1,500 low-income families in Laguna to gain access to clean water

Laguna Water, Water.org, and WaterLinks officially launched the WaterConnect project which aims to make safe and clean water available to all, particularly to low-income families. In-photo (L-R): Water.org Country Director Carlos Ani, WaterLinks Executive Director Mai Flor, WaterConnect Team Leader Bonifer Bautista, Laguna Water Sustainable Development Manager Eunice Christine Ricaforte, and MWPV South Luzon Regional Business Cluster Head and Laguna Water General Manager Melvin John Tan.

Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Water.org; and WaterLinks pool their resources together to connect at least 1,500 low-income families to the piped water system of Laguna Water by September 2017.

The joint project dubbed as Water Connect and will be piloted in Laguna Province, aims to support Filipino families who do not have enough means to gain access to reliable water source. The project which aims to provide access to clean water supply will not only ensure good health and safety but will also promote community organizing as well as provide technical advice and financial services to targeted marginalized communities.

Spearheading this project are three experts in the water industry namely: Manila Water Philippine Ventures, Water.org, and WaterLinks. Manila Water Philippine Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ayala-led Manila Water whose mission is to provide the water supply and used water management requirements of geographies outside Metro Manila. Meanwhile, Water.org is an international non-profit organization that has positively transformed more than five million lives around the world through access to safe water and sanitation. WaterLinks is a fully independent, non-profit organization that facilitates Water Operator Partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region and catalyzes efficiency improvements to enhance and expand access to urban water and sanitation services.

Microfinance institutions will also be tapped to provide further assistance to families who would want to be part of this initiative.