USAID, private sector launch water challenge

MANILA, Philippines — The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has linked up with the private sector in the Philippines to launch the first-ever platform and annual competition that aims to identify water and sanitation solutions in the country.

USAID partnered with the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), Maynilad and Manila Water to launch the inaugural Philippine Water Challenge (PhlWC).

The PhlWC will be an annual competition that aims to identify innovative solutions that benefit both water service providers and users, identify community demonstration projects, and promote cross-sectoral collaboration to address water and sanitation challenges.

Registration for applicants is now open via pdrf.org/philippinewaterchallenge until Sept. 30.

“USAID is proud to join the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, Maynilad Water Services Inc. and the Manila Water Company as we continue working toward our shared goal of providing a water-secure future for all Filipinos,” said USAID Philippines acting mission director Sean Callahan.

The state of water supply and sanitation in the Philippines remains a concern for the government. Around 12 million Filipinos do not have access to safe drinking water, and almost 10 percent of the population does not have access to sewerage systems.

Over the next two months, individuals and organizations can submit their solutions to address the Philippines’ water supply and sanitation challenges for a chance to win a cash prize, incubation support and coaching from water and sanitation experts to enhance their solutions.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) assistant secretary Roderick Planta recognized the role of innovations and technologies in helping address the Philippines’ water challenges as part of its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals targets of universal access to safe water supply and sanitation services by 2030.

The PhlWC is also sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, Smart Communications, IdeaSpace and QBO—five key players in the water and innovation sectors.