The Water.org Philippines team is piloting a new project called WaterConnect to connect families living in the bottom of the economic pyramid (BOP) with easy access to improved and safe drinking water. The pilot currently focuses on four barangays, two each in the cities of Biñan and Sta. Rosa in the province of Laguna. This project aspires to target 2,300 families by September 2017- in the nine months allotted for the pilot. Through a strong partnership with Laguna Water, local partner microfinance institutions (MFIs), and WaterLinks International, the Water.org team developed a model to assist the poor families to be connected to piped water that is being supplied by the water utility company in the area. The project scheme attracts a significant number of the poor families who still lack access to piped water. The water meter connection fee of Laguna Water will be paid by the interested households for 18 months without interest. The after-the-meter costs will then be loaned through local Water.org MFI partners. Households who qualify for the MFI assistance based upon its policies will be approved for a loan…