35,000 PEOPLE IMPACTED IN THE Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao!

A Single Drop for SafeWater attended a celebration of Governance symposium hosted by the Local Governance Support Program in the ARMM Provinces in partnership with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as they honored LGU accomplishments as a result of their programs. Seven municipalities were in attendance and eighteen awards were given to LGUs who transformed in the areas of governance, economic development, gender and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene). It was announced that over 7000 households, about 35,000 people were impacted by ASDSWs trainings!

ASDSW was key in the LGSPA WASH Program by collaborating in the development of an innovative WASH Program to assist LGUs to assess their own needs and design efficient municipal wide WASH plans by strengthening local NGOs and Government organizations. ASDSW conducted trainings to support MWTFs, WSAs, and local NGOs to conduct WASH Trainings, implement various appropriate technologies. ASDSWs goal was to create Regional PODS which are local organizations which can build the capacity of local communities to implement sustainable water projects.

What they said about WASH:

• the WASH process works by helping LGUs identify their needs and make plans that can actually be sustained
• setting up the mechanisms to support the coordination of Municipal WASH Task Force (MWTF) and Water Sanitation Associations (WSAs) for long term management
• strengthening local NGOs to be implementing organizations working in collaboration with MWTF and WSA

Two municipalities who were the recipients of ASDSW workshops were recognized

• Kabuntalan – This LGU was recognized after they changed from desire to build a level III water system (water piped into homes) to a dugwell protection and sanitation toilet construction project. After attending the WASH Analysis and Planning Workshops and ASDSWs technology trainings, the LGU made a more efficient plan
• Sultan Kudarat – This LGU had initially learned the BioSand Filter and after attending the WASH Analysis Planning and ASDSWs technology trainings, they also began to offer the service of building toilets and have been selling both toilets and BSFs.

Other great outcomes

• Dimampao – This group was trained to build BioSand Filters by a local PODS that ASD created in Datu Abdullah Sangki. They have since sold 200 filters including 25 to the Governer! They've since earned enough money to buy a tric!
• Act for Peace – an NGO were commissioned to conduct WASH Analysis and Planning after being trained by ASDSW in Kadtabanga. After the workshop, Kadtabanga initially wanted to build a Level II water system (water piped to community tapstands) but decided to do dugwell improvement and toilets instead!

The BEST News! Kevin Lee and Noraida Chio of ASDSW were key contributors to the LGSPA published "WASH Field Guide: The Governance Approach to Delivery of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene". Download a copy here.

Congratulations! Gemma WINS the Ernst Young/Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award!

Congratuations to Gemma Bulos, Founder of A Single Drop, the winner of the Ernst Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award in partnership with Schwab Foundation in the Philippines! The gala event that was held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Makati will be featured on ASN News on ABS/CBN in the Philippines and all over the world whereever the Filipino Channel is offered! Pinky Webb, Co-Anchor of Dateline Philippines hosted, celebrated Jazz musician Richard Poon performed and Mrs Socorro C Ramos, Founder of National Bookstore and Entrepreneur of the Year 2004 gave the Keynote.

The Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Special will air on ANC this Saturday, 24 October at 7:30pm. there will also be a replay on 25 October, 10:30p.

The special will also be plugged on the following dates and times:

22 October - Business Nightly 9pm, The World Tonight 10pm

23 October - Prime News 7pm, CNBC's cash Flow 11am

24 October - Dateline Philippines 12noon, Eye on your week with ANC 5pm

25 October - Strictly Politics 9am, Executive Class 8pm

Read a cover story in the national Business World magazine!

Sponsors of the event include Ernst Young, SGV Foundation, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, SAP Philippines, Nissan Universal Motors Corporation, William J Shaw Foundation, ABS-CBN News Channel, Business World, KLM Airlines, Globe Business.

Banquet Sponsors: Philex Mining Corporation, Victorinox.

Co-Presenters: Ateneo Graduate School of Business, Department of Trade and Industry, Development Bank of the Philippines, The Philippine Business for Social Progress, The Philippine Stock Exchange

ASDSW Staff with Former President Ramos

Other Ernst Young WINNERS! (From L to R) Eduarda V. Ayo, E.V. Ayo Enterprises, Small Business; Salvador Veluz, Buddy's Pizza and Restaurant (Industry specific); Gemma Bulos, A Single Drop for Safe Water (Social Entrepreneur); Ambassador Jesus Tambunting, Planters Development Bank (Master, Entrepreneur of the Year); Corazon Ong, CDO Foodspere, Inc (Women Entrepreneur); Kenneth Cobonpue, Interior Crafts of the Islands, Inc; (not pictured, Antonio Tiu, Agrinurture, Inc)

Gemma, Vivian Gee (Schwab Foundation), Meg (ASDSW office manager), Julita Bulos (Gemma's mom)

Gemma, Ricky Reyes (Finalist), Mrs Ramos, Former President Ramos

President Ramos and Gemma have a laugh!

Trophies for being the Winner and Finalist! Plaque from SAP Business as a recipient of Business One Software for being a Finalist!

(BELOW) ASDSW Staff! From L to R - Jun Nicolasora, Noraido Chio, Grace Sescon, Gemma, Kevin Lee (Executive Director), Meg Obligar.

ASDSW opens a Satellite Office in Cotabato City!

ASDSW has been working in the ARMM Provinces for the past 3 years where we have seen significant impact and transformation. One of our main programs was in partnership with LGSPA (Local Governance Support Program in ARMM) to develop the WASH Inventory and Analysis Workshop and to strengthen the capacity of Municipal WASH Task Force (MWTF), the Water Sanitation Associations (WSAs) and local NGOs to be able to create effective WASH Plans to address the water and sanitation needs of their communities.

ASDSWs permanent presence in the ARMM is a commitment to continue to support the expansion of this program as well as work with other communities not within the program. ASDSW also partners with OXFAM, Church of the Latter Day Saints and the International Red Cross focusing on emergency evacuation regions and strengthening emergency preparedness, response and rehabilitation.