In 2015, 69 million Filipinos—52% of the population—lacked access to safe drinking water, and 43 million (37%) did not have access to safe lavatories. This leaves a significant portion of the population risking their health every single day. The cause? Water pollution.

Over half of the Philippines' water bodies are contaminated, including 43% of our rivers. If we allow this crisis to continue, millions of Filipinos will face even greater threats to their well-being. Contaminated water not only endangers human lives but also creates toxic environments for aquatic life and wildlife, accelerating the destruction of biodiversity.

Water pollution is a pressing issue, but together we can prevent further damage by taking small, meaningful actions:

1. Pick up litter and dispose of it properly.

2. Sweep or blow fertilizer off paved areas and avoid applying it before rain, which washes chemicals into storm drains.

3. Compost yard waste instead of blowing leaves into the street, which clogs storm drains.

4. Wash your car or equipment where runoff can flow to a grassy or gravel area, not into streets.

5. Never pour motor oil or clean up spills into storm drains. Use absorbent materials like sand or cat litter, then throw it away.

Water pollution threatens our health, our wildlife, and our future. But together, we can reverse its effects and protect our vital resources. Let’s act now, for the sake of our families, our environment, and generations to come.