Empowering Youth for Water Safety: WASH Mobile Session at Barangay 93 – Bagacay, Tacloban City

On April 25, 2025, the community of Barangay 93 – Bagacay in Tacloban City hosted a transformative event aimed at empowering youth to become advocates for water safety, hygiene, and conservation. FundLife, in partnership with the Tacloban Peer Educators Association (TPEA), facilitated the WASH Mobile Session, bringing together children and youth aged 10–19 to address key water-related issues through a mix of interactive activities and play-based learning.

The session focused on raising awareness about the critical issues of Water Pollution, Safe vs. Unsafe Water, and Water Conservation, all of which directly impact the community's well-being. Through a series of futsal drills, group discussions, and fun, hands-on activities, participants explored these themes and learned about the importance of protecting and conserving water resources.

The event kicked off with an energizing obstacle course designed by our young leaders, where participants collected letters to unscramble a futsal-related word while answering water-related questions. This interactive activity highlighted the organization’s commitment to using play as a powerful educational tool. Through challenges that blended physical movement and problem-solving, the youth were introduced to critical issues surrounding water sustainability in a fun, engaging way—setting the tone for a day of meaningful learning through experiential play.

Participants engaged in a series of themed activities that deepened their understanding of water-related challenges. “Water Pollution Tag” illustrated how pollution can rapidly spread through communities, while “Unsafe Water Ball” emphasized the dangers of using untreated water and the importance of purification methods like boiling and filtering. In “Water Bank,” participants practiced careful water handling while dribbling a futsal ball, promoting the idea of water conservation through teamwork and responsibility. Each activity concluded with group discussions, reinforcing practical solutions and the role of individuals in protecting vital water resources.

A special session was held for the participants, focusing on hygiene and reproductive health. Led by Mr. Roger Sabido and Mr. Joash Vergel Bermudo from TPEA, this workshop provided valuable information to help the youth maintain good hygiene practices and understand the connections between hygiene and reproductive health.

Furthermore, participants engaged in friendly futsal matches. The teams were divided into two brackets (A and B), with each team playing three games. The matchups included Team 1 vs Team 2, Team 4 vs Team 5, Team 3 vs Team 2, Team 6 vs Team 5, and Team 1 vs Team 3. The games showcased teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship, offering participants the opportunity to bond and practice skills in a supportive and fun environment. The top teams from each bracket advanced to the championship and the battle for 3rd place.

The event culminated in an awarding ceremony. The champion, 1st runner-up, and 2nd runner-up teams were recognized for their achievements with certificates and Water Hero ribbon awards. In the spirit of encouraging participation and sportsmanship, all other teams were presented with a Water Warrior ribbon, celebrating their commitment to the cause and teamwork.

By combining fun, sports, and vital water education, FundLife and TPEA empowered the youth of Barangay 93 – Bagacay to take active roles in advocating for water safety, conservation, and hygiene. With support from local leaders, including Barangay SK Chairman Hon. Archie Buena and Sports Coordinator Hon. Andrei Kaede Y. Abello, the event highlighted the importance of community action and the collective responsibility to protect and conserve precious water resources for future generations.

The WASH Mobile Session proved to be a great success, leaving a lasting impact on the participants. By integrating education with play, the event not only raised awareness about water-related issues but also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among the youth to protect their environment and ensure safe water access for all. This initiative marks another step toward empowering young people to be proactive leaders in their communities and advocates for sustainable water practices.