Philippines Ilo-Ilo Project 2007

Reledev Australia Limited in agreement with Creston College and Tawili implemented a short-term community infrastructure and training project in Molo, Barangay Dulonan and Barangay Compania in IloIlo, Philippines in January 2007.

Community women of both barangays were trained to be health promoters within their own communities. They learned to prevent illness in their families and the community through acquired knowledge about balanced nutritional diets, the safe use of water, improved hygiene and sanitation practices and an awareness of practices that can prevent or mitigate common sicknesses. A household survey of both barangays was held and linked with a medical clinic for the people of both barangays. Many were found to suffer from deafness due to poor personal hygiene and sleeping on or too close to the ground. One young girl regained her hearing after her ears were cleaned out. It was the first time she could hear sound after about 8 years.

The project helped to mitigate risks to life and improve personal safety in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding by building concrete walkways above flood levels and raising the floor of at least one day care center.

The project enabled and encouraged the people of at least one barangay to practice hygiene and sanitation by building public toilets and providing water supply by building one well. The well will be the source of non-drinking water. The water from the well will be used for washing of clothes, toilet requirements and for bathing.

Teachers and staff of the IloIlo National High School were trained in the use of Word, Excel and Powerpoint. This training will enable them to perform their teaching jobs better and improve the efficiency of school administration tasks. A computer training course has been designed for the school and will be retained by the school for future use.

Updated November 2007