Water4Life: A Climate Adaptation Solution Transforming Education in San Miguel Island of the Philippines

2024 LOCAL ADAPTATION CHAMPIONS AWARD NOMINEE

San Miguel Island in the Bicol Region of the Philippines faces escalating climate challenges, from unpredictable rainfall to extreme heat. These changes have severely impacted the island’s water supply, particularly at San Miguel National High School. The school struggled with basic access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities. Prolonged droughts, followed by periods of intense rainfall, made the already limited water sources unreliable. Students suffered from dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and water-borne diseases, forcing many to skip school. In a region hit hard by both climate change and poverty, these challenges are especially debilitating for vulnerable youth.

A Local Solution with Global Impact

In response, a team of dedicated teachers led by Christy Martillana launched the Water4Life initiative, a project aimed at securing a sustainable water source for the school while addressing broader climate adaptation challenges. The project’s core strength lies in its locally-led approach. “We started with nothing but a vision to give our students clean water and better health,” says Christy. By partnering with a local landowner, the school gained lifelong access to a natural water spring, ensuring a reliable supply of water even during the driest months.

As part pf the project, a water tank was built and an electric pump installed to transport water from the spring to the school. “The goal was to empower this island community by offering the tools and resources they needed to take charge of their own climate resilience,” explained Christy.  The local government contributed plumbing materials, and the school’s teachers, alongside volunteer labourers, completed the construction of a long water pipeline through the island’s rugged terrain.

Building Health, Attendance, and Climate Resilience

The Water4Life initiative has had a profound impact on the community. Health conditions at the school have significantly improved, with a 30% reduction in water-borne illnesses and a 20% decrease in heat-related symptoms among students. Daily attendance has risen by 15%, as students no longer avoid classes due to the unrelenting heat or lack of sanitation facilities. Access to clean water has revitalized the school environment, providing much-needed relief and fostering a renewed commitment to education among the island’s youth.

The project’s benefits extend beyond the school gates. The improved water supply also supports the school’s gardening programs, contributing to local food security efforts. More importantly, Water4Life serves as a blueprint for other island schools facing similar challenges in the Bicol Region. Three neighboring schools—San Roque Elementary, Rawis High School, and Hacienda Elementary—are next in line for replication, with plans to replicate the success of Water4Life through similar partnerships with local landowners and global organizations.

The initiative is more than just a solution to water scarcity—it’s a testament to the power of local leadership and community-driven climate adaptation. “This project has not only improved the lives of our students but also shown them that through collaboration, we can overcome even the toughest challenges,” remarks Christy. As a scalable model, Water4Life highlights how small, locally-led projects can create lasting change in the face of global climate threats.