Manila Water Foundation doubles its reach for Global Handwashing Day
Manila Water Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manila Water group in the Philippines, reached twice as many people from last year’s celebration through its week-long series of events for the 2014 Global Handwashing Day. Together with Unilever, they promoted the importance
of washing hands with soap as an effective way to prevent diseases in Laguna, Pampanga, Metro Manila, Cebu and Boracay. The nationwide campaign reached over 14,000 people. “Last year, we were overwhelmed with the positive feedback from our celebration that we decided to push for bigger and
better events this year. We wanted to reach more people and create a healthier environment for everyone.” said Ferdinand dela Cruz, President of Manila Water Foundation.
Providing children with the knowledge and skill of handwashing will give them the capacity to protect themselves from sickness. This is why Manila Water Foundation visited over 10,000 students and shared with them the proper and effective way of handwashing. Through a physical demonstration,
the students were able to quickly apply the lesson they had just learned. They were also encouraged to stamp their handprints on the pledge wall to signify their commitment to regularly making it a habit to wash their hands.
“This simple task [of handwashing] can lower the number of people affected by fast-spreading illnesses that take a toll not only on one’s health, but also on the family’s budget. When done properly, regularly and collectively, handwashing can create healthier communities”, says Carla Beriña-Kim,
Executive Director of Manila Water Foundation.
Manila Water Foundation wanted to further expand its reach to the general public by setting up booths in Ayala malls and business districts to impart the benefits of handwashing. Participants were asked questions on the advocacy before receiving a token from our sponsors. They were also
encouraged to place a commitment sticker on the pledge wall to create a healthier environment for everyone by washing hands.
“We do hope that we can actually carry on promoting this habit [of handwashing] because indeed it will be saving us a lot of lives,” said Chito Macapagal, VP for Corporate Affairs & Sustainability of Unilever.
The nationwide celebration of Manila Water Foundation was co-presented by Unilever and was supported by Manila Water, Laguna Water, Cebu Water, Boracay Water, Clark Water, the Department of Education, Ayala Malls, Ayala Mall Cinemas, Boracay Regency, D’Mall, Philippine Chamber of
Commerce and Industry – Boracay, Philippine Red Cross, Clark Freeport, Boracay Foundation, Globe, Eveready, Ritemed, Enchanted Kingdom, BIC, Yonex, Acer, Ceelin, Jamba Juice, Yes! FM 911, 105.5 FM, Business World, Business Mirror, Rappler, and WhenInManila.com.
Visit www.facebook.com/ManilaWaterFoundation to learn more about this week-long celebration or get in touch with Manila Water Foundation through 917-5900 local 1025 or foundation@manilawater.com.
