P&G Safeguard celebrates Global Handwashing Day with Taguig City Schools

Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, maker of trusted antibacterial soap Safeguard, celebrated Global Handwashing Day by inaugurating handwashing stations constructed in Taguig City schools. Observed annually, Global Handwashing Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing with soap as a simple, low-cost and effective way to prevent diseases and save lives.

P&G Safeguard completes handwashing stations made from eco-bricks for Taguig City schools. Present during the inauguration were (L-R) Charm Banzuelo, P&G Philippines Senior Communications Manager; King Martin Agoncillo, P&G Philippines Senior Communications Manager; Nelson Quintong, Taguig National High School Head; Dr. Alejandro Ibañez, Schools Division of Taguig City and Pateros Superintendent; Rowena Roa, Schools Division of Taguig and Pateros Public Schools District Supervisor; Rodil Marcelino, Taguig City Councilor; Reginald Andal, Manila Water Foundation Executive Director.

This initiative is part of P&G Safeguard’s “SafeWASH in Schools” program, developed in collaboration with the Manila Water Foundation. The program seeks to instill good hygiene practices among students and teachers, safeguarding them from germs and viruses while at school. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular handwashing with soap contributes to better health because having clean hands is a fundamental defense against spreading infections, illnesses, and harmful germs.

P&G Safeguard had previously donated handwashing stations to 285 schools across the National Capital Region and Rizal Province. The latest addition of handwashing stations is also made from eco-bricks or building materials created from recycled plastic waste.

P&G Safeguard’s handwashing station made from eco-bricks.

Dr. Alejandro Ibañez, School Division Superintendent of Taguig City and Pateros, expressed his gratitude for P&G and Safeguard’s dedication to enhancing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives in schools. “We would like to thank P&G and Safeguard for their continued support in providing schools access to handwashing stations and consistently promoting WASH. The provision of these handwashing stations will be effective in increasing awareness of the importance of handwashing with soap and clean water to prevent communicable diseases in schools,” said Dr. Ibañez.

Nichelle, a 15-year-old student from Taguig National High School, expressed excitement, “The new handwashing station from P&G and Safeguard is helpful for us. It reminds me and my classmates to wash our hands regularly, which helps keep our school a healthier place to learn and play together.”

Health experts advise that handwashing with soap can reduce cases of diarrhea and respiratory infections among schoolchildren.

Safeguard been promoting health and hygiene in the country for over three decades.  By supporting Global Handwashing Day, Safeguard and its partners aim to equip schools and the community with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from germs daily.

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This article is brought to you by  Procter and Gamble Philippines, Inc. through the Stratworks agency.