Marikina City Mayor Marjorie Teodoro stressed the vital role of handwashing in preventing the spread of diseases, a timely reminder amid rising cases of influenza-like illnesses across the country.

Speaking at a handwashing activity at Marikina Elementary School to celebrate Global Handwashing Day, Teodoro framed good hygiene as a critical part of self-care for children.

“To take care of ourselves, we need to be clean in our bodies so that we can avoid diseases, especially now, you know, this is the season for different illnesses and diseases,” Teodoro said.

She noted that while Marikina has not experienced any outbreaks, the city is focused on prevention.

“We want to prevent the spread of common diseases during [the] ‘Ber months’ (September to December). That is why in the past two days of our health break, the city and the schools really disinfected all the schools here in Marikina,” the mayor added.

The mayor thanked partners Safeguard, Manila Water and the Philippine Red Cross for promoting hygiene awareness and educating students.