Manila Water Foundation, the social development arm of Manila Water Company, continues to champion water access, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

"While we deliver WASH programs that serve families and communities, in Quezon City in recent years, Manila Water Foundation (MWF) has led the construction and installation of over 300 multi-faucet hand hygiene facilities in schools and public institutions," Manila Water Foundation executive director Rej Andal said during the opening of a World Water Day exhibit at Quezon City Hall on 18 March.

Of the number, 71 such facilities are in Quezon City.

According to Andal, MWF's WASH interventions program has recently completed Project Drink 72, which provides refrigerated drinking fountains to Quezon City schools. Seventy-two such fountains have been installed in Quezon City.

To date, more than P5 million worth of hygiene products have been given to schools, hospitals and institutions under the project.

Through WASH and Project Drink 71, Manila Water hopes to contribute in achieving good health and well-being of the students, as well as develop a conducive learning environment with sufficient access to clean and potable water, safely-managed sanitation facilities and hygiene supplies.

Meanwhile, MWF president JV Emmanuel de Dios cited Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, calling her a "Water Champion" for her leadership in ensuring WASH.

De Dios also said Belmonte is honored for spearheading programs for climate action and environmental protection that bring a wider understanding, appreciation and push towards a truly circular economy.

The citation was given to Belmonte during the World Water Day Exhibit at the lobby of Quezon City Hall last 18 March.

The exhibit showcasing water regulation and water security initiatives of water firms in the midst of El Niño phenomenon drew various stakeholders who committed to take an active role in the protection and conservation of the environment.

Leading the event with the theme: Water for Peace, Pagkakaisa Tungo sa Seguridad Pantubig were the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Water Resources Board.

"This World Water Day exhibit showcases water security programs of the featured partners and we hope that this begins more partnerships and synergies that Manila Water Foundation is very pleased to facilitate," Andal said.

"As you walk through the World Water Day panels and partner booths, let us all be inspired by these environment and water security programs as institutions and organization work very hard to ensure there is water for all, water for peace," he added.

NWRB executive director Atty. Ricky Arzadon said the Philippine Water Week and the World Water Day celebrations in the country, marked an occasion that renews "our commitment to protect and conserve our water resources."

"Our overarching goal in the water sector is to realize water security for all, ensuring that no individual or community is left behind in accessing this fundamental resource. To uphold our official capacity relentlessly despite the complexities along the way. Advocating for clean water initiatives to leading community-based conservation efforts, for a healthier planet," Arzadon said.