STA. BARBARA, Iloilo – Metro Iloilo Bulk Water (MIB) turned over its sustainable rainwater harvester to the Western Visayas Sanitarium Integrated School (WVSIS) in Brgy. Bolong Oeste, here on Sept. 24.
The Western Visayas Sanitarium Integrated School received the rainwater harvester consisting water equivalent to 600 liters. The facility is seen serving the school’s 468 pupils and 21 faculty and staff.
The turn-over rite and hand-washing activity was graced by Sta. Barbara Mayor Rema Somo, MIB chief operating officer Engr. Rolixto Jodieres Jr. and Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) representatives Lizandro Naponi and Ma. Caressa Pabilona.
Also present at the ceremony was Kagawad of Inangayan Lilibeth Sugon, Parent-Teacher Association president Elizabeth Claudio, Officer in Charge – District Supervisor Dr. Melanie Villialon and Principal of WVSIS Dr. Lilibeth Gregorio
“Happy Birthday” song is an important tool. Handwashing should continue for at least 20 seconds, which happens to be the amount of time it takes to hum the song, said Sta. Barbara Mayor Rema Somo.
“This project will have great impact towards education since schools instill children the proper handwashing
method,” said MIB chief operating officer Engr. Rolixto Jodieres Jr.
“Giving importance to handwashing helps prevent illness. Lastly, it will impact the environment, conserving water minimize the effect of drought and water shortage,” added Jodieres.
According to the MIB top official, the project is also an opportunity to develop communal network that creates positive implication and builds unique culture, as well as to clarify confusions between MIB, National Waterworks and Sewerage System and Metro Iloilo Water District.
MIB is a joint venture corporation of Metro Pacific Water and the Metro Iloilo Water District.
MIB supplies bulk water to MIWD, the water utility that provides Ilonggos of their basic need. As a contributor to the economic growth, MIB is committed to working hand in hand with Iloilo local government units to deliver better services.
In partnership with MIWD, the Rainwater Harvester is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project of MIB led by MIB Human Resources manager Sheena Marie Relano-Antonio and Facilities and Plant Maintenance manager Engr. Ariel Jampayas Huyong.
“The Metro Iloilo Bulk Water provides all free materials, labor and installations of rainwater facility in public elementary school within the franchise area of MIWD including the repairs and regular maintenance for the sustainability of this CSR project,” said Engr. Huyong.
The project is a direct response to Department of Education (DepEd) Department Order number 10 series of 2016 or the Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools Program.
With the initiative, MIB hopes to develop good partnership with local institutions and build good rapport with the public sector. The corporation can help all public elementary schools in the city and province of Iloilo to comply with the WinS Program of DepEd.
MIB says: “Protecting ourselves and the planet starts with you!”/PN
