Manila Water-Pasig Service Area Supports Department of Education’s OPLAN Balik Eskwela
Pasig City, Philippines – In a demonstration of its commitment to the education sector, Manila Water-Pasig Service Area has provided cleaning materials to Pasig Elementary School as part of the water company’s support for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) OPLAN Balik Eskwela. This initiative aims to ensure that schools are clean and prepared for the opening of classes.
During the recently held OPLAN Balik Eskwela Command Conference at DepEd’s Central Office in Pasig City, Manila Water renewed its partnership with DepEd, other government agencies, and private utility companies. The conference allowed Manila Water, through the Metropolitan Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), to reaffirm its support and present its commitments to the smooth and orderly opening of classes this year.
As part of its priority to provide public schools and hospitals in the East Zone and Rizal Province with an uninterrupted 24/7 potable water supply, Manila Water has deployed water tankers and static tanks to schools in case of maintenance activities and emergency leak repairs. Moreover, the company has designated public schools as sampling points for regular water quality testing to ensure compliance with the Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.
To enhance safety, Manila Water has properly barricaded project sites located at or near schools to ensure the well-being of students. The company has also collaborated with DepEd-National Capital Region and the Quezon City local government unit to launch Project Drink 72, which aims to provide refrigerated drinking fountains to 72 Quezon City public schools.
Since 2004, Manila Water and the Manila Water Foundation have been working with various organizations to install handwashing facilities in schools in the East Zone and beyond. The SafeWASH in Schools Program, a partnership between Manila Water, Safeguard Philippines, and DepEd, has inaugurated 274 sets of ten-faucet hygiene facilities in schools in Metro Manila. The program includes informational materials and hygiene education sessions.
In 2023 alone, the Manila Water Foundation’s WASH project has contributed five faucet hygiene facilities in two schools, five units of WASHup Portable handwashing stations, and refrigerated drinking fountains in twelve schools.
Manila Water has been consistent in its support for DepEd’s initiatives to educate the youth on the value of water and the importance of wastewater services. Through its Lakbayan program, the company offers guided tours to students, showcasing the journey of water from Angat Dam to distribution networks and wastewater treatment plants. This program aims to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the water system’s processes.
Additionally, Manila Water conducts experiential workshops called the SALIN-Lakbayan para sa Guro Program to educate educators on the water trail processes and the significance of protecting the watershed. This knowledge is then cascaded to their students.
To promote responsible water usage online, Manila Water utilizes social media channels to share tips, through its #WaterWais campaign, on wise and responsible water consumption. This advocacy is especially important as the country faces the challenges brought by the El Niño phenomenon.
Manila Water’s continuous support for DepEd’s efforts to provide quality education and ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for students reflects its strong commitment to the community. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the water company remains dedicated to improving the lives of Filipinos through access to clean and safe water.
