Manila Water Foundation, brings importance of Earth Day to kids

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Manila Water Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manila Water group for areas within Metro Manila and beyond, engaged youngsters in a day full of exciting activities that expressed the value of taking care of Mother Earth.

“The Foundation’s Earth Day celebration reflects how we would like to implant the importance of being mindful of the environment’s condition and the efforts needed to be taken to improve it at grassroots level,” said Carla Beriña-Kim, Executive Director of Manila Water Foundation. “Educating the youth during their developmental years would promote the formation of consciousness and habits that will shape an active public geared at forging a sustainable future,” she adds.

Almost a hundred children aged six and above participated in a story telling teaching the role of water cycle in the environment and in the Amazing Kiddie Race which included stations that stressed the importance of using water wisely such as the Water Relay Station. 

Christine Casabar, parent of one of the participants shares the Foundation’s vision of inculcating the value of protecting the environment in an early age. 

“This stage is very crucial because it is the time that the learnings are readily accepted and embraced,” said Casabar.

According to Roy Gonzaga, parent of one of the participants, his daughter Rayne shared how she gained environmental awareness and enjoyed her first step to taking care of Mother Earth through the seedling planting activity. “As parents, we play a critical role of developing the awareness and responsibility of the future generation towards the environment,” said Gonzaga. “After all, they will be the ones who will inherit our planet and reap or sow depending on our present actions”.

The full day event ended with splashes and laughter as kids jumped and swam in the pool the rest of the afternoon. 

This Earth Day celebration was done in cooperation with Manila Water Company, Museo Pambata, Philippine Book Fairs and Education Inc., and Metropolitan Water Works and Sewerage System.

Manila Water Foundation upholds importance of proper handwashing

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Manila Water Foundation, the additional corporate social responsibility arm of East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Company for areas outside Metro Manila, visited different parts of the archipelago spreading the value of handwashing as part of proper hygiene and healthcare. The Foundation joined over 100 countries, involving more than 200 million people across five continents in celebrating the 2013 Global Handwashing Day.

Carla Beriña-Kim, Executive Director of Manila Water Foundation, imparts that handwashing serves as an easy and cost-effective measure in preventing different infections and diseases. “This simple task 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 Beriña-Kim.

On its first year to lead a series of events for the Global Handwashing Day in the Philippines, Manila Water Foundation staged a week-long celebration that saw more than 7,000 people participating in its activities. Students, teachers, and school personnel from different schools in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Laguna, and Boracay Island were visited by the Foundation, informing them on the proper way of washing one’s hands and how responsibly transforming this into a habit may reduce vulnerability to different health risks and infections. 

Partakers were encouraged to stamp their handprints on the pledge wall to signify their commitment to practice proper handwashing and to encourage their family and friends to do the same. In a move to further its advocacy, Manila Water Foundation extended its efforts by setting up booths that deliver information on the benefits of handwashing in Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, Pavillion Mall in Biñan, Laguna, Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Marquee Mall in Angeles, Pampanga. Participants showed their support to the cause by contributing in the pledge sticker wall. As its culminating event, the Foundation conducted an information and education drive at the Boracay Beach Front Station One and enjoined tourists and locals alike to practice proper handwashing.

The successful celebration was co-presented by Manila Water, Laguna Water, Clark Water, Boracay Water, and supported by the Department of Education, Globe Telecom, Ayala Malls, Unilever (Vaseline as official soap sponsor), Universal Robina Corporation (Granny Goose Tortillos, Mang Juan, Hunt’s and Refresh), Unilab (RiteMed and Ceelin Plus) and Enchanted Kingdom, as well as media partners, The Philippine Star, Business World, Health Today and Working Mom.