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Philippines

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Philippines

Philippines' water and sanitation crisis

Out of its population of 115 million people, 59 million people (51% of the population) lack access to safe water and 43 million people (37%) lack access to a safe toilet. Despite its growing economy, the Philippines faces significant challenges in terms of water and sanitation access. The country is rapidly urbanizing, and its growing cities struggle to provide new residents with adequate water and sanitation services.

In 2010, the government of the Philippines developed a road map to achieve universal water and sanitation services coverage by 2028. Water.org is working to support this goal.

59 million lack access to safe water
Capital: Manila
Population of 115 million
43 million people lack access to a safe toilet
Three young children getting their hair wet while playing under a water spout.

Our impact in the Philippines

With significant water and sanitation needs as well as a strong microfinance sector, the Philippines are an ideal setting for Water.org’s solutions. We started working here in 2014, and together with our partners, we're now reaching more people faster with our WaterCredit solution. We currently work with some of the Philippines’s largest and most respected microfinance institutions, government stakeholders, and international nonprofits, and have reached more than 12.9 million people with access to safe water or sanitation.

12.9 million
people now have access to safe water or sanitation

A vision for future impact in the Philippines

We will continue our work with financial partners to implement WaterCredit. We aim to strengthen and grow partnerships with high-performing institutions by introducing innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting, blended finance models, and cross-learning opportunities with peers locally and internationally. We are also working with financial institutions and government to develop social housing finance options that include access to safe water and sanitation as a standard part of their housing offerings.

In addition, the rising interest in blended finance—combined with the urgent need to renew aging water infrastructure—presents a powerful investment opportunity. Water.org is working to bridge the financing gap by strengthening local water utilities, building their capacity to effectively access and manage funding for sustainable service expansion.

Young children playing in a water spout in the Philippines.

Where we work in the Philippines

Journey with us and our co-founders to the Philippines where Water.org is working to empower families in need with access to safe water and improved sanitation.

  • Stories of Impact

    She is not afraid anymore

    With no more uncertainty about the quality of their water or where it will come from each day, Carfel confidently shared, “I am not afraid anymore.” Thanks to the support of our generous donors and funders, Carfel’s worries and fears about the water her family needed have turned to gratitude and comfort because now they have lasting access to safe water at home and the health, hope, and life that flow from it.

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  • Stories of Impact

    From far away to close to home

    Her family used to walk more than one hour to collect the water they needed. From far away to close to home, Christina shortened the distance between her family and the safe water they needed to survive and thrive.

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  • Stories of Impact

    When you have water...

    Without access to water on their property, Resty, along with her three children—ages 14, 9, and 7—woke early each day to make several trips to a neighbor’s home to collect the water they needed. In addition to collecting water from their neighbor’s well, Resty and her children walked to a nearby river to bathe and do laundry. Resty wanted a safe water solution for her family at home and through our work, she was able to give them one.

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See all Philippines stories

Philippines impact statistics

People reached 12.9 million

The number of people who now have access to safe water or sanitation and the health and opportunity they bring.

Capital mobilized (USD) $528 million

Our partners mobilize funds from capital markets to provide water and sanitation loans.

Loans disbursed 2.8 million

Our local partners make loans to people in need for life-changing safe water and sanitation solutions.

Number of active partners 55

We work with financial institutions, service providers, international agencies, and governments to make an impact.

Repayment rate 99%

Every repaid loan means another family in need can get affordable access to safe water at home.

Average loan size (USD) $193

Small loans can help make a big difference by providing long-term solutions for families in need around the world.

Percent of women borrowers 96%

Women are primarily responsible for household water collection and are solving the water crisis for their families.

Households living under $8.30/day 96%

We are committed to helping people living in poverty get access to safe water and sanitation solutions at home.

To help end the water crisis in the Philippines, donate today.

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