Today, 22 March 2020, the Commission on Human Rights, together with communities everywhere, joins the commemoration of World Water Day.

World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance meant to highlight the importance of accessing freshwater, putting in mind over 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. In the Philippines, approximately 1 in 10 people still do not have improved access to water sources—the year 2016 saw over 130,000 deaths due to acute watery diarrhea, while water shortages were a common problem during 2019.

The significance of water in our daily lives cannot be overemphasized. As an important element of human diet, water helps regulate body temperature and is an irreplaceable source of energy needed by every individual.

But more importantly, in the context of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, the World Health Organisation stresses that proper handwashing is our best first defense in preventing the spread of the virus. Yet, many communities in the Philippines continue to face the challenge of accessing water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, especially in poor, far-flung communities.

We call on the government to give attention to these challenges, especially that cost and climate change continue to further burden the people and communities on the ground. It is a human right to be able to access clean, affordable, and adequate water supply.

We too hope that everyone can do their part by being more conscious of the way we use our water resources. Water is life and we need to ensure that there is enough for everyone. ###