Water Voices Documentaries: Testing Audience Impact in Poor Communities

Abstract

Asian Development Bank’s “Water for All” policy recognizes the important role of public awareness and education to help achieve sustainable water resources management and better water services. In May 2002, ADB launched the Water Awareness Program to help create an environment supportive of effective water policies throughout Asia and the Pacific. One of the program’s tools to promote public awareness and understanding of water issues is the ‘Water Voices’ documentary series. The series consists of seven compelling films about people tackling water problems across Asia and the Pacific. In preparation for the launching of the documentary series, ADB commissioned Ed Quitoriano and Guava Dynamics Consulting to conduct focus groups among target groups in the Philippines in order to test the impact of the film ‘Hidden Paradise’ (locally titled ‘Tinagong Paraiso’) on residents of poor communities in the Philippines. ‘Hidden Paradise’ is the story of a former slum community in the city of Bacolod, Philippines, which now boasts tidy homes, clean, dry streets, a safe drinking water supply, and healthy children—thanks to the determined efforts of its leaders and residents (see page 12). As a starting point, a rapid appraisal of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on water and sanitation and television viewing habits was undertaken in each focus group.