P&G’s ‘Purifier of Water’ gives Filipino kids a chance at life
Millions in the Philippines lack clean water due to poverty and frequent typhoons, causing sickness and jeopardizing dreams. To help, P&G and World Vision distribute their Purifier of Water, a simple powder packet.
As of 2023, they had provided over 200 million liters of clean water to 50,000 children and families. This innovative technology, similar to systems in developed countries, removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses, offering a quick and effective solution.
P&G’s Purifier of Water was developed by P&G scientists in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a quick and innovative way to purify dirty and unsafe water. This powdered mixture was developed utilizing technology similar to that found in municipal water systems in developed countries.
One four-gram Purifier of Water packet contains ferric sulfate, serving as a coagulant, and calcium hypochlorite, acting as a disinfectant. These ingredients can remove dirt, common waterborne bacteria and viruses, and other pollutants from 10 liters of potentially unsafe water in just 30 minutes.
Since 2012, World Vision has been distributing P&G Purifier of Water packets to households in Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. Beneficiaries from these areas mostly live along the Agusan Marsh which also serves as their primary water source, aside from rainwater. These areas are susceptible to heavy flooding during strong typhoons, resulting in the contamination of unimproved sources of drinking water.
The CSDW Program is currently in its 12th year of providing clean drinking water to impoverished communities. P&G allocated 3.4 million Purifier of Water packets to World Vision for distribution to Manobo families living along the Agusan Marsh in Agusan del Sur and North Cotabato.
Agusan Marsh covers 15 percent of the country’s freshwater resources. Manobo families mostly live in floating houses, and they rely on rain or a nearby spring for water they use for drinking, bathing, and other activities. However, many children and adults experience stomach problems due to the dirty water they consume.
As one of their primary beneficiaries, P&G and World Vision continuously support the residents of Agusan Marsh through the regular distribution of P&G Purifier of Water. This is especially important during disasters, such as the recent flooding and landslides, which placed Agusan del Sur in a state of calamity.