DAVAO CITY — For teachers like Riza Paler of Cabantian Elementary School, reliable water access is fundamental to student health, cleanliness, and learning development. Paler, who has taught for over 20 years, emphasized that water supports daily hygiene and well-being, allowing students to focus on their education.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools Program
The Department of Education's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program aims to improve learning and health outcomes through sustainable school-based WASH initiatives. This program aligns with the State's mandate to protect children from conditions that hinder development.
Paler stated, "Water plays a big role for us as a school because it helps in our cleanliness and also our well-being." Dependable water access ensures that handwashing, facility maintenance, and a healthy environment are possible every day.
Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project Impact
The Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP), a public-private partnership between Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc. and the Davao City Water District (DCWD), delivers up to 300 million liters of treated surface water from the Tamugan River daily to DCWD for distribution. This project has improved water quality, pressure, and service reliability across the city.
In a 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey by SVM Research Consultancy Services, DCWD received a 98.3% customer satisfaction rating. Schools and communities continue to benefit from more reliable water access.
Sasa Elementary School Principal Leonardo Tiongson remarked, "Dako gyud kaayog kalabutan ang tubig sa learning development sa among mga bata (Water has a huge impact on the learning development of our students)." Residents also experience stronger water pressure and better quality for daily tasks like bathing, cooking, and cleaning.
Sustainable Water Supply for the Future
The DCBWSP complements existing groundwater sources, reducing pressure on underground aquifers and enhancing service delivery. As one of the largest operating private bulk water supply facilities in the country, it plays a critical role in strengthening Davao City's water security and supporting long-term growth and resilience.
