MANILA, Philippines – To continuously improve the lives of every Filipino, leading consumer goods company Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines and Safeguard recently completed this year’s run of its health and hygiene program P&G Linis Lusog by inaugurating 20 handwashing facilities in Antipolo City in celebration of Global Handwashing Day.
In partnership with the Manila Water Foundation (MWF), P&G and Safeguard has been able to provide handwashing stations at public schools in the cities of Taguig, Antipolo, Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga.
“As we celebrate Global Handwashing Day, P&G Philippines and Safeguard instill the importance of proper health and oral hygiene to children through our Linis Lusog program, where we promote regular handwashing to prevent the spread of germs, viruses and other communicable illnesses,” says P&G Philippines General Manager Rafael Fajardo.
Linis Lusog, P&G Philippines’ flagship program for Health, Hygiene and Home, has helped 50 schools since its launch in 2015 and is committed to reach more educational institutions and communities in the country.
Since the formation of P&G and MWF’s partnership in 2019, they have built handwashing facilities in 32 public schools nationwide and has helped over 50,000 students, faculty and staff by demonstrating proper handwashing and toothbrushing steps. In addition, hygiene kits with soaps, hand towels, and toothbrushes were distributed to help students practice good hygiene habits at home.
Students of the Cantumog Elementary School in Cebu City raise their hands as they practice proper handwashing techniques as P&G and MWF inaugurated handwashing stations at 3 different schools in Visayas.
Raising awareness for healthy hygiene habits
Learning how to properly wash one’s hands is a fundamental skill a child must learn. Practicing this habit of frequent handwashing throughout their daily activities such as playtime, before and after meals, and after using the toilet is valuable to promote good health and favorable personal development.
Through the handwashing facilities built by MWF under the P&G Linis Lusog program, children are now even more encouraged to practice handwashing as an effective way to foster proper hygiene habits and ultimately live healthier lives.
Apart from the hygiene kits, students who joined the program were given easy-to-understand handouts written in their local dialects for them to remember the basic steps for proper handwashing and oral care better. They were also taught chants so that they can recall these tips and put them to use in their daily activities.
Global Handwashing Day
P&G and MWF inaugurate 3 handwashing facilities in Davao. Left to Right: Fhatima B. Mohammad (Facility Manager, Estate Water), Reginald M. Andal (Executive Director, MWF), Councilor Pilar C. Braga (City Councilor, 1st District of Davao City), Mel Joy Barral (Principal, Maa Central Elementary School), Charm Banzuelo (Corporate Communications Manager, P&G Philippines), Representatives from DepEd
Every year, P&G celebrates Global Handwashing Day to promote the culture of proper hygiene through the practice of handwashing in order to prevent the spread of illnesses such as diarrhea, colds, flu and other infections.
Global Handwashing Day is celebrated every October 15 by more than 200 million people in 100 countries. Each year, it aims to promote a global culture of clean hands through proper handwashing.
This year’s theme – “Clean Hands For All” – is a call to action for people from all walks of life to practice proper handwashing techniques and have access to basic hand washing facilities with soap and water.
“Handwashing is just one of the many ways that we can promote and maintain proper health and hygiene habits in our lives. As we continue to educate children about proper handwashing, P&G strengthens its thrust to uplift the quality of life for Filipinos by encouraging them to foster healthier habits in school and at home,” adds Fajardo.
