Now, more Mandaluyong City residents can be safer from COVID-19 with two new handwashing facilities donated and turned over by Manila Water Foundation (MWF) and P&G and Safeguard Philippines in two health centers in the City on December 16.
IN PHOTO: (L-R) Arlene Bernardo, Councilor Michael Gonzales-Cuejilo, Chairman Bernard Maglaque, Councilor Benjie Abalos, Dr. Roy Julian and Reginald Andal
Built under the WASH in Pandemic program of MWF and the Safe Philippines campaign of P&G, the hygiene facilities were installed at the People’s Health Center and Lying-in Clinic and Block 38-A Health Center to deliver immediate water access and hygiene intervention in the “new normal” to help protect more Filipinos from viruses such as the coronavirus.
Manila Water Foundation with its partners have been building handwashing facilities in various locations in the country to reinforce hand hygiene practices that help protect against the spread of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. This is aligned with Safeguard’s Safe Philippines campaign, which aims to encourage Filipinos to adopt proper hand hygiene habits especially during the pandemic.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Councilors Benjamin “Benjie” Abalos & Michael Eric “Botong” Gonzales – Cuejilo of Mandaluyong City, Executive Director Reginald Andal of MWF, and representatives from Manila Water Foundation and Manila Water – Makati-Mandaluyong Business Area.
Councilor Abalos, who also leads the Committee of Environment and Health in the City, shared in Filipino, "We are grateful for this handwashing facility. One of the basic practices is proper handwashing. And this facility provided for Barangay Hulo and Barangay Addition Hills, not only helps adults and children, but also the PWDs.”
Dr. Roy Julian, Physician-in-Charge at the People’s Health Center also expressed support for the project. ”This is an excellent project, especially in this time of the pandemic when we have to maintain our health through proper hygiene,” he said in Filipino.
During the inauguration ceremony, MWF and P&G and Safeguard also turned over 200 pieces of hygiene kits.
IN PHOTO: (L-R) Councilor Benjie Abalos, Councilor Michael Gonzales and Chairman Bernard Maglaque
WASH in Pandemic
Upholding health and safety above all, the handwashing facilities under the WASH in Pandemic program utilizes a “hybrid” design. This means that the users may turn on the faucets in two ways: via a lever that can be used by a hand or an elbow, or by using a foot pedal. There is a one-meter distance between faucets, to observe physical distancing. To make it more accessible for everyone, there is a lowered sink which can be easily used by children and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Each facility is built with three faucets with soap containers and installed with signages about COVID-19 precautionary measures, proper handwashing, and the responsible use of water.
This project aims to support the City's fight against the disease by promoting handwashing as the first line of defense against the spread of viruses.
The WASH in Pandemic Program of Manila Water Foundation builds handwashing facilities that sport a hybrid design. A facility has three faucets that can be turned on via foot pedal or elbow lever, has soap containers and displays signages on COVID-19 precautionary measures, proper handwashing, and the responsible use of water.