotional trauma. Since then, every storm warning prompts my family to evacuate immediately, fearing a repeat of the disaster.”

To mitigate the impact on children, Melinda incorporated disaster awareness into her teaching. “At the daycare, I always prepare books about calamities. Whenever there’s a storm or flood, I do storytelling sessions to help ease the children’s fears and prevent them from becoming too traumatized.”

Despite these challenges, they continue to support the children, helping them feel safe and secure in the face of uncertainty

Support for Health and Hygiene During Emergencies

 

To ensure the health and hygiene of children and their families during emergencies, Action Against Hunger’s team is actively engaging with the youngest members of the community, providing essential hygiene education.

As part of the Emergency Response to Multi-Storms Project supported by UNICEF, children from the Catanusan Daycare Center participated in an interactive session on February 4, focusing on key hygiene habits such as proper handwashing and toothbrushing to prevent waterborne diseases.

In photo: Children of the daycare center learning the importance of proper hygiene practices (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

In photo: Children of the daycare center learning the importance of proper hygiene practices (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

The recent floods severely impacted access to clean water, damaging the daycare center’s electric water pump—the main source of drinking and cooking water. At the same time, families are now forced to buy bottled water, adding to their financial strain. For families like Elna’s, who were already struggling to meet basic needs before the storms, the situation has become even harder. The added expense of purchasing clean water to avoid contamination-related illnesses costs her family around 280 pesos per month.

Without a reliable water source, children face a higher risk of waterborne diseases. In this context, hygiene promotion activities are more critical than ever. Our efforts not only help prevent illnesses in the immediate aftermath of the storm but also contribute to long-term health and well-being, reinforcing positive hygiene habits that will benefit the community for years to come.

With the support of the United Nations Central Emergency Fund and together with UNICEF, and the Center for Disaster Preparedness, each child received a hygiene kit containing soap, a reusable water bottle, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, equipping them with essential tools to maintain proper hygiene despite the challenges.

In photo: Melinda Nalzaro, with the children of the daycare center after they received the hygiene kits. (Photo by Alexane Simon for Action Against Hunger)

Melinda emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Action Against Hunger’s activities, with UNICEF’s support, are a huge help. They teach children proper hygiene practices, such as daily toothbrushing drills, so these habits become routine. The children are aware of these practices, but parents, especially those with infants, sometimes forget to remind them.”

Ensuring that children learn, and practice proper hygiene remains essential in preventing disease and safeguarding community health. The stories of Elna and Melinda reflect the importance of timely humanitarian aid in disaster recovery. While recovery takes time, sustained support from Action Against Hunger teams on the ground remains crucial in helping communities like Barangay Catanusan rebuild stronger and be better prepared for future disasters.

Aside from UNICEF’s WASH support, Elna’s family also received cash assistance from Action Against Hunger’s emergency response focused on food security and livelihoods, totaling 9,000 pesos for food and essentials during a period of lost income.

From hygiene promotion to cash assistance, humanitarian assistance continues to play a crucial role in helping survivors rebuild their lives.

 

 

Written by: Alexane Simon
Contributor: Lileth Lascano and Joyce Anne Sandajan