The Challenge
In the Philippines, poverty prevents millions of children from accessing education, as they are often forced to work to support their families. This lack of education perpetuates a generational cycle of poverty. Today, more than 13 million Filipino children live in poverty. Improving these children’s access to education and living conditions is crucial for the country’s social development.
The Government’s Vision and SGP’s Solution
To address this issue, the Philippine government has committed to establishing universities in the regions most affected (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) to make higher education accessible to low-income families. Swiss Green Projects (SGP) aligns with this vision by providing an innovative solution: free drinking water kiosks installed on university campuses and equipped with Swiss filtration technology.
Economic and Social Impact: SGP Water Kiosk at CTU-Pinamungajan Campus
The SGP water kiosk at the CTU-Pinamungajan campus allows 2,500 students, mainly from fishing and farming families, to access clean water free of charge. In addition to the students, this resource also benefits:
- The district health center, which cares for the surrounding community.
- The most vulnerable members of the community, thus reducing inequality in access to a vital resource.
A Key Issue: The Cost of Clean Water and Reducing Plastic Waste
In this hot region, access to drinking water is a daily necessity. Currently, CTU offers bottled water in 200 ml containers for 1 peso, often stored in single-use plastic bags that end up as waste. Swiss Green Projects has taken ecological measures to reduce plastic pollution by providing reusable bottles to students, encouraging sustainable use of water from the kiosk.
With SGP’s water kiosks, each student can drink at least one liter of water daily at no cost, resulting in significant savings:
- 5 pesos per day
- 25 pesos per week
- 100 pesos per month
For families with an average monthly income of 8,000 pesos, these savings are substantial, easing financial strain and allowing for reinvestment in other essential needs.
A Lasting Impact on Quality of Life and the Environment
The savings made possible by free access to clean water improve families’ living conditions and enhance students’ health, enabling them to focus on their studies without the worry of water costs. By addressing water challenges and plastic pollution, Swiss Green Projects is committed to promoting a sustainable solution to break the cycle of poverty and actively contribute to a healthier future for the youth of the Philippines.
