Vulnerable children in conflict and El Niño affected Mindanao

“We get our water from the deep well, but because of the drought we have a hard time getting clean [water] to drink,” says Rehana Sandigan, a 10-year-old from Barangay Tuka, Mamasapano. “Sometimes we pour water into the well and pump it hard; hoping some water comes out,” she says.

As if being affected by the Mamasapano conflict in 2015 was not enough, the Sandigan family have now had to grapple with the effects of El Niño. Mamasapano is one of the municipalities affected by the drought in Maguindanao. Farming is one of the main sources of income here, producing mainly maize. Instead of lush green cornfields, people now see only dry farmlands.

“We get water from the deep well in our area. We use it for laundry, taking a bath and drinking as well,” 11 year-old Mardiya, Rehana’s sister, chimes in.

“When the drought started it’s getting hard to get water,” Rehana said.

In the Philippines, children are among the worst affected by the scourge of El Niño. Drought affects children’s health and well-being, limiting their access to clean water and nutritious food. Since many families earn their living through farming, low harvest resulting from damaged crops also affect their ability to feed and provide for their children. Pregnant and lactating mothers unable to afford nutritious food also put their babies in peril, resulting in low birth weight or insufficient breastmilk supply.

“In the Philippines, at least 42 per cent of the country was affected by drought and dry spells, mostly in Mindanao where a high percentage of children are already stunted. UNICEF is concerned about worsening nutrition, increasing diarrhea and lack of water supply. We must come together to help children by responding with immediate life-saving needs as well as increasing their resilience,” UNICEF Philippines Emergency Specialist Verity Rushton says.

Water and food as basic rights

Access to water and proper nutrition are basic human rights, yet children like Rehana and Mardiya have had to work hard to get clean water and nutritious food to eat. After fetching water from the well, they have to filter and boil the water to ensure it is safe to drink. At times when the water becomes yellowish, the family pays P50 pesos daily for drinking water, putting further strain on the family’s financial resources.

Rehana’s mother Norma shares that it has been difficult to make ends meet since El Niño started. Because of the drought, the harvest has been poor. Families have resorted to eating rice, boiled banana, cassava and maize to stave off hunger.

“Before, I could harvest as much as 25 sacks of corn. I got more than P10, 000 per harvest season every three months. Now with the drought our income declined to P3, 000 per harvest,” Norma said.

With the drought projected to last until June 2016, the Sandigan family, like many others will have to find other means to support their children.

Responding to nutrition and water needs

UNICEF’s Mindanao Field Office has been working with partners on the ground to ensure support for children and families suffering from El Niño.

In Maguindanao, UNICEF works with government partners such as the Department of Health for micronutrient supplementation for pregnant and lactating women and provision of micronutrient powder for children 6-23 months. For water, sanitation and hygiene, UNICEF works with NGO partners such as Action Against Hunger International to work with local leaders on coping strategies and influencing health habits.