Waves of Change

Integrating Wastewater Management and Disaster Resilience

Philippines' Water Resources

The enchanting Philippine archipelago is comprised of a staggering 7,107 islands, with a mere 2000 of them inhabited. Divided into three captivating island groups, namely Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the Philippines exudes natural beauty and charm. However, amidst this abundance, a significant concern looms over its water resources, which encompass a remarkable 145,990 million cubic meters annually. Despite the seemingly substantial supply of water, the Philippines faces grave challenges that compromise its long-term water security. The scarcity of this vital natural resource intensifies as the country grapples with evolving land use patterns and burgeoning populations.

The Philippines finds itself in the throes of a water and sanitation crisis, leaving over 3 million people reliant on unreliable and unsustainable water sources, while a staggering 7 million lack access to adequate sanitation facilities. Astonishingly, even in the midst of economic prosperity, the nation struggles to provide its citizens with clean water and proper sanitation. Looking ahead, between 2020 and 2030, there is an ominous projection of a 38.5% surge in water consumption, further exacerbating the uneven distribution of this precious resource across the country.

Water-borne Illnesses

According to the esteemed Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), a distressing reality has emerged in our nation over the past decade. Regrettably, water-related diseases have insidiously claimed the lives of no less than 14 cherished Filipinos each passing day. This harrowing statistic serves as an unequivocal call to action, demanding our immediate attention to implement comprehensive measures.

Water Slums

Paramount among these solutions are conscientious wastewater management, stringent pollution control, and judicious water utilization. It is crucial to acknowledge the grave repercussions of any hesitation, for they extend far beyond the current quality of life, gravely jeopardizing the prospects of a sustainable and flourishing future. Hence, it is an utmost imperative that we confront these formidable challenges head-on, without delay.

Water's Social Ecology

The social ecology of water slums involves examining the complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to the formation and functioning of these communities. One of the defining features of it is the lack of access to safe and clean water. Residents may rely on contaminated water sources, such as polluted rivers or communal taps, leading to waterborne diseases and other health issues. Adequate sanitation facilities are often the main problem here. The absence of proper sewage systems can result in open defecation, further contributing to the spread of diseases and environmental degradation.

Waste Water Management and Disaster Resilience

This comprehensive campaign seeks to tackle the pressing issue of wastewater management in the Philippines, specifically focusing on advocating for the allocation of funds by Local Government Units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region. It is crucial to address the detrimental effects of untreated domestic wastewater on water pollution and public health through various initiatives, including proper management and disposal methods (OFID, 2018). By implementing this approach, we aim to educate and inform the public about sustainable alternatives that can be tailored to suit their specific needs.

I. Effectivity of Campaigning for Advocacy and Communication Online

Scholars are interested in the internet and its potential for civic engagement, activism, and advocacy campaigns. They focus on the shift from traditional forms of communication to online platforms and examine the impact on literacy, empowerment, democratization, identities, and communities. The internet is seen as a tool for political organizing, social change, and reaching a wide audience. It is also considered empowering and contributing to development. However, attention should also be given to website design and user choices, as they can shape advocacy campaigns and either facilitate or limit access.

II. Assessment for Current Wastewater Challenges

Urban water management is a major issue in Asia due to industrialization, urbanization, and climate change. While access to safe water and sanitation has improved in recent years, water quality remains a challenge. There is also a need to expand infrastructure to meet the needs of growing urban populations and address the risks associated with climate change. In the Philippines, for example, a small percentage of the population is connected to sewerage systems, posing health concerns. These solutions have been shown to save costs, reduce carbon footprints, increase resilience to extreme weather events, and support biodiversity.

III. Opportunities for Treatment

Irrigation accounts for 42% of the total freshwater withdrawals. Climate change, the pressure of a growing population, degrading water quality, and increased competition from other sectors could constrain continuous supply to meet future agricultural water demand. This presents the potential reuse of agricultural drainage water for crop irrigation. Using a regional approach, the current state of agricultural drainage treatment and reuse and the institutional, economic, and other barriers that can influence the reuse decision.

IV. Seawater Desalination

As climate change-induced variables exacerbate water scarcities, the use of seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) membrane desalination technology for treating seawater could potentially provide a long-term drought-proof source of drinking water. Seawater desalination, specifically through SWRO technology, holds immense potential as a sustainable and resilient solution to combat climate-induced water scarcities. The technology's adaptability, ongoing advancements, and global success stories underscore its potential to play a vital role in securing freshwater resources in the face of a changing climate.

V. Support (Needs and Costs)

Given that one of the campaign organizers will be developing the website, the Php 200.00 Internet fee will be the only requirement during the creation phase. To further spread the website, some people outside the group or organization will be hired to share and promote the website. This method enables the netizens to be aware and informed regarding the website’s content. A budget of Php 100.00 per person will be set enough for hiring workers that will be assigned for promotions. Additionally, the project's total envisioned expenditure falls between Php 1,000.00 and Php 1,300.00. This project will be sponsored by the grade 12-quisumbing organizers and its ICT adviser. Sponsoring is not an obligatory responsibility and is voluntary. The project's goal is further implemented by creatively condensing the initial cost previously indicated.

Disclaimer:

In line with this, a group of people from grade 12-Quisumbing at Pasay City National Science High School would like to have a campaign in regards to wastewater risk reduction through an accessible website. In retaliation to the growing threats posed by inappropriate wastewater management, the creation of the group's website, which will feature information about the wastewater management campaign, has arisen as a beacon of change, advocating for sustainable techniques to avoid possible hazards related to wastewater.

The website containing updated information about the current issue regarding disaster risk reduction seeks to raise public awareness of the dangers associated with improper wastewater disposal and treatment, with a focus on environmental preservation and public health. Through this website and online campaign, everyone could be involved and witness a positive domino effect that encourages community involvement, general understanding, and a shared commitment to implementing responsible methods that reduce the risks connected with inappropriate wastewater treatment.

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