Manila Water Foundation (MWF), together with Manila Water Company’s East Zone and Non-East Zone operating units, activated its Agapay: WASH in Emergencies program to address the urgent water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs of communities affected by flooding brought about by the southwest monsoon or habagat.
In response to severe flooding in Central Luzon caused by continuous monsoon rains, Manila Water Foundation, in partnership with Clark Water and the Municipal Government of San Simon, distributed 600 units of 5-gallon potable drinking water and 200 hygiene kits to evacuees across the municipality.
Each hygiene kit contained essential personal care items, including feminine pads, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, Cleene CLIO toothbrushes, and other hygiene products donated by PHILUSA Corporation. The kits were provided to help evacuees maintain proper hygiene and sanitation while temporarily displaced from their homes.
The flooding significantly affected the Municipality of San Simon, with more than 21,000 families impacted across the town. Among the hardest-hit areas were Barangays San Agustin, San Isidro, San Miguel, Santa Monica, and Sto. Niño, whose residents sought refuge in evacuation centers. Around 500 evacuees from these barangays received hygiene and hydration support through the initiative.
‘We recognize that access to clean water and proper sanitation becomes even more critical during emergencies,’ said Reginald Andal, Executive Director of Manila Water Foundation.
‘Through our Agapay: WASH in Emergencies program, we continue to work closely with our local government and operating unit partners to help protect the health and dignity of affected families. We remain committed to ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to safe water and essential hygiene supplies as they recover from the impacts of disasters. We are also grateful to our partners in local government and the private sector who enable us to respond quickly to the needs of vulnerable families.’
Representatives from the Municipal Government of San Simon expressed their gratitude to Manila Water Foundation and Clark Water for the timely assistance, emphasizing the importance of providing potable water and hygiene products to evacuees. The availability of safe drinking water in evacuation centers helped bring comfort and assurance to affected families during a challenging time.
In the East Zone, MWF, together with the Manila Water Quezon City, Taguig-Pateros, and Rizal Service Areas, provided hydration support for families affected by flooding.A total of 450 units of 5-gallon potable drinking water were handed over to evacuation centers, impacting more than 2,088 evacuees. The LGUs managing the evacuation centers expressed support to Manila Water and MWF, as safe drinking water supports the health and well-being of children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable community members.
As residents continue to recover, Manila Water Foundation will provide 1,750 gallons of potable drinking water for Barangay San Jose in Rodriguez, Rizal, impacting more than 2,466 individuals.
Manila Water Foundation underscores the vital role of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in disease prevention and safeguarding public health through Agapay: WASH in Emergencies.