San Juan City is the fifth city in Metro Manila to get new handwashing facilities under the Safe Philippines campaign and WASH in Pandemic program of P&G, Safeguard Philippines, and Manila Water Foundation, respectively. The partnership turned over two new handwashing facilities to the City Government on December 18 located at two high foot-traffic areas –at Agora Public Market and Barangay Balong Bato Health Center.
The WASH in Pandemic Program builds 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, including in essential public spaces.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mayor Francis Zamora and Atty. Belle Zamora of San Juan City, and representatives from Department of Health, Manila Water Foundation, and Manila Water Company.
Mayor Zamora is thankful to the organizations for the donated facilities as they can help support the city’s fight against the pandemic. Sending his message to the representatives of MWF, Manila Water, P&G and Safeguard Philippines, he said, "Ako po’y naniniwala na malaking tulong ito upang maipababa natin ang bilang ng active cases ng COVID-19 dito po sa aming lungsod…kaya po mula sa aking puso, maraming maraming salamat po. [I believe that this will help lower the number of active cases of COVID-19 in our city…so from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much."
WASH in Pandemic
The WASH in Pandemic Program of MWF builds handwashing facilities that feature a “hybrid” design. This means that the users may turn on the faucets in two ways: via a lever that can be turned by a hand or an elbow, or by using a foot pedal. There is a one-meter distance between faucets to observe physical distancing and even children and persons with disabilities (PWDs) may be able to access the facility through a lowered sink.
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.
facilities turned over to the city by Manila Water Foundation, P&G, and Safeguard Philippines
The project is supported by the Department of Health (DOH), City Government of San Juan, and Manila Water through its Makati-Mandaluyong Business Area.