TITLE: Davao City Watersheds Under Threat: Urgent Call for Protection  

AUTHOR: Kinaadman

DATE PUBLISHED: February 7, 2024

KEY INFORMATION:

The Facebook post discusses the degradation of Davao City's watersheds, particularly the Panigan-Tamugan watershed, which is useful for maintaining water quality. It highlights the increase in prohibited recreational activities leading to contamination and the collection of significant waste. The post had a call to action of the urgent need for public awareness about the importance of these protected areas to prevent further water quality issues, directly addressing the social issue of inadequate hygiene practices linked to poor water management and community education.

This is related to the social issue of poor water quality and inadequate hygiene because it highlights how human activities, such as prohibited recreational use in the Panigan-Tamugan watershed, lead to contamination and waste accumulation.

TITLE: Holiday Trash Worsens Davao City Flood

AUTHOR: Rojean Grave G. Patumbon

DATE PUBLISHED: January 8, 2025

KEY INFORMATION:

This article reports that the recent flooding in Davao City was worsened by a surge in garbage accumulation following the holiday season. The Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) noted that improperly disposed waste clogged drainage systems, contributing to the flooding. The article calls for improved waste management and community education to prevent future flooding and maintain clean water sources.

This article relates directly because the people's lack of knowledge about proper safety practices, resulted in poor water quality and inadequate hygiene. This not only leads to environmental degradation but also compromises water quality and sanitation.

TITLE: No Water, Too Much Water for Davao City  

AUTHOR: Keith Bacongco 

DATE PUBLISHED: February 3, 2024 

KEY INFORMATION:

Davao City is facing a dual crisis of flooding and water scarcity due to continuous rains. While low-lying areas are submerged, elevated regions experience unsteady occurence to no water supply because of high turbidity levels in the Tamugan River, affecting operations of the Davao City Water District (DCWD). The temporary shutdown of bulk water supply from Apo Agua Infrastructure has also left many households without adequate water access. Residents have voiced their frustrations over service quality and rising water rates despite the introduction of bulk water suppliers.

This article is closely related to the social issue of lack of knowledge regarding safety practices, which worsens poor water quality and hygiene.

TITLE: One Mindanao: Poor Water Supply

AUTHOR: GMA Regional TV

DATE PUBLISHED: Aug 6, 2021

KEY INFORMATION:

Residents at Brgy. Catalunan Grande, Davao City complains about the slow and no water flow in their area. This national news video segment relates to clean water and sanitation as poor water supply can spread diseases and put people's health at risk. Inadequate sanitation contaminates water sources, threatening public health. Addressing poor water supply requires integrated water resource management, sanitation and hygiene services, which are crucial for public health, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic development.

TITLE: Philippines landslide kills 6 people and buries 27 in two buses

AUTHOR: Sweta Sharma

DATE PUBLISHED: Febuary 7 2024

KEY INFORMATION:

The article is about a landslide in a southern Philippines province that killed at least six people, injured 31, and buried homes and two buses carrying 27 passengers, officials said on Wednesday. Around 27 people were missing after a rain-induced landslide struck two buses and houses in a gold-mining village in the southern Philippines. The article highlights how landslides in mining areas disrupt local ecosystems, potentially contaminating water sources and affecting access to clean water, which aligns with the challenges addressed by SDG 6. The unregulated mining practices can lead to water pollution, undermining efforts to ensure safe and sustainable water supplies. This underscores the need for stricter environmental policies to protect water resources and improve sanitation.

TITLE: Responding to the Mindanao Flooding Crisis

AUTHOR: Action Against Hunger

DATE PUBLISHED: February 16, 2024

KEY INFORMATION:

As Mindanao grapples with the aftermath of devastating flooding and landslides, Action Against Hunger is mobilizing to respond to the urgent needs of affected communities. The recent onslaught of heavy rains, warned by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on January 18, 2024, has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly in Agusan del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Del Norte, and Davao Oriental, affecting nearly 1.1 million people and displacing 354,000 individuals.

How is this related to the social issue?

Flooding, landslides, and heavy rains can contaminate water with pollutants, debris, and sediment, damaging water quality, sanitation and hygiene.

TITLE: The Philippines | Severe Tropical Storm Kristine - Emergency Appeal (MDRPH056)

AUTHOR: IFRC

DATE PUBLISHED: October 30, 2024

KEY INFORMATION:

Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as a tropical depression on 21 October 2024. It affected the entire Luzon and Visayas island regions extending to parts of Mindanao in the south. Even before making landfall, it caused severe flooding and landslides that impacted a significant number of people, especially in areas which were hit by the trough. The heavy rainfall led to lahars flowing from Mount Mayon Volcano in the Bicol Region, which severely impacted both lives and livelihoods.

How is this related to the social issue?

Flooding, landslides, and heavy rainfall can negatively impact water resources by introducing them with harmful substances like chemicals, waste, and dirt into the water.

TITLE: Improving Sanitation Programs in the Philippines Webinar

AUTHOR: GWSC

DATE PUBLISHED: February 1, 2024

KEY INFORMATION:

On January 30, 2024, the Global Water Solution Inc. (GWSI) hosted a successful webinar event on “Improving Sanitation Programs in the Philippines”. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the Clean Water Act (RA9275), which aimed to protect the country’s water resources and promote wastewater management. The webinar is all about improving sanitation programs in the Philippines, thus directly contributing to SDG 6, ensuring access to adequate sanitation and hygiene for all. This webinar emphasizes sanitation efforts in response to challenges posed by this particular issue, particularly in underserved communities, as a way to improve health outcomes and the sustainability of water management. It supports the attainment of SDG 6, which is ensuring equitable and efficient sanitation solutions.

TITLE: Philippines: the residents mobilize for the marine wildlife • FRANCE 24 English

AUTHOR: Morgan Ayre

DATE PUBLISHED: January 3, 2025

KEY INFORMATION:

The Philippines is a dream destination for many travellers, renowned for its beaches, corals and sea turtles. But the scourge of plastic pollution is visible in many parts especially in Mindanao, wherein growing plastic pollution is still happening. The residents have mobilized to make their home clean and safe for the marine wildlife. This is relevant to the social issue as polluted wastewater and inadequate sanitation harm habitats and contaminate food chains.

Title: Save Water Advocacy Program (SWAP)

Author: Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)

Date Published: May 5, 2023

Key Information: The Save Water Advocacy Program (SWAP) by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is a nationwide campaign promoting water conservation in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao. It emphasizes the importance of reducing water consumption to ensure sustainable resources for future generations. The program provides tips and ways to wisely consume our precious water resources. By addressing water scarcity and promoting responsible usage, SWAP directly tackles the social issue of ensuring equitable access to clean and sufficient water for all communities.

Title: The Integrated Watershed Management Program of DCWD

Author: Davao City Water District

Date Published: October 2022

Key Information: The Davao City Water District's watershed page outlines its efforts to protect and conserve vital water sources. The DCWD manages several watersheds that supply drinking water to Davao City. They emphasize watershed rehabilitation, sustainable management, and community involvement to ensure a clean and reliable water supply. The initiative focuses on environmental conservation, such as reforestation and biodiversity enhancement, which are critical for the long-term availability of water in the region. The Davao City Water District's watershed conservation efforts are highly relevant to the social issue of water access and sustainability. By protecting and rehabilitating watersheds, the DCWD ensures a continuous and clean water supply for Davao City, addressing concerns of water scarcity and contamination. This is particularly important for the region’s growing population, as it supports both public health and environmental sustainability in Mindanao.

Title: "Bantayo Aweg: The Young Heroes of Panigan-Tamugan Watershed

Author: Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) Inc.

Date Published: October 2022

Key Information: IDIS Inc. is a Davao-based environmental NGO dedicated to promoting clean water and healthy watersheds. Their "Bantayo Aweg" program, meaning "Water Guardians" in the Bagobo dialect, involves youth volunteers from indigenous communities conducting monthly water quality monitoring of the Panigan and Tamugan rivers. This initiative has been ongoing since 2005, with volunteers assessing chemical and physical parameters such as dissolved oxygen, nitrates, phosphates, pH levels, and river flow. The data collected is vital for ensuring the rivers' health and sustainability, as these watersheds are crucial sources of drinking water for Davao City. This is relevant to the social issue as the Panigan and Tamugan rivers are essential for Davao City's water supply. Community-based monitoring ensures that these water sources remain safe and sustainable, directly impacting public health and the environment. IDIS Inc.'s initiative underscores the importance of local engagement in water resource management, contributing to the broader goal of providing clean and accessible water to all residents.

TITLE: Water Pollution in the Philippines

AUTHOR: Daniil Filipenco

DATE PUBLISHED: April 10, 2024

KEY INFORMATION:

the Philippines has serious issues with plastic pollution. Because of their pervasive poverty, Filipinos purchase goods in less quantity and in single-use packaging which leads to plastic waste building up on the land and in the nation’s rivers.

Although local government continues to take action to lessen the decline in the quality of water reserves, the country is still among the leading nations in terms of plastic water pollution. the Pasig River’s share of plastic is over 6%, with the remainder coming from other rivers including Agusan, Jalaur, Pampanga, Rio Grande de Mindanao, Tambo in Pasay, Tullahan, and Zapote.

How is this related to the social issue?

Plastic pollution makes water dirty by putting harmful substances in it. As plastic breaks apart, tiny bits float around, hurting animals and making the water unsafe.

TITLE: Water is Life

AUTHOR: Mary Christy A. Sajorga

DATE PUBLISHED: March 28, 2022

KEY INFO:

A vlog emphasizing how water is the most important thing to her which she also prioritizes on top of other materialistic things like internet, television and other electronic devices. It relates to our social issue as it pertains water's importance to humans and other forms of life, and how water affects our daily life as we consume it everyday.

TITLE: Water Quality sa District 2, Davao City, Problema Pa Rin

AUTHOR: GMA Regional TV

DATE PUBLISHED: May 7, 2019

KEY INFO:

The video states of water quality and shortage has become a problem in Davao City where the water only flows between 3am-9am and comes back within 2pm. Although, water shortage was not the only problem, the water quality was also affected when the water that was flowing had a rusty smell, different color and had various objects or dirt coming along with it. Peter Cubelo, a citizen in Davao City, states that it is a difficult experience because he has to gather water early in the morning. The relation of this video to our social issue is how water quality and issues affects other people's daily life as water is used for various things such as drinking, bathing, cooking and cleaning.

TITLE: Major storms, rising tides, and wet feet: Adapting to flood risk in the Philippines

AUTHOR: Science Direct

DATE PUBLISHED: November 2020

Key Information:

This research examines flood risk and adaption to it, including the possibility of out-migration, in two flood-prone coastal locations in the Philippines, mostly in Mindanao area, through the lens of Protection Motivation Theory. This article discusses the integration of practices in sustainable water resource management, which is central to the goal of SDG 6, such as ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. It takes an innovative approach and policy that improves the quality of water, enhances its utilization efficiency, and addresses scarcity. All these efforts are directly aligned with the lines of attack by SDG 6 targets, safe water access, conservation of the resources, and resilience against water challenges.