MARABUT, SAMAR, Philippines — Over a thousand residents in Barangay Mabuhay, Marabut, now have confidence in the safety of their drinking water thanks to a partnership between the Zain Jaffer Foundation and Waves for Water Philippines.
In September 2024, around 350 households in Barangay Mabuhay received gravity-fed water filters designed to purify their local water source. These donated filters, requiring no electricity, can last up to a decade and have the capacity to clean more than a million gallons of water.
The 58 filters will be shared among six families each, with community leaders trained on assembly, use, cleaning, and maintenance to ensure longevity and effective use. This hands-on training aims to empower local leaders to manage their water supply independently.
In addition to the filters, nine handwashing stations were donated to Mabuhay Elementary School, promoting improved hygiene practices among students.
Addressing Barangay Mabuhay’s Water Challenges
Barangay Mabuhay’s residents rely on seven communal taps fed by a mountain spring well.
“Most of our residents fetch water from these taps,” said Shirley Daga, a barangay councilor in Barangay Mabuhay.
“Many of us cannot afford to spend one thousand five hundred pesos per month on bottled water, so this is where they get their drinking water.”
Though annual tests show the water is generally safe for drinking, residents report that it often turns cloudy and yellow during heavy rains. In the past year, three cases of diarrhea were reported in the community, highlighting potential health risks associated with the water supply.
The newly donated filters, using advanced micro-tube technology, provide an added layer of purification to ensure water is free from harmful bacteria. This simple yet effective solution is expected to significantly reduce health risks, offering residents peace of mind about their water quality.
A Step Towards Greater Self-Reliance
This is the Zain Jaffer Foundation’s second initiative in the Philippines, following a successful pilot project in Barangay Laiban, Rizal, which also provided water filters to over 200 families.
By equipping communities with tools and knowledge to manage their water supply, this partnership seeks to reduce the impacts of unsafe water practices across the country, one household at a time.
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About The Zain Jaffer Foundation
The Zain Jaffer Foundation is dedicated to social change through impactful storytelling and community-based projects. By producing documentaries addressing critical social issues and partnering with grassroots organizations, the foundation aims to inspire action and create lasting impact. Learn more at zainjafferfoundation.org.
About Waves for Water Philippines
Waves for Water is a global humanitarian organization implementing clean water solutions in remote communities. W4W began its work in the Philippines in response to Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 and is now a PCNC-accredited organization.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, please contact:
Ella Salalac, Communications Manager, The Zain Jaffer FoundationPhone: +63 906 866 9500Email: ella@zain-ventures.com
