Increased pressure on the Philippine water system could represent a new call for small heroism in this time of pandemic.

Businesses, government entities, and private individuals alike have campaigned for proper hygiene practices to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Small efforts, like the long and careful washing of hands, have been touted as ways for the public to fight back the deadly virus – but with added cost to resources. 

 “We really expected domestic water usage to increase. Everyone’s washing their hands more often now. Which is good!” said Paolo Pagaduan, WWF-Philippines’ Forests for Water Project Manager. The challenge of good hygiene for all was one that had been recognized since the very onset of the pandemic. Now, in the thick of the crisis, experts are racing to avert the worst.

A 2019 report from UNICEF showed that three out of ten health facilities in the country lack access to clean toilets. On the level of individuals and private households, around 19 million Filipinos rely on unimproved sanitation facilities, as per a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) dated 2015.

“Many below the poverty line can’t even afford to wash their hands. The water they have is just for cooking, for consumption. Barely any of it is left for hygiene,” explained Pagaduan. With more than a fifth of the over 100 million Filipinos in the country living below the poverty line, many are left open to the threat of viral diseases due to a lack of access to good hygiene.

“If the situations worsen, we have to remember that low-income communities will be the worst hit. During the water crisis, they suffered the most, and they will suffer the most here,” added Pagaduan.