Save the Children Philippines (SCP) appealed to local government units (LGUs) Thursday to support access to water, hygiene, and sanitation facilities for children and their families, particularly those in remote areas and typhoon-affected provinces.

In celebration of World Toilet Day Nov. 19, the SCP has raised concern on thousands of children in poor households and conflict-stricken provinces that are exposed to life-threatening diseases,  including diarrhea, due to lack of access to proper toilet facilities.

“The realization of children’s right to health and survival must be fulfilled by providing them access to clean water and toilet facilities that will ensure their health and well-being,” SCP Chief Executive Officer Atty. Alberto Muyot said.

The child rights organization said that the massive flooding, particularly in Bicol region due to super typhoon “Rolly,” forced thousands of families to resort to open defecation, putting children’s lives at risk from water borne diseases.

Meanwhile, SCP Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Advisor Jonathan Valdez said addressing the problem of access to functional toilets and eliminating open defecation practices in some communities require a change in behavior and practices on poor sanitation and hygiene.

“Children with disabilities and those living in poor and marginalized communities disproportionately do not have access to resources for improved sanitation,” Valdez said.

He underscored that even in the school setting where children have better access to functional toilets, the proper use, cleaning, and maintenance of toilets need to be in place.

“As we struggle to stop the spread of the COVID-19 and recover from the series of devastating typhoons, our collective action to provide access to clean water and toilet facilities to children in need and their families are of paramount importance,” Muyot said.