When a community gains reliable access to clean water, everything changes. In San Juan, Tingloy, Batangas, Philippines, Probe CX's fully-sponsored Clean Water Project has delivered exactly that transformation - providing a solar-powered clean water system that serves 140 students and eight teachers at San Juan Elementary School, including community members across 110 households and a local medical clinic. Through strategic partnership with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), this isn't just infrastructure investment; it's a catalyst for education, health, sustainability and community development.
Transforming lives, one drop at a time
"This solar-powered system isn't just infrastructure - it's freedom. Freedom from the daily worry of where safe water will come from. Freedom for children to focus on learning instead of searching for clean water. Freedom for families to spend time together instead of traveling for basic necessities," says Alexis Dabon, Vice President Customer Experience (Philippines), Probe CX.
With reliable access now in place, families no longer spend precious hours each day securing safe water. Instead, that time and energy flows toward what matters most: learning in the classroom, maintaining health and creating meaningful moments with loved ones.
"Life before clean water was challenging because, while we used to have clean water, it was only given at scheduled times - every four days it was scheduled per community," explains Nicanor Meña, Councillor of the Tingloy Municipality. "Now, with several tap stands it's possible for us to have daily access to clean water in our community. This will be a significant improvement for everyone."
The transformation extends beyond convenience to fundamental health improvements. "With this clean water, the lives of each one of us here in the community will definitely improve," Meña continues. "This is because having access to clean water will help us avoid illnesses and diseases caused by contaminated water. Because we are surrounded by the sea, the water here is typically a bit salty, so now that we have this kind of water system, it will be much safer for our people."
"For us teachers, being here today at the launch of such a project has had a very positive impact, especially here in our school," says Shelby Joy G. Evangelista, Grade 6 teacher at San Juan Elementary School. "Back when we didn't have access to potable water, we encountered a lot of challenges - particularly during the dry season. We had to place orders from the nearest water refilling station just to have something to drink at school - but even then, sometimes we had to wait for several hours, or even until the next day."
The joy among students has been unmistakable. "We're truly overjoyed - not just us teachers, but especially our students. When they found out that we now have free potable water here at school," Evangelista continues. "Their first reactions were: 'Yes! We don't have to fetch water anymore!' and 'Yes! We don't need to buy water anymore!'"
From vision to reality
Probe CX fully sponsored this sustainability transformative project, partnering with PBSP for on-ground implementation. The comprehensive system features a solar-powered deep well pump and two 2,000-litre water tanks positioned above the school, distributing clean water through seven strategically placed taps - one directly in the school and six throughout the community including at a local medical clinic.
"I got involved in this project during its inception phase," explains Rochelle Batingue, Senior Program Officer, Corporate Citizenship and CSR at PBSP. "Previously, Tingloy’s Councilor had asked if there were any available water system projects. You know that situation when there's water coming out of the faucet, but when you open it, it tastes salty? That was one of the primary reasons why I suggested this community for the project."
The Probe sponsored project launched in June 2024, construction began in January 2025 and the system became operational in April 2025, culminating in the formal handover ceremony on June 14th, 2025. "The project itself had a duration of one year," Batingue notes. "Our contractor actually engaged local construction workers from the community, which I believe is a good practice. Hiring people from the community not only helped provide them with income but also gave them a sense of ownership, since they'll be the ones benefiting from the very project they helped build."
This initiative directly aligns with feedback from a recent employee ESG survey, where employees in all geographies identified renewable energy, solar power, no poverty and quality education as crucial themes for the Group's sustainability program. "Being here today, at the launch of such a project, is incredibly exciting. The Clean Water project is something we started last year, and finally, after 12 months, it's done. I'm very excited that we get to witness how the community receives this project."
Creating positive change - community partnership
"For our employees to be there, seeing the system in place and meeting the community that will be impacted by this, it truly makes everything real," reflects Abby Quintos, Senior Operations Director at Probe CX. "You see the smiles on their faces, you see how happy they are and you realise that this project isn't just a project - it's a lifeline."
Having a strong operational presence in the Philippines means Probe CX isn't merely conducting business and providing innovative digital solutions and quality customer service, it's woven into the fabric of these communities and is passionate about delivering value to the community, its people and its client. This project embodies our core values while demonstrating our commitment to making positive change where we operate.
"Working for an organisation that focuses on making such a positive impact on communities like San Juan means that I get to do work that truly matters," Quintos adds. "This is absolutely the type of company that I am proud to represent."
"Probe CX's investment in this project has made a profoundly positive impact on the community," emphasises Batingue. "Almost 50% of communities across the Philippines are still considered waterless. When we say waterless, we mean communities that either have insufficient access, unsafe water or situations where people literally risk their lives just to fetch water. This investment from Probe CX here in the community of San Juan will truly benefit many, especially our students and young people. They no longer have to arrive at school exhausted from fetching water before classes."
Built to last
The solar-powered design ensures environmental sustainability and long-term viability. "Having clean water makes the town of San Juan healthier and more sustainable by first improving overall public health, which we hope translates to fewer cases of preventable illnesses, especially among children," explains Dale Seidel, National Safety and Environmental Manager for Probe. "Sustainably, the project builds local resilience with solar power and minimal maintenance needs. The system is designed to operate long-term with low environmental impacts. This project also aligns with various UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those relating to clean water and sanitation, climate action, no poverty, quality education and good health and well-being."
"One of the key components embedded in [this] project is sustainability," adds Batingue. "Our goal is that, upon the turnover of the project, the community is capable and knowledgeable enough to operate and maintain it on their own. That's why we integrate capacity-building activities as part of the process. Because while infrastructure may eventually break down, it can always be replaced, but what's more important is ensuring that the community knows how to replace damaged components and keep the system going."
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A community association, led by the head teacher and local officials, receives comprehensive training in system maintenance and management. "Seeing the clean water system working, and knowing that clean water is finally flowing for the kids, for the teachers and for the entire community here in San Juan, it feels incredibly real," Quintos describes. "In that moment, I am humbled, I am proud and I am hopeful all at once."
Probe CX maintains ongoing communication with the community through PBSP, who will be conducting post-project impact assessments. This foundation for continued development opens doors for future collaboration and deeper community engagement.
