Philippines, 2009

Sanitation systems are an often overlooked but critical component of environmental and public health. Supporters of global development rarely choose sanitation as the first place to invest their monies. But unsanitary waste disposal creates a polluted and unhealthy environment, and brings illness and death to children and families.

That’s why in the rural Burol Village of the Philippines, Ronnie, Emalin, and Outreach International acquired toilets.
It was raining steadily as Ronnie supervised the unloading of 500 cement blocks to become the bases for a dozen toilets in the various farming puroks (sub-villages) in Burol Village. What was once a dream was now a reality. Ronnie president of Samahang Nagkakaisa Tungo sa Pag-unlad at Tunay na Pagbabago or SamaNaTayo the Organization United Towards Authentic Development was enthusiastic despite the gloomy weather.

It also rained when the town mayor personally delivered the toilet bowls and water pumps. In the Philippines, when a top local official visits a village, it is a milestone in itself. To arrive bringing concrete solutions to the village’s problems is what many will call a miracle.

No Place to Go

Unsanitary human waste disposal and lack of water sources were Burol village problems as far back as Ronnie can remember:
“I was born in this village and when we were kids, we would “go” anywhere. Families still do that. But when Outreach International came, and we met staff member, Emalin, we wanted to solve this problem.”

The group found a source for materials through the local government, but many felt that government requests are only approved by politicians during elections. Some said the organization was doomed to fail because the chosen leader, Ronnie, didn’t finish school.

“My groupmates said ‘Ignore the detractors,’” Ronnie said. “They promised that, together, they would show how the Outreach International process could bring blessings to the village.”

The first 10 toilet bowls and pumps were accessed from the provincial governor. Those who could dig up a place to construct the toilet were given the materials first, so no one would be tempted to sell the supplies. “Our success was enough proof that the organization can solve problems. We did not have to convince them anymore.”

On Their Own

Eventually, it was time for Outreach International-Philippines to phase-out of Burol village and give more responsibilities to the SaMaNaTayo’s leaders and members. They were doubtful of their skills. But when Emalin assured them she would still consult with them until they were independent, they regained their confidence.

“We appreciated Emalin’s work. If it wasn’t for her guidance, our children would grow up not using toilets just like we did, causing health problems and ruining our land.”

So the group moved forward: preparing requests for toilets and water pumps over nine meetings. “We mustered our courage and submitted it to the town mayor. He paid us a personal visit to see the situation and we relentlessly followed-up our request until all the materials were here delivered by the Mayor himself. He even promised to shoulder the cost of drilling the water pumps.”

Today, as Ronnie looks at the cement blocks, he muses about what he’s learned. He knows he will carry these lessons throughout his lifetime - lessons that will guide him and his organization, his community, and his land towards more sustainable good.