Children's rights group calls for safe water, functional toilets in Mindanao

In celebration of World Toilet Day, a children's rights organization on Tuesday called for better access to safe water and functional toilets in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao to prevent the spread of communicable diseases among children.

“Children are 20 times more likely to die from diseases due to unsafe water, sanitation and poor hygiene practices,” Alberto Muyot, Save the Children Philippine's Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement.

Based on the results of a consultation conducted by authorities, 39 percent of the students said that their nearest source of drinkable water was at least a 15-minute walk from school.

“Leaving school premises to get water pose multiple hazards and protection issues for children,” Muyot pointed out.

“Most of the children feel safe inside schools as they believe that the teachers and adults can protect them, thus, it is our duty as adults to ensure they are safe and protected from preventable diseases.”

Meanwhile, Save the Children's integrated life-saving support in emergencies program was implemented for children displaced by armed conflict and violence in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

The organization's program included education in emergencies, water and sanitation facilities, and child protection in times of emergencies.

“We put greater emphasis on addressing issues faced by girls such as managing menstruation when they are in school and ensure that the needs of children with disabilities and children who are not in school, are considered,” Muyot said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News