DUMAGUETE CITY — Metro Dumaguete Water has turned over a new 20-faucet handwashing facility to Candau-ay Elementary School under its Hugas Luwas program. The turnover marks the 10th handwashing station donated to the school, reinforcing efforts to prevent the spread of germs and illness among young learners.
A Milestone for School Health
The ceremony gathered key officials including DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Edmark Ian L. Cabio, school principal Dr. Brona M. Dolar, Barangay Candau-ay Chairperson Teodulo Salvoro, and MDW Commercial Head Carlo Fontelo. Their presence underscored the shared commitment to student welfare.
Cabio expressed gratitude for the facility, noting that many students would benefit from the opportunity to practice proper hand hygiene. He emphasized that every handwash represents a step toward a healthier school and a brighter future for the community.
Building Healthy Habits for Life
Fontelo explained that Hugas Luwas goes beyond providing infrastructure. The program aims to help children develop healthy habits they can carry into their homes and communities. Clean hands, he said, keep learners ready to study and play.
For the pupils of Candau-ay, the new facility offers a simple but powerful lesson. Washing with soap and water can prevent illness and keep them in school. The 20 faucets ensure that more children can wash their hands simultaneously, removing queues and encouraging regular practice.
A Decade of Investment in WaSH
As Hugas Luwas reaches its 10th school beneficiary, MDW has invested approximately half a million pesos in the program. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Department of Education to strengthen Water, Sanitation and Hygiene practices in schools.
The collaboration reflects a growing recognition that health and education are deeply interconnected. When children have access to clean water and proper sanitation, absenteeism drops and learning outcomes improve. The program addresses a fundamental need that supports academic success.
A Community-Wide Effort
Barangay officials and school staff worked together to make the facility possible. Their cooperation demonstrates how local stakeholders can pool resources to address shared challenges. The handwashing station now stands as a visible symbol of collective action.
Parents also benefit from the program, as children bring home the habits they learn at school. This ripple effect extends the impact beyond the campus, improving hygiene practices within households and neighborhoods. The investment in one school touches the broader community.
Looking Ahead
MDW remains committed to expanding the Hugas Luwas program to more schools across Negros Oriental. With each turnover, the company strengthens its partnership with DepEd and local government units. The goal is to ensure that every learner has access to proper sanitation facilities.
The 10th turnover at Candau-ay Elementary School marks both a milestone and a promise. As more schools benefit, the program builds a healthier, more resilient generation prepared to face the future with confidence and good hygiene.
