Peace and development

Improvement of Water Supply Equipment Management Capacity for the Establishment of Peace in Mindanao

The ILO and the Government of Japan have partnered to provide jobs and to promote peace through improved water supply and sanitation services in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The ILO Japan Water and Sanitation Project promotes decent work, provides access to clean and safe water, and contributes to building peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Despite having vast water resources, majority of households in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) still have inadequate access to potable water supply. Most communities are vulnerable to water-borne diseases with many poor families relying on unprotected and contaminated water resources.

Data from the Philippine Statistical Authority in 2016 showed that only 53 per cent of families in the region have access to safe water. This is lower than the national average of 85 per cent.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Government of Japan through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have partnered to provide jobs and promote peace through improved water supply and sanitation services in post-conflict areas in the region. The project builds on ILO’s existing and previous work in the Philippines, including on crisis recovery and prevention, skills development and employment creation especially for vulnerable groups, green works, green jobs, just transition, and local economic development.

ILO interventions in affected communities contributes to reducing poverty with jobs created, with new and practical skills acquired, and with better living conditions through improved water supply, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and improving agricultural productivity through water infrastructure. The project further advocates for workers’ rights, social dialogue, social protection and employment creation. Local communities are also involved in developing, constructing, operating and maintaining water supply, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

The ILO-Japan project implements water supply development initiatives in selected municipalities of the region from the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Over 1,800 workers and almost 12,000 households in conflict-affected communities stand to benefit from economic activities. The project further integrates environmental standards and conservation measures to promote green jobs and to provide immediate income. It contributes towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, and Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth.

The Government of Japan has a longstanding cooperation with the ILO dating back to 1974. Japan is a key partner of the ILO in the promotion of social justice and decent work, especially in the Asia and the Pacific region. In the Philippines, the Government of Japan has supported a number of projects including on disaster response, sustainable livelihood, peace and security, local economic development, social protection, and human trafficking.

For further information please contact:

Ms Ma Jennylyn Aguinaldo
Project Manager
Tel +6364 4255342
Email

Ms Ma. Concepcion Sardaña
Senior Programme Officer
Tel +632 8580 9900
Email