Cargill commits US$2.1M to expand water access in Indonesia and Philippines 

ASIA – Cargill, a global food corporation, has pledged US$2.1 million in funding to Water.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating access to safe water and sanitation in developing countries.  

The two-year grant project, running from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, aims to directly impact an estimated 300,000 individuals across Indonesia and the Philippines. 

The initiative will utilize WaterCredit, a program enabling small loans for water and sanitation solutions, to provide access to water and sanitation for approximately 75,000 households.  

Additionally, the grant will support collaboration with local utilities to enhance water quality and service coverage, benefitting even more households in the region. 

Pilar Cruz, Chief Sustainability Officer at Cargill, emphasized the company’s commitment to driving impactful change: “Because of our position as a connector of the food system, Cargill has the unique ability to develop holistic water solutions that drive impact-at-scale.  

Our partnership with Water.org will help drive innovative solutions across Indonesia and the Philippines that can transform access to safe water and sanitation.” 

Gary White, CEO of Water.org, praised Cargill’s dedication to community-driven change: “Partnerships like Cargill’s extend beyond the financial contribution with intentional dedication to driving change in the communities they are a part of.” 

Indonesia and the Philippines face significant challenges in water access. In Indonesia, nearly 192 million people lack access to safe water, while in the Philippines, 60 million people face the same challenge.  

Gay Santos, Regional Director, Southeast Asia, Water.org, said: “Cargill’s commitment will allow us to scale the impact through increased partnerships with local utilities that will enhance water quality and increase service coverage for families, shaping a more sustainable, safe, and equitable water future for Southeast Asia.” 

Ross Hamou-Jennings, Chair of Asia Pacific at Cargill, highlighted the company’s broader goals of sustainability and community upliftment: “By investing in this project, Cargill recognizes the importance of providing access to safe water and sanitation.  

Our goal is not only to improve communities and environmental sustainability but also to contribute to and uplift communities across the region.” 

Through this collaboration, Cargill and Water.org aim to make significant strides in addressing water access challenges in Southeast Asia, promoting health, education, and economic empowerment in the region. 

Cargills commitment to sustainability is reflected in the organizations 2030 goal to enable the restoration of 600 billion litres of water and reduction of 5,000 metric tons of water pollutants in water-stressed regions. 

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