Every break time at Pampalona Elementary School Unit 1, students eagerly line up at the handwashing station — a simple habit that, according to their teachers, has helped keep more children healthy and present in class.
In celebration of Global Handwashing Day, Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and its partners reaffirm their commitment to turning this small act into a life-saving daily routine for schoolchildren across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
Since launching its hand hygiene campaign in 2009, the West Zone concessionaire has installed 661 handwashing stations in schools across 17 cities and municipalities, reaching more than 138,000 learners and 5,800 educators through its WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) trainings. These initiatives aim to prevent the spread of common diseases and promote better hygiene habits among young Filipinos.
“We believe that public schools are powerful venues to instill lifelong hygiene practices,” said Marie Antonette H. De Ocampo, Maynilad Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communication. “By empowering teachers and students to adopt good habits early on, we help strengthen the foundation of public health and wellness.”
Health, Habit, and Hope
Students themselves expressed their appreciation for the program and how it has made a difference in their daily routines.
“Maraming salamat po sa ganitong activity,” shared Grade 6 student Mathea Urice Gawaran. “Mahalaga po na laging maipaalala na importante ang paghuhugas ng kamay para hindi kumalat ‘yong germs habang nandito kami sa school, na baka madala pa sa pag-uwi namin.”
For Zyriel Erin Dela Cueva, another student, the benefits of proper handwashing extend beyond the classroom:
“Para rin sa pets din po, para hindi rin po sila mahawa at hindi rin tayo magkasakit dahil sa pagkalat ng microbes. It keeps our surroundings clean.”
Department of Education–Las Piñas Partnerships and Mobilization Officer Raygeinald Villacorta also lauded the initiative, saying:
“Isang pagpapatunay lamang ito na ang Maynilad ay hindi lamang nakatuon sa pagpapadaloy ng malinis na tubig sa ating mga tahanan. Sila rin ay patuloy na nagsusulong ng kalusugan sa ating mga pampublikong paaralan.”
Partners for Sustainable Change
Beyond the annual observance of Global Handwashing Day, Maynilad continues to work closely with schools and local DepEd divisions to strengthen the WASH in Schools (WinS) program.
This year, the company is set to turn over more handwashing stations and hygiene kits to schools and communities in Valenzuela, Navotas, and Quezon City, extending the reach of its hygiene advocacy even further.
“Our dedication to promoting proper hygiene extends beyond one day of celebration,” De Ocampo added. “Through long-term partnerships, hygiene education drives, and sustainable facility support, we help build healthier communities that can thrive for generations.”
Clean Hands, Healthy Future
Observed every October 15, Global Handwashing Day is a worldwide advocacy that emphasizes the importance of handwashing with soap as a simple yet effective way to prevent disease and save lives.
Studies show that handwashing can reduce diarrheal diseases by up to 30% and acute respiratory infections by 20%—proof that this small act has a big impact.
According to the Department of Education, around 53.8% of schools nationwide regularly conduct daily group handwashing activities—an encouraging sign of progress, but one that still calls for continued support to make handwashing a universal habit.
For Maynilad, every drop and every wash count toward a safer, healthier future — where communities are not just supplied with clean water, but also empowered to live cleaner, healthier lives.
