Davao Bulk Water Boosts Learning, Hygiene at Sasa Elementary

Reliable access to clean water is improving student attendance and school learning environment at Sasa Elementary School, following the operationalization of the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project (DCBWSP).

Before the project, the school struggled with an inconsistent water supply, often relying on rainwater or stored water for cleaning and emergency use. This situation posed health risks to students and created additional burdens for school staff.

“Nabantayan tung una, ang mga teachers mag-ipon ug tubig tungod kay naay mga emergency cases para ma-settle ang concern sa mga bata,” said School Principal Leonardo Tiongson. “Nakita pud nako nga mapuy-an siya ug lamok diha-a.” (Before, teachers had to store water for emergencies. We also noticed that stagnant water became a breeding ground for mosquitoes.)

Teacher Annabelle Diaz, who has been with the school for over 20 years, also shared how the water shortage affected student attendance, “Naay experience before nga dili makasulod ang bata kay wala daw agas ang tubig, walay panligo, wala pud nalabhan ang mga uniform.” (There were times students couldn’t attend because they had no water for bathing or washing uniforms.)

Parents and teachers were often forced to bring gallons of water daily just to keep restrooms usable and classrooms clean for the students. Teacher Annabelle Diaz shared her experience, “Among gibuhat sauna, ang mga PTA pati akong mga kaubanan, magdala gyud mig ug gallon- naay mga lima ka gallonmao na among ginabubo.” (What we used to do before was, the PTA and my fellow teachers would bring gallons of water- sometimes five gallons and that’s what we poured into the toilets.)

“Kung mangihi sila, butangan ra namog chlorine para di manimaho among CR,” she added. (When the students needed to urinate, we would just add chlorine so the restroom wouldn’t smell.)

Now, with a stable supply coming from the Panacan Water Supply System, the school is experiencing improved sanitation, better attendance, and a more conducive learning environment.

“Dako gyud kaayog kalabutan ang tubig sa learning development sa among mga bata,” added School Principal Tiongson. (Water has a huge impact on the learning development of our students.)

The Panacan Water Supply System serving Sasa and neighboring communities has recorded a 99.6 percent customer satisfaction rate, according to the Davao City Water District. Sasa Elementary School is among the many beneficiaries now enjoying consistent water service under the DCBWSP, a joint project of the DCWD and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz InfraCapital.

The initiative supplies up to 300 million liters of water daily to over one million Dabawenyos, shifting the city’s water source from groundwater to surface water drawn from the Tamugan River.

With the improved system, the school is now focused on development. “Wala na gyud mi nagsalig ug tubig sa ulan. Naa na pud mi [water] fountain nga ginahimo karon,” said Tiongson. (We no longer depend on rainwater. We’re even building a water fountain now.)

Even the school’s Parent-Teacher Association has been able to redirect its efforts. “Among PTA didtoa na lang mag-focus sa learning sa mga bata kay wala nay added concern regarding sa tubig.” Tiongson added. (Our PTA can now focus on the children’s education without worrying about water.)

Principal Tiongson concluded, “Ang tubig, ampingan ug alagaan, sama sa edukasyon. Kay kung walay tubig, lisod ang tanang butang.”(We should care for water the way we care for education. Without water, everything becomes difficult.)

With clean restrooms, regular class attendance, and a renewed focus on learning, Sasa Elementary stands as a local example of how infrastructure investments can directly improve student welfare.