A wave of goodwill washed over Laguna as Manila Water Non-East Zone operating unit Laguna Water handed over significant water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) contributions to the community.
Through “Lingap Laguna”, a WASH project in partnership with the Provincial Government of Laguna and Manila Water Company’s social development arm Manila Water Foundation, Laguna Water officially handed over five (5) newly constructed handwashing facilities and ten (10) refrigerated drinking fountains to various beneficiaries across the province. The handover ceremony was held at Laguna Water’s Main Office in Nuvali, Santa Rosa City, as part of the Company’s 15th anniversary celebration.
The provision of these essential facilities underscores Laguna Water and its partners’ dedication to promoting hygiene and well-being within the communities it serves. The facilities will directly benefit students and community members in several public schools and institutions. Among the recipients of the handwashing facilities are Pagsanjan Senior High School, Laguna University and Laguna Sports Complex in Santa Cruz, and Jose Zavalla Memorial Elementary School in Santa Rosa City.
Meanwhile, the refrigerated drinking fountains were handed over to: Pagsanjan Integrated National High School and Unson Integrated National High School both in the Municipality of Pagsanjan; Casinsin Elementary School and Kabulusan Integrated National in Pakil; San Francisco Elementary School, Dela Paz Main Elementary School, Malaban East Elementary School and Sto. Tomas Elementary School in Biñan; Gov. F.T. San Luis Integrated High School in Sta. Cruz; and Southville 4 National High School in Santa Rosa City.
These institutions were selected through close coordination with the Provincial Government of Laguna and local government units, including the offices of Biñan City Human Settlements and Livelihood, and Pagsanjan Municipal Engineering. Based on their recommendations, Manila Water Foundation and Laguna Water conducted both technical and social assessments to ensure the facilities met the recipients’ needs.
“Lingap Laguna is more than just infrastructure; it is about fostering a healthier future by making clean water readily accessible for both drinking and essential hygiene practices,” said Laguna Water General Manager Constantine Uy during the handover event.
Representatives from the beneficiary institutions expressed their gratitude for the timely and much-needed support. Among them was Pagsanjan Senior High School Teacher-in-Charge May Cabantog who shared that only a makeshift handwashing facility is available in their school which the teachers donated and constructed themselves. “Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa donasyon na ito na magagamit ng higit sa 400 na mag-aaral pati na rin ng teaching and non-teaching staff,” she shared. The facility was constructed near the school’s automotive workshop and school’s entrance which makes it accessible to all learners.
A second batch of donations is expected later this year, comprising another five handwashing facilities and five refrigerated drinking fountains. Additionally, Laguna Water plans to conduct a series of learning sessions among the schools to raise awareness about the importance of clean water and proper sanitation.
