Safe Water for Every Child Philippines (SWFEC-Ph) continues to scale its impact, bringing clean, safe drinking water to thousands more students and families through the award-winning SkyHydrant™ ultrafiltration system.
Classrooms to Clean Water in CDO
At Lumbia Central School in Cagayan de Oro (CDO), what began as a plan to build classrooms quickly grew into something greater. With over 3,200 students facing unsafe or costly drinking water, the BIRTH Club, under the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, partnered with SWFEC-Ph to install a SkyHydrant system in early 2025.
The system now delivers more than 10,000 litres of safe water daily, free of charge. A ceremonial turnover marked the moment when education and health came together to give every learner a fair chance.
“This is what happens when different sectors come together with a shared purpose,” said Kaloy Manlupig, Volunteer CEO of SWFEC-Ph. “With partners like the BIRTH Club and CDO Masonic Lodge, we turn vision into reality, into something a child can drink today.”
Clean Water for the Manobo of Mt. Agkir-Agkir
Meanwhile, in Cotabato province, the indigenous Manobo community of Mt. Agkir-Agkir celebrated their own breakthrough. For years, families relied on untreated spring water vulnerable to contamination, with the nearest health centre a difficult seven-kilometre trek away.
In partnership with the Lawrence Acland Foundation and the local government of Libungan, SWFEC-Ph installed a modular SkyHydrant system at Agkir-Agkir Elementary School. The unit now benefits 740 people, including students, teachers, and families.
Safe water has already improved hydration and school attendance, while also opening new livelihood opportunities such as a planned coffee shop serving filtered water to hikers and visitors.
A Growing National Impact
Across the Philippines, more than 60 million people still lack access to safe drinking water, and over half of the schools face the same challenge. Poor sanitation and unsafe water remain the leading causes of child mortality.
With partners including Disaster Aid Australia, SkyJuice Foundation, Rotary International, and Balay Mindanaw, SWFEC-Ph has now deployed over 240 SkyHydrant units nationwide. Each provides up to 10,000 litres of potable water per day, operating without electricity or chemicals, and lasting for a decade with minimal maintenance.
“SkyHydrant systems are built with affordability and accessibility in mind, allowing even the most remote communities to have safe drinking water,” said Manlupig. “They empower families to take control of their water supply, improving health and well-being without reliance on outside aid.”
A Shared Mission Moving Forward
From bustling schools in CDO to remote mountain villages in Cotabato, SWFEC-Ph’s momentum demonstrates what is possible when communities, civic groups, and partners work together. Building on past successes, the organisation continues to expand access to safe water, transforming lives, strengthening education, and protecting children’s futures.
To learn more about bringing safe drinking water to schools and communities, visit safewaterph.org or follow @Safe Water For Every Child Philippines Inc on Facebook.
