COTABATO CITY --- In
the marshlands of Barangay Butilen, Datu Salibo municipality, Maguindanao, in
southern Philippines, about 2,000 people are taking refuge due to renewed
fighting between government forces and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
Finding access to
water and sanitation, among other basic necessities, is often difficult for
displaced people. But the displaced families in Butilen better cope with their
situation, thanks to a project that anticipated their needs.
As part of its
preparedness measures in areas prone to armed conflicts, the ICRC installed
four hand pumps and 13 toilets in identified evacuation centers in Maguindanao
including Barangay Butilen, late last year.
“This is an example
of how planning and a good understanding of the local situation enabled the
ICRC to implement projects that really benefit communities when armed clashes
break out,” explained Alessandro Giusti, who is in charge of ICRC’s water,
sanitation and shelter programs in the Philippines.
“Armed conflict and
violence can happen anytime, and the needs of those affected are immediate.
Projects such as these strengthen the capacity of communities in conflict-prone
areas to respond to the needs of those displaced even before they can be reached
by humanitarian organizations,” he said.
The facilities, which
were handed over to the barangay (village) also in December, are being used by
over 2,000 people who fled to safety nearly two months ago. With the clashes
still ongoing, they do not know when they will be able to go back home.
“These facilities
really made a difference to us and especially to the displaced people,” said
Butilen barangay captain Faidza Sandigan. “Before, the evacuees had no choice
but to use muddy water from the marsh for washing and bathing. With the hand
pumps and toilets in the evacuation camps, the conditions are far better and
cleaner.”
The Datu Salibo water
and sanitation project ensured that communities were able to cope with the
recent influx of displaced persons. The ICRC constructed similar water and
sanitation facilities in other barangays in Datu Salibo.
“Access to clean water is essential if we are
to live with dignity no matter the situation,” said Giusti. (Story by Lany de
la Cruz, ICRC communication officer in Cotabato)
Allison Lopez
Communication officer
Public communication
and media relations
International
Committee of the Red Cross
Delegation to the
Philippines
5th Floor Erechem
Building, corner of Rufino and Salcedo Streets
Legaspi Village,
Makati City 1229, Philippines
T +63 (2) 892
8901-04 F +63 2 819 5997
Mobile: +63 908 868
6884
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