KILAPSAW Year 5: The Strength of Womanhood as WASH Warriors

“How ironic that our indigenous people protect our water sources, yet they have no access to clean water.” – Kuya Jepoy, Manila Water Foundation

In celebration of World Water Day and National Women's Month 2023, Manila Water Foundation and Museo El Deposito invited 15 female students from San Juan City Academic Senior High School, San Juan Science High School, and San Juan City Technical Vocational Livelihood Senior High School on a gender and development program that aimed to promote women water access, sanitation, and hygiene education and to inspire women to become protectors of water resources and sanitation. The seminar was held on the 22nd of March, 2023, at Museo El Deposito, Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine, San Juan City.

Ms. Edna Aguirre, customer and stakeholder Manager Mandaluyong-Makati-San Juan Service Area, started the program by delivering the message of the Manila Water Foundations' goal and how the foundation started, underscoring the importance of water safety and sanitation. She also shared her experiences when she first started with Manila Water Foundation. It was followed by a session from Mr. Jepoy that focused on the foundation's purpose to deliver clean and safe accessible water to the cities they handle. He also discussed the difference between Maynilad, Manila Water, and Manila Water Foundations and the areas they cover to provide clean water to local citizens and our indigenous people through interventions.

The seminar was conducted to educate participants about the importance of water safety and sanitation and to provide an overview of Manila Water's initiatives to improve water access and quality in the city. The seminar focused on the need for an improved water safety and sanitation system, Manila Water's efforts in providing better access to safe drinking water, and how to wash hands and brush teeth properly. Ms. Karen Ramos, the stakeholder manager, Ms. Vivian Pernito, the program officer, and Ms. Beng Filoteo, the accounting officer of Manila Water Foundation, discussed the significance of clean water and how it affects the health of local citizens. They also discussed Manila Water's initiatives to reduce water wastage and promote water conservation.

The seminar concluded with an open forum session in which representatives from Manila Water answered questions from the audience. The audience was encouraged to spread the word about clean water, water safety, and water conservation to their neighbors and communities. The seminar was part of Manila Water's ongoing efforts to improve water safety and sanitation in the city. Through the seminar, Manila Water was able to educate local citizens about the importance of safe drinking water and water conservation. The seminar was also an excellent opportunity for local organizations to share their knowledge and experiences in promoting water safety and sanitation in the city.

Ms. Edna Aguirre, customer and stakeholder Manager Mandaluyong-Makati-San Juan Service Area, delivering her opening message.

Mr. Jepoy, Manila Water Foundation. Session on the history of Manila Water Foundation.

Mr. Jepoy, session about the process of delivering clean and safe water to our homes.

Ms. Vivian Pernito, Program Officer Manila Water Foundation talks about how to properly wash your hands.

Participants from San Juan City Academic Senior High School, San Juan Science High School and San Juan City TVL Senior High School does the Washmates Pledge.