Manila Water Foundation marks over a decade of leading events to celebrate Global Handwashing Day (GHD) by being a co-presenter of the City Government of Pasig recently celebrated its 450th anniversary.

Observed annually every October 15th, Global Handwashing Day is a global advocacy day with a primary focus on promoting the simple, efficient, and cost-effective practice of handwashing for health and well-being to prevent diseases and save lives. The 2023 GHD theme is "Clean Hands Are Within Reach."

“By demonstrating strong leadership and putting together our collective efforts, we can bridge the gaps in access and adherence to achieve clean hands for all communities. It is the responsibility of everyone to ensure that clean hands are within reach,” MWF Executive Director Reginald Andal shared on replicating the importance of hand washing.

Clean Hands in GHD Fair 2023

Manila Water Foundation and the Pasig City Health Department led two events to celebrate the theme of Global Handwashing Day. Kicking off the week is the Apir Tayo Pasigueño GHD Fair 2023 on October 9 at the Pasig City Hall Quadrangle and Public Park. The GHD Fair brings together all product and innovation partners as well as small business enterprises in the promotion of hand hygiene for health.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, along with Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski and City Councilors, took part in a ceremonial handwashing, signed the Global Handwashing Day pledge board, and visited the GHD Fair booths featuring product and innovation partners championing proper hand washing.

“Maraming salamat po, on behalf of the Local Government of Pasig City na kami po ay napili nyong maging partner sa pag-celebrate nitong araw na ito. Tama po no, to prevent yung pagkalat ng mga kung ano anong sakit lalo na ngayon, marami pong may mga sipon, ubo, hindi po natin nabibigyan ng tamang pansin yung paghuhugas ng kamay so it is a very important reminder lalo na sa ating mga anak na maghugas ng kamay every so often para hindi kumalat ang sakit,” says Pasig City Vice Mayor Robert Jaworski.

Looking at the bigger picture of health and well-being in the country, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto emphasized the importance of reinforcing expanded and accessible healthcare services for all.

“Ang mahalaga, pinalalakas natin yung service delivery network natin, tinataasan natin yung kapasidad sa PCCH, expanded din ang serbisyo, tuloy tuloy lang po yan. Isang importante din ay yung pagpapataas ng kalidad ng preventive o primary health care para hindi ka na makakarating sa dulo.” shared Mayor Sotto.

Pasigueños were treated with gift bags with hygiene products from GHD Fair partners: PHILUSA Corporation, Kalinisan Chemicals Corporation, P&G and Unilever. Manila Water Pasig City Service Area set up a booth for water and wastewater service inquiries.

To cap the week, 550 Grade 2 students will have a Global Handwashing Day Learning Session at the Pasig Elementary School on October 13 and the Manila Water Foundation Handwashing Song will be broadcasted in 28 Pasig City school campuses.