As in-person classes resume, the need to ensure the health and safety of learners and teachers is more crucial now than ever. Through its collaboration project #SafeWASH in Schools, Manila Water Foundation and P&G’s Safeguard Philippines aim to strengthen efforts to promote a safe and conducive learning environment. This entails the construction of 10-faucet, foot-pedal-operated hygiene facilities, distribution of hygiene supplies, provision of info-education materials, and conduct of hygiene education sessions.
“P&G’s flagship brand Safeguard is expanding the SafeWASH program to fund the construction of hygiene facilities in public elementary schools in Metro Manila and other key areas. Together, we will enable 285 public elementary schools to be WASH-ready, in time for the eventual reopening of face-to-face classes,” P&G Communications Director Anna Legarda-Locsin said in a video message. Through their flagship brand Safeguard, P&G collaborated with Manila Water Foundation for the SafeWASH program to construct over 30 hygiene facilities in high-traffic public spaces in health centers and then hospitals.
“As an organization with the core advocacy of WASH or water access, sanitation and hygiene, Manila Water Foundation is grateful to be the implementing partner of #SafeWASH in Schools project with Department of Education, Department of Health, Manila Water Company and P&G’s Safeguard Philippines. This is a clear demonstration of our collective effort and impact – working together to create the enabling environment and the right conditions for good hand hygiene habits in schools for our learners and teachers,” MWF Executive Director Reginald Andal said.
These interventions aim to ensure the safe return of students, teachers, and staff upon resumption of in-person classes. #SafeWASH in Schools aims to improve the WinS readiness of public schools by prioritizing zero-star rated schools under the category of group handwashing facilities in DepEd’s WinS Three Star Approach. To date, there are already 111 NCR and Rizal schools with new multi-faucet hand hygiene facilities, ensuring a healthy school community, WASH-ready and safe from germs and communicable diseases. #(MWC Corporate Communications)
