Philippines
#betterwithwater in the philippines
the situation
in the philippines
A country in demographic crisis
The Philippines is one of the Asian countries with the highest number of slum dwellers. With extremely rapid population growth since the 1990s, the country now has over 110 million inhabitants.
In the Philippines, the WHO has declared that one in 10 people still do not have access to improved water sources. According to a report from the health agency, waterborne diseases were one of the top 10 causes of death in the Philippines in 2016.
A majority of the urban population
Furthermore, the urban population is expected to increase by 67% by 2030, adding 34.8 million inhabitants to the country’s urban areas.
This migration phenomenon is pushing cities to address current challenges: high density, overpopulation, poor quality of life, lack of essential services… Urban growth is intensifying due to unemployment in rural areas, land shortages, natural disasters, and the negative impacts of climate change.
Since 2009, better with water has provided sustainable access to running water at home and other essential services to more than 35,000 inhabitants of the slums in Cavite, Mandaue, Cebu, and Leyte.
16.7% of the population lives below the poverty line (less than $210 per month for a family of 5)
1 in 10 people do not have access to a source of drinking water
Approximately 50.3 million Filipinos do not have access to safely managed sanitation services.
#waterpowered
concrete actionsfor concrete results
Our project improves access to livelihoods and WASH services, transforming the overall living conditions of communities. Employees, such as plumbers, collectors, or community development agents, are trained and mainly come from the intervention neighborhoods to contribute to poverty reduction and promote community empowerment.
39 444
beneficiaries of access to water
4 009
people made aware of hygiene in 2024
4 043
people made aware of menstrual hygiene in 2024
521
volunteer firefighters
415
clean-up days and environmental awareness events
94
volunteers meetings in 2024
#betterwithwaterteam
meet our management teamin the philippines
Adrien Pellequer
Country director
Adrien Gobry
NGO program manager
Margie Lorejo
Administrative and financial manager
Peter Darwin Espiritu
Social enterprise program manager
Agathe Mazars
Partnerships and communication Manager
Lyziel Ampo
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Vibieth Alcoseba
Human Ressources manager
#waterpowered
Because our actions have consequences,
discover the testimonials
I volunteered to join the fire brigade because I realized that I had to do something not only for myself but also for the community. Through the various firefighting activities and exercises organized by Eau et Vie, I learned to prevent and contain fires. I also appreciate the partnership between Better with Water and the local Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). ‘Safety first’ – that’s what I learned with the BFP and Better with Water.
Glenn Custodio 
firefighter volunteer
Before BWW arrived, we had different sources for getting water. One of the sources was a neighbor’s pump, where we had to pay 1 peso per bucket. It was heavy and tiring to carry the buckets, and even more difficult when it rained. Sometimes, we would shower there. Since the water wasn’t potable, we used it only for cooking.
When we had to fetch water at night, I would run back home because I was afraid of the dark. I no longer have to worry about that now, and I feel safer. I also have more free time to do other tasks and my homework. Having water at home is more comfortable and there are fewer worries. I see a better future for my entire family.
Avril Teresh beneficiary and customer in Cebu
In 2016, a fire broke out in our home. My father and I tried to stop it from spreading, but we couldn’t, and our house burned down. We lost everything. This experience motivated me to become a volunteer firefighter. I’m so happy to know that I’ll be able to help my community.
I feel empowered and ready to respond in emergencies, confident that I’m better prepared.
I also participated in the recent Fire Olympics. Our team of volunteers won third place. It was a fun and memorable experience for me. I felt honored and like I truly belonged.
Monette beneficiary and firefighter volunteer in Cebu
#lifeisbetterwithwater