In a country of about 115 million people, 60 million or about 52 percent of Filipinos lack access to safe water, according to Water.org.
In remote villages, families wake at dawn to fetch water from distant sources, farmers rely on unpredictable weather to irrigate their crops, and schools and health centers face sanitation challenges due to the limited supply. Without reliable access to water, public health and socioeconomic wellbeing are at risk.
Recognizing the urgent need for practical and sustainable solutions, Aboitiz Renewables Inc., the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), has partnered with local governments and communities to improve water infrastructure in several communities across the Philippines. Through rainwater harvesting systems, water-impounding structures, and upgraded pipelines, Aboitiz Renewables is helping thousands of families finally gain reliable access to water, a resource critical for health, agriculture, and the environment.
Easing the burden of water collection in the community
For decades, households in Benguet’s remote areas struggled with limited water access.
In Barangay Dalipey, Bakun, residents once relied on a single water pump located far downhill, requiring them to carry heavy containers over rough terrain. The burden was especially difficult for the elderly and young children.
Residents of Barangay Kamog, Sablan faced a similar challenge. For many years, families hiked nearly an hour downhill to collect water from a spring; a necessary but taxing chore.
Today, that reality is starting to change. Through the projects of Hedcor, the run-of-river hydropower operator of AboitizPower, newly installed water pipelines and dedicated storage tanks have been and are being built to provide clean water to over 1,200 households. The projects are part of the community development initiatives of Hedcor for its host communities.
Dalipey Barangay Captain Domingo Marcelo considers these projects a transformative one for their community.
"Before, we had to travel far just to collect water. Now, with a better system in place, families can spend more time on productive activities instead of struggling just to meet the basic need for water,” Marcelo shared.
"Our children now have access to clean, safe water without having to undergo exhausting trips. It’s a great relief for the entire community, especially for the elderly," added Sablan’s Jun Tad-o, Kamog Waterworks Association president.
According to the National Water Resources Board, the Philippines has been experiencing water-stress — or when demand exceeds supply — since 2017. Water availability in 2020 declined to 1,300 cubic meters per capita per year nationwide, below the water stress threshold of 1,700 cubic meters per capita and the Asian average of 3,920 cubic meters per capita.
However, national averages tend to conceal greater cases of water-stress in certain areas, with about 27 percent of Filipinos still living within these places.
Supporting access to water and hygiene
Reliable access to water can also determine the success or failure of an entire farming season. In terms of water for consumptive use in the Philippines, about 80 percent is used for irrigation, making farmers the largest consumer and the likely experiencers of water-stress conditions.
PV Sinag, AboitizPower’s solar power facility in Pangasinan managed by Hedcor, donated materials for the construction of a water impounding system for barangay Cayanga, Bugallon to ensure continuous irrigation for its farmlands. A water impounding system is a resource management structure that collects and stores water for later use, particularly for irrigation during dry periods.
Once completed, farmers will have access to a steady water supply, leading to increased crop yields and reduced challenges caused by water scarcity. The infrastructure will allow farmers to withstand dry seasons and unpredictable weather patterns, benefitting over 200 farmers in addressing long-standing challenges that once put food production and livelihoods at risk.
”Without this water system, all our hard work as farmers would be wasted. Now, we have the security to continue farming even during the hottest months,” said Labrador-Laguit Upland Farmers Association President Salvador Belingan.
Meanwhile, another AboitizPower solar power facility installed handwashing stations in schools and health centers in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, supported by donated water tanks and pumps.
In 2024, San Carlos Sun Power Inc. (SacaSun) sought to address the water shortages that hampered basic hygienic activities like handwashing. Reliable water access has transformed the schools and health centers, reducing the risk of disease and improving the overall well-being of the beneficiaries.
"This initiative not only protects our children’s health but also instills lifelong hygiene habits," explained Mag-amihan Elementary School Principal Maegen Limpio. "With a steady water supply, students can focus on their education."
The 2022 Annual Poverty Indicators Survey found that 22.6 million or 84 percent of Filipino families had basic sanitation service level, which, albeit progressing, is still below a target of 98.17 percent. According to a World Bank study, poor sanitation in the Philippines has an economic cost of about P77.8-billion per year, covering impacts on health, water resources, welfare, and tourism.
Bringing relief to drought-stricken families
Long stretches of drier periods and higher temperatures also exacerbate the shortfall in water supply.
When El Niño’s drought hit Bukidnon in May last year, thousands of families struggled with severe water shortages, prompting Hedcor and the Aboitiz Foundation to install 13 rainwater harvesting tanks in affected barangays to provide immediate relief to over 9,000 households, including those in indigenous peoples communities.
The 13 rainwater harvesting tanks were strategically placed for easy access by the community, with locations identified and managed by the local government. The collected water was allocated mostly for household needs, with some used for small-scale farming, as well as for schools within the barangays.
"Before, we had no choice but to endure long days without enough water. Now, we have a stable supply for cooking, cleaning, and sustaining small farms,” said Michael Mendoza, a local resident.
"We deeply value our partnership with Hedcor and are grateful for their prompt response to our request for water tanks for our barangays. This demonstrates their genuine care for the well-being of our community here in the Municipality of Impasugong," added Mayor Anthony Uy.
Hedcor Vice President for Corporate Services Noreen Vicencio emphasized the importance of helping achieve the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal of “clean water and sanitation for all.”
"By ensuring stable water access, we are helping our host communities become more resilient to climate challenges, have improved health outcomes, and have more secure livelihoods. These initiatives create lasting solutions that empower people and support a sustainable future."
From far-flung villages to drought-affected towns, AboitizPower is Transforming Energy for a Better World. Beyond providing best-in-class operational and asset management services through its renewable energy facilities, it is helping its host communities have access to the critical resource of clean water.