Portable Microbiology in the Field

Lupang Pangako, Zambales

Lupang Pangako is the final relocation site for the Aeta People of Belbel who have been displaced from their original homes made uninhabitable by the eruption
of Mt Pinatubo in 1991. A Single Drop for SafeWater conducted a PODS
training to create a community-based water organization to rehabilitate
and maintain an existing deep well to pump water to tapstands around
the community to provide better access to clean water.

ASD
introduced the PML to the Lupang Pungako PODS so they can use the tests
to test their various sources of water. ASD and the PODS went around
the community testing water from water holes, rivers and the tap stands
from the rehabilitated water system. To also support WASH Education, we
also tested different circumstances where water can be recontaminated,
e.g. storage containers, water transport, etc...

The
Portable Microbiology Lab enables local people to test their water
without expensive equipment or labs. Access to these tests have been a
significant factor in providing proof that water is either contaminated
or safe. The power of this information strengthens hygiene education
and promotes proper hygiene practices.

Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)

The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao is one of the poorest regions in the Philippines. ASDSW works with the local Water Service Associations, Municipal Water Task Forces and Community Service Organizations to provide them with the tools and outreach strategies to educate the community about their water. Here are some of the members testing their water!

And the results are in......three (3) out of the four (4) major water sources are contaminated. whew!!! Now the community knows which water sources are contaminated and just how dirty they are. This is the first step towards behavior change and implementation of viable interventions!

Kabuntalan is one of the municipalities of Maguindanao Province, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which is located along the Liguasan Marsh. As such, it is often flooded. To respond to the need of providing potable water to the people, the Training on Pump Repair and Dugwell Improvement was held in Barangay Ganta, on February 5-8, 2009. It was facilitated by ASDSW under the LGSPA Program "Enhancing LGU and Community Involvement in WASH"

Municipal Hall of Kabuntalan, Maguindanao, ARMM was not spared from flood

as well as community residents

even schools

only children who are enjoying the flood water

yeheeyy!!! come, swim with us

Participants of Pump Repair and Dugwell Improvement

Participants doing water testing to their selected water sources

and the results......three (3) out of the four (4) major water sources are contaminated. whew!!!

"Hey, what kind of pie is this?? its too hard!!!"

Bringing the culvert to the dugwell is never, never an easy job because of the flood

Placing the culvert is never an easy task too

yeheyy!!1 culvert is properly placed

Placing the next culvert is neither easy

These are the parts of pump

"Careful, we need to ensure that the cover is properly placed"

Water is coming out!!!

A completed task of improving the dugwell to ensure potability of the water despite the flood

The completers!!!!!
Participants during the Sanitation Workshop held in Barangay Panatin, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, ARMM, on January 27-30, 2009

"Hey, that's not our best angle hehehe"
Men participants completing the pit for the Improved Ventilated Pit (VIP) during the Sanitation Workshop on January 27-30, 2009, facilitated by ASDSW under LGSPA funding. A concerted efforts of community members in trying to solve their problem on sanitation.

Women can cut steel bars
A scene during the Sanitation Workshop facilitated by ASDSW in Panatin, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, ARMM

Pregnant woman can also enjoy painting pipe