Title: 𝐃𝐂𝐖𝐃, 𝐑𝐂𝐒𝐃, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐂𝐖𝐖𝐃 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐖𝐚𝐒𝐇 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

Author: DCWD #Youthacttayo Campaign 2024

Date published: December 10 2024

Key info: The post announces the turnover of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) facilities to Damilag Integrated School in Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District, Davao City. On September 26, 2024, Davao City Water District (DCWD), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of South Davao (RCSD) and Rotary Club of Waling-Waling Davao (RCWWD), donated a hand washing facility with concrete flooring and a rainwater harvesting system with two 2,000-liter capacity water tanks. These facilities will benefit around 500 individuals, including students, faculty, and staff, improving their access to water and sanitation.

This initiative is part of DCWD’s Patubig sa Eskwela project, aimed at enhancing water access in schools. Damilag Integrated School is responsible for the upkeep of the donated facilities. The turnover ceremony also included a tree planting activity to promote water conservation and environmental care. The project is a part of DCWD's Corporate Social Responsibility efforts focusing on sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.

Title: 63 Davao City elementary schools 'have no access' to clean water

Author: Ralph Lawrence G. Llemit

Date published: September 14 2019

Key info: The article highlights that 63 elementary schools in Davao City currently lack access to clean water, which is a significant issue for the students' health and hygiene. These schools are located in various districts across the city, and the lack of potable water hampers the ability to follow proper sanitation protocols. The situation has been exacerbated by the ongoing challenges in infrastructure, where some areas still depend on unreliable water sources. The Department of Education (DepEd) is working alongside local government units to address the problem, but efforts to provide safe and accessible water to all schools are still ongoing. The issue is a major concern, especially in light of the importance of clean water for preventing diseases and ensuring overall well-being.

Title: Davao beaches ‘highly polluted’

Author: The Philippine Star

Date published: March 14 2016

Key Info: The article discusses the high levels of pollution in Davao City's beaches, particularly on Samal Island. It highlights concerns over both solid waste and wastewater pollution, mainly from improper waste management and dumping of garbage in random places. The pollution is negatively affecting the environment and poses a threat to the local tourism industry due to the different effects it brings towards water sources, the scent and living conditions, and more. Local authorities and environmental groups are working to address the issue through stricter regulations and better waste management practices.

Title: Septage Management Program advocacy campaign in Barangay 35-D

AUTHOR: Davao City Water District

DATE PUBLISHED: July 23, 2024

KEY INFO: To promote the Davao City Septage Management Program (SMP), the City Government of Davao and the Davao City Water District (DCWD) hosted a forum in Barangay 35-D on July 3, 2024. Key elements of the Septage and Sewerage Management Ordinance, such as the requirement for compliant septic tanks and routine desludging, were highlighted during the event, which concentrated on the significance of the SMP in protecting public health and improving water quality. Additionally, DCWD unveiled its soon-to-be Sanitation Service, which will offer dependable and reasonably priced desludging, transportation, and disposal services. The City and DCWD have held forums in 44 barangays to increase awareness and support for the initiative, thus this is a part of a larger effort.

Title: The domino effect of poor WaSH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) conditions

AUTHOR: World Vision Philippines

DATE PUBLISHED: 2024

KEY INFO:

The difficulties brought on by insufficient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) facilities in schools especially in Mindanao are highlighted in the essay. Many pupils' education is disrupted by having to go considerable distances to gather water, as is the case in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte. As observed in Misamis Occidental, inadequate restrooms and water supplies in schools present health hazards, resulting in illnesses including diarrhea and stunting. These circumstances have an impact on pupils' learning and general well-being. In order to improve children's health and educational outcomes, World Vision installs water systems, sanitary facilities, and nutrition programs.

Title: Toril residents told to sterilize drinking water as CHO confirms diarrhea outbreak

AUTHOR: City Government of Davao

DATE PUBLISHED: July 19, 2022

KEY INFO:

Due to a diarrhea outbreak in the area, Davao City Acting City Health Officer Dr. Ashley Lopez warned residents of Toril to use only boiled or sterilized water. By the afternoon of July 18, 2022, 45 cases of diarrhea had been reported at various local hospitals, including St. John Hospital (24 patients), Davao Mediquest Hospital (8 patients), and Ernesto Guadalupe General Hospital (2 patients), with 11 cases still pending verification. The patients' ages ranged from 6 months to 44 years old.

Title: Daloy ng Pag-asa

Author: Gawad Kalinga

Date published: August 18, 2021

Key info: Gawad Kalinga, a well-known Filipino NGO, has been instrumental in building sustainable communities through water and sanitation projects. They provide clean water solutions, such as rainwater harvesting and filtration systems, to impoverished communities. Their work ensures that marginalized groups gain access to potable water, thus improving health outcomes.

TITLE: DENR, DOH raise alarm over Davao River's high coliform level

AUTHOR: GMA News

DATE PUBLISHED: March 12, 2016

KEY INFO: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Health (DOH) have issued a warning regarding the alarming increase in coliform levels in the Davao River, which reached 16 million most probable number (MPN) per 200 millimeters, far exceeding the normal level of 1,000 MPN per 100 millimeters. This rise is attributed to human and animal fecal discharge, with specific areas like Crocodile Park and Bankerohan Bridge showing particularly high contamination. Additionally, heavy metal levels have also increased, raising concerns about pollution control. The DOH cautions that these elevated coliform levels pose serious health risks, including diarrhea and other diseases, particularly in populated areas lacking proper sanitation facilities.

TITLE: 88 pounds of plastic found in stomach of dead whale

AUTHOR: abc7 News

DATE PUBLISHED: March 19, 2019

KEY INFO: A Cuvier's beaked whale found dead in Davao, Philippines, was discovered to have an alarming 88 pounds of plastic in its stomach, marking a significant environmental concern highlighted by the D'Bone Collector Museum. The plastic debris included 16 rice sacks, four banana plantation bags, and several shopping bags, with some of the material beginning to calcify inside the whale. Darrell Blatchley, the museum's president, noted that this incident reflects a severe level of plastic pollution impacting marine life in the region. This situation underscores broader issues related to water pollution and inadequate sanitation in Davao City, where improper waste management practices contribute to environmental degradation and threaten both wildlife and public health.

TITLE: One Mindanao: Basura sa Kanal ng Brgy. 37-D Davao City, Tambak Pa Rin

AUTHOR: GMA Regional TV

DATE PUBLISHED: May 7,2019

KEY INFO: The ongoing issue of waste accumulation in the canals of Barangay 37-D in Davao City. It highlights the challenges local authorities face in managing waste, including the frequent garbage dumping by residents and passersby. The barangay captain, Prime Atillo, has proposed installing CCTV cameras to monitor illegal dumping and improve waste management efforts. Despite these initiatives, significant amounts of trash remain in the canals, prompting calls for more effective community involvement and regular clean-up activities.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7153040/

Title: Water Quality: Mindanao Island of the Philippines

Author: Walag, Angelo Mark P., Canencia, Oliva P., Fiedler, Beth Ann

Date Published: May 10, 2018

Key info: The article discusses water quality challenges in Mindanao, Philippines, focusing on the effects of pollution and scarcity on public health and agriculture. It emphasizes the need for sustainable water management through policies, legal frameworks, and community involvement, while highlighting the role of global initiatives like the UN Millennium Development Goals in improving access to clean water. Collaboration at local and national levels is seen as key to addressing these issues effectively.

Title: Water Supply and Sanitation Practices of The Coastal Barangays of Sta. Cruz, Davao Del Sur: Basis For Salintubig Program

Author: Daisy Besing

Date Published: April 2022

Key info:

A study in Davao del Sur's Municipality of Sta. Cruz identified the lack of safe water supply and inadequate sanitation practices among coastal residents. The study found that poor income, lack of information, and cultural practices contribute to the issue. The results suggest the need for policy interventions, such as the SALINTUBIG program, to provide safe drinking water to these households.

Title: Initiative to save polluted waters of Davao pushed

Author: Domingo, Joeie

Date Published: March 11, 2016

Key Info: The EMB has begun to implement an environmental program that is aimed at rehabilitating polluted water bodies in Region 11. This program will focus on high levels of coliform bacteria in critical water sources, such as the Davao River. Tests for total and fecal coliform will be conducted to assess the quality of the water, along with biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, pH, and total suspended solids. The EMB, with the cooperation of Davao's local government and the DPWH, aims to set up a waste management system that has a water septage facility. The project is set to move forward only upon signing a memorandum of agreement between the DPWH and the local authorities, although the specific timeline for this is still not available.

Title: BARMM commits to more robust WASH initiatives in inaugural BARMM WASH Summit 2024

Author: Bangsamoro Information Office

Date Published: June 24, 2024

Key Info:

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives in the region will be accelerated by the BARMM WASH Summit 2024, which will be held in Davao City from June 19 up to 21. In keeping with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the summit, which has as its subject "Beyond Barriers: WASH Now for a Better Tomorrow," will address important issues like access to clean water. Wao and Upi are two examples of local government units (LGUs) that have effectively adopted WASH practices, including earning certificates for Zero Open Defecation. In order to improve sanitation, secure a healthy future for the area, and obtain ZOD certification in every barangay, the summit will highlight innovations and fortify partnerships.

Title: Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project Conveyance and Penstock Pipeline complete, IDIS seeks "Watershed Reserve" Declaration for Panigan-Tamugan

Author: INTERFACING DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY (IDIS) INC.

Date Published: July 5, 2021

Key Info: The Hisgutanang Tubig Webinar focused on addressing water-related issues in Davao City, particularly the provision of water systems for residents in the Panigan area, with active participation from the local community to discuss solutions for water access and sustainability.

Title: Davao City's Crown Jewel | AN ODE TO DAVAO GULF | An Ocean Documentary

Author: Hannah Piccio

Date Published: April 29, 2023

Key Info:

"AN ODE TO DAVAO GULF | An Ocean Documentary" delves into the environmental issues faced by Davao Gulf, including the effects of pollution, overfishing, and climate change on its ecosystem. The documentary showcases the importance of preserving marine life and the efforts of local communities, government, and organizations to protect the gulf, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and heightened environmental awareness. It also highlights the gulf's role in the livelihoods of local residents, underscoring the interconnectedness of people and the environment.