Our impact, their voices
Water for jobs, peace and schooling
School children stand to benefit from an ILO project that aims to promote peace and create jobs in a previously conflict-ridden region of the Philippines.

This the only source of water that they have to wash their hands and flush the toilet.
“I have to fetch water every day. I feel so tired. Sometimes I can’t eat anything during the break as I have to fetch water,” said 12-year old Charles Tarala.
“I can’t start my science class because my students have to fetch water in the morning, and during breaktime in the afternoon,” said teacher, Larlyn Alquisar. “We have no water connection inside the classroom or in the toilets, and have only one source of water in school.”

Once, the school ran out of water and the students were unable to use the toilet. The lack of sanitation also affects the school in other ways.
“We used to pick vegetables from our school garden and give to our students to add to their packed lunch. We cannot grow vegetables in school anymore, and we do not have enough water for cooking. The low water supply affected not just the school but also nearby communities who depend on our water tank as a source,” Alquiser explained.

Returning combatants, vulnerable youth, indigenous peoples, displaced men and women and those vulnerable to conflict, among others, will be trained as community contractors.
As a result, around 1,800 jobs will be created and almost 12,000 households and schools like Central Elementary will benefit from improved water supplies.
“Interventions in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region are meant to create jobs, while promoting decent work and reducing poverty. Access to safe and reliable water supplies is a basic need and is critical in developing a healthy, educated and productive workforce. It is also crucial to peace and security,” said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.

For more information please contact:
Ms Ma Jennylyn AguinaldoProject Manager
ILO Japan Water and Sanitation (WatSan) Project
Minette Rimando
Media and Public Information
ILO Country Office for the Philippines