As part of the continuing efforts of the Social Advocacy and Community Engagement Office (SACEO) to advance health and well-being in marginalized communities, the USApang WaSH: Daloy ng Pag-asa sa Tubig, Kalinisan, at Kalugusan was successfully held on September 20, 2025, for the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community of Sitio Igtuba, Barangay Camangahan, Guimbal. The activity was made possible through the active participation of LGU Camangahan, led by Brgy. Captain Hannibal Gilo and Kagawad Merly Gentapanan. Volunteers from the non-academic personnel from Internal Quality Assurance Office and the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences, and Education Office also played a crucial role in assisting with the program’s execution. The event was held at Camangahan Elementary School, with special thanks to Principal Maria Cecil G. Articuna.
The activity brought together IP community members in an engaging and meaningful dialogue on the importance of WaSH in everyday life. Serving as resource speakers were Sir Rodolfo Betito Jr. and Ma’am Consejo Centeno, whose combined expertise and dedication ensured a clear, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive discussion. A notable focus of their presentation was the role of women in promoting WaSH practices, underscoring how women’s active participation within households and communities can significantly influence healthier lifestyles and sustained sanitation practices.
Central to the activity was the promotion of practical knowledge on water usage, waste disposal, handwashing, and personal hygiene—all of which are critical in disease prevention and in fostering a healthier environment. The facilitators also emphasized the strong connection between poor sanitation and common health issues affecting rural areas, encouraging the community to embrace simple yet effective hygiene habits as part of their daily routines.
One of the key highlights of the activity was the high level of participation and engagement from the community. The IP Community not only listened attentively but also actively asked questions, shared their personal experiences, and offered insights drawn from their own practices. This dynamic exchange made the activity more interactive and ensured that the lessons shared were relevant, meaningful, and easily applicable to the lived realities of Sitio Igtuba.
USApang WaSH proved to be a vital component of the ongoing Project IPaTUBIG initiated by SACEO, transcending the scope of a mere awareness campaign. It evolved into a dynamic and collective learning experience, specifically designed to empower the IP community with practical knowledge and actionable strategies for achieving improved hygiene and sanitation practices. Beyond the dissemination of essential information, the event successfully cultivated a profound sense of shared responsibility among the participants. This collaborative spirit has significantly strengthened the community’s unwavering commitment to building a healthier and more resilient environment, ensuring a sustainable and improved quality of life for all its members.
PREPARED BY:
CHELSEA CAMPOLLO, AJ GARCIA
SOCIAL ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICE
