THREE AYALA-led companies and their respective foundations launched a program that promotes hygiene and proper hand washing amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
On Oct. 12, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Foundation, Manila Water Foundation, and Ayala Foundation unveiled “Brigada ng Ayala” program at Ramon Magsaysay High School in Manila.
During the launch of the program, 10 faucet hand-washing facilities and 200 Ayala EduCare packs were turned over to the school’s staff and teachers.
According to Manila Water, the hand-washing facility has a contactless design that lets users turn on the faucet with the use of a foot pedal.
The 10 faucets are also placed one-meter apart to allow users to observe physical distancing, while signs were also placed on the facility to make sure that proper hand-washing steps are observed.
Meanwhile, the Ayala EduCare packs are hygiene kits that contain school supplies, face masks, a face shield, alcohol, and bar soaps.
The packs also contain posters that educate about measures against COVID-19 and a Manila Water Foundation children’s storybook that teaches about water access, sanitation, and hygiene.
“If we all work together – together with the communities, learners and teachers, we achieve much more. This is not just within the Ayala Group, we also welcome other partners who may be able to help,” Ayala Foundation Senior Director for Corporate Communications Cel Amores said.
The newly launched program focuses on areas dubbed “Kalusugan and Kaligtasan” led by Manila Water Foundation and “Edukalidad” by Globe Telecom.
Donations under Manila Water Foundation’s program focuses on health sanitation and disinfection, multivitamins and food supplements, and personal protective equipment, among others.
On the other hand, Globe Telecom’s “Edukalidad” donations include teaching materials, e-learning kits, and training.
BPI Foundation, which sponsored the hand-washing facility, is targeting to contribute to minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
“We wanted to increase awareness and show the importance of hand hygiene because during these trying times, it saves lives,” BPI Foundation Program Manager Kristine Gonzales said.
Manila Water Foundation is the lead implementer of the “Brigada ng Ayala” program’s health and safety pillar that aims to assist schools and communications against the threats of communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave
