How World Vision brought clean water to families in Sultan Kudarat 

For years, access to water in this community was never simple. It was a daily struggle that affected the lives of children and families. 

Before sunrise, parents and children would leave their homes carrying empty containers, walking long distances just to collect water. Some waited in long lines for hours, while others competed for whatever little water was available. 

By the time they returned home, they were already exhausted. 

How water affected children 

For children like 12-year-old Miles, the routine was more than tiring. It took away parts of childhood that should have been spent in school, playing, and simply being a child. 

“Dati po, nung wala pong tubig, nag-iigib po kami… tapos minsan po nag-aagawan po kami ng tubig,” Miles shared. 

There were days when fetching water would begin in the morning and last until evening. This meant less time for homework, less time for rest, and often, less time for herself. 

Miles also shared how the struggle made her feel left out as a child. 

“Mahirap po kasi habang nag-iigib kami ng tubig, nakikita ko po yung ibang bata na naglalaro.”

“I feel sad po ako at minsan naiinggit, kasi sila nag-eenjoy, habang kami andoon sa may poso nag-iigib ng tubig.” 

What should have been a basic need instead became a source of daily stress. Instead of preparing for school or spending time with friends, many children were helping their families fetch water. 

Unsafe water means unsafe health 

The struggle for water was not only about access, but it was also about safety. Families were often left with no choice but to use whatever water was available.  

Miles recalled getting sick after drinking unsafe water: “Noong 5 years old po ako, sumakit po yung tiyan ko. Dinala po ako ni mama sa doktor, tapos sinabi nila na may amoeba po ako kasi hindi malinis ‘yung iniinom naming tubig.” 

The illness caused severe stomach pain and required medical attention. Like many children in similar circumstances, being sick meant missing school and falling behind in her studies. 

In communities without safe water systems, these risks were part of everyday life. Parents lived with constant worry, not only about their children’s health, but also about their future. When a child is often sick, learning is interrupted and opportunities become limited. 

When water becomes a daily burden 

With limited water sources available, long lines formed each day. People rushed to collect water before supplies ran out, and tensions often rose as families tried to secure enough for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. 

Shaira Mae, a 26-year-old mother, shared how difficult life was before the water system was established:  “Dati po, nag-aagawan kami ng tubig, tapos may schedule pa. Kapag naubusan ka, maghihintay ka na lang o hahanap sa ibang lugar.” 

“Yung ibang bata, naliligo na lang sa sapa para lang makapaligo, kahit hindi safe.” 

As a mother, she witnessed how the daily burden affected families: “Sobrang hirap po… nag-aaway pa para lang makatubig.” 

“Minsan umaabot ng dalawang oras ang paghihintay kasi marami kaming gumagamit. Hindi mo pwedeng kunin yung tubig ng iba kasi magagalit sila, mag-aaway lang kayo.” 

Unsafe water made the situation even more difficult for children: 

“Yung mga bata nagkakasakit kasi hindi safe yung tubig… nagtatae sila, nagkakasakit.” 

“Kapag nagkasakit ang bata, masakit ang tiyan niya at hindi na siya makapag-aral.” 

A partnership with World Vision 

In 2024, through World Vision’s Child Sponsorship program and in partnership with the barangay, a community-managed water system was established. 

Today, the impact is clear: 

• Three water reservoirs now serve the community 

• Coverage has expanded from 151 to nearly 200 households  

• More families continue to be connected as the system grows 

For Ms. Divina, a Barangay Water Systems Association (BAWASA) officer, the transformation has been undeniable: 

“Malaki ang pagbabago ng water system namin dito… ngayon, halos 200 household ang nakaka-benefit.” 

Clean water now flows reliably, something the community had long dreamed of. 

More than water… 

This initiative did more than provide clean water, it introduced structure, fairness, and accountability within the community. 

Before, access depended on chance. Now, it is managed through a clear system, with regulations, monitoring, and shared responsibility. 

Conflicts that once affected daily routines have significantly decreased. “Dati nag-aaway kami sa paggamit ng tubig… Pero ngayon, nababawasan na din yung pag-aaway at pag-iigib ng tubig kasi meron na kaming sariling kwentador.” – Ms. Shaira 

Safe water has also improved community health: “Kapag malinis yung tubig namin… naiwasan yung mga sakit.” – Ms. Divina 

Perhaps the most powerful impact is seen in the lives of children. 

For Miles, access to water means something simple, yet deeply meaningful: time. 

Time to learn. Time to rest. Time to play. 

“Na-feel ko na po na pwede ko na gawin lahat… hindi na kailangan mag-skip ng pag-aaral at paglalaro.” 

What was once spent fetching water is now invested in her future. 

The change seen in Sultan Kudarat is part of a much bigger story. 

Through its WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs, World Vision continues to bring life-changing support to communities across the Philippines. 

As of 2025: 

• 43,690 (32,075 children and 18,877 adults) reached through WASH interventions 

• 21,382 individuals trained in proper hygiene and sanitation 

• 13,219 children benefited from improved toilets and handwashing facilities 

• 109 water taps installed in communities 

These efforts are made possible through projects such as the Safe Drinking Water for the Philippines Project, Antique 2 WASH Project, Associations IMpowered for Child Well-being (AIM4CWB) Negros Occidental Project, Bohol Northeastern Education with Child Protect Project, and the Haven of Rest 2 Education with Child Protect Project, along with other community-based programs focused on child well-being.  

Access the FY25 Annual Report here.  

As you can see, child sponsorship is more than just a school bag. 

This transformation reflects the true purpose of World Vision’s child sponsorship. It is not limited to school supplies or financial support, it addresses the root causes that affects a child’s well-being. 

Access to clean water, better health, time, and dignity are all essential for a child to build a better future. 

World Vision is reaching one new person with clean water every 10 seconds and reaches three more schools every day with clean water. 

Khent, a World Vision Program Officer, shared: “As a former sponsored child myself, I can personally say that child sponsorship is not only about school supplies or money. It is really about giving justice, hope, and love to children and communities.” 

Through this approach, families are not only supported, they are empowered to build systems that last. 

Make Hope Real! 

Today, the community tells a different story. 

• Children are healthier and attending school regularly 

• Families no longer compete for water 

• Parents no longer fear unsafe drinking sources 

• Nearly 200 households now have reliable access to clean water 

For Miles, what once felt impossible became something she prayed for: “Pinagdasal ko po na mayroong ganito… para hindi na mag-skip ng pag-aaral at paglalaro.” 

That prayer has now been answered, because together, we are making hope real through your generous support.