Manila Water Foundation donates P5 million to Habitat for Humanity for relocated families in Laguna

Manila Water Foundation, the additional corporate social responsibility arm of East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Company for areas outside Metro Manila, gives P5 million to relocated families in Southville Site 2, Calaun, Laguna through the Habitat for Humanity Philippines.

According to Ferdinand M. Dela Cruz, President of Manila Water Foundation, the donation is dedicated for the implementation of the water system project designed for 1,100 housing units. 

“This support reflects the Foundation’s vision to improve the lives and contribute to the holistic development of marginalized communities by becoming a vehicle of delivering one of their basic needs, water,” says Dela Cruz.

Photo shows (from left to right): JP Orbeta, Group Head, Ayala Corporation; Charlito Ayco; Yvonne Lih, CFO, Habitat; Luli Heras-De Leon, President, Ayala Foundation; Carla May Beriña-Kim, Executive Director, Manila Water Foundation; Gerardo Ablaza, Jr.; Ferdinand M. Dela Cruz, President, Manila Water Foundation; Ruel T. Maranan, Trustee, Manila Water Foundation

The undertaking by Manila Water Foundation, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines, is part of an agreement entered into by the Ayala group in 2010 which aims to provide a decent life to Base of the Pyramid (BOP) communities by providing their primary necessities such as shelter, community association, water supply and sanitation. With this, Manila Water Foundation allotted P6 million to support the construction of a facility that will deliver safe, clean, and affordable water to the homes of Southville Site 2 residents. The beneficiaries of the said project were relocated from Pasig City after typhoon Ondoy left them homeless. To serve the residents’ immediate need for water, the Foundation initially refurbished a deep well pump, installed a control panel, and set up two temporary static tanks which are refilled with potable water every week. The amount incurred for this undertaking was deducted from the original amount pledged.

Manila Water Foundation has also provided a technical design of a water system that may be implemented to the area to ensure the effective and efficient transmission and distribution of water.