Manila Water Pangasinan Operating Units, Manila Water Foundation Deliver Emergency Water Assistance to Flood-Hit Municipalities

In response to the widespread flooding that prompted the declaration of a State of Calamity in Pangasinan, Manila Water Non-East Zone operating units Calasiao Water and North Luzon Water, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation (MWF), provided safe drinking water to evacuees in the municipalities of Calasiao, Malasiqui, and Sta. Barbara.

Through Manila Water Foundation’s AGAPAY: WASH in Emergencies program, a total of 350 units of five-gallon drinking water containers were distributed to evacuation centers and affected residents, helping ensure access to clean and potable water for families displaced by the severe weather conditions and flooding.

The relief effort benefited three (3) municipalities where Manila Water's Non-East Zone operating units serve local communities: 250 containers were delivered to Calasiao, while 50 containers each were delivered to Sta. Barbara and Malasiqui.

In addition to the potable water assistance, Calasiao Water deployed two one-cubic-meter static water tanks for use at an evacuation center in Calasiao, which was temporarily sheltering around 350 families or 1,750 individuals affected by the flooding. Local government officials expressed their appreciation for the prompt response.

“Thank you, kahit hindi pa kami nagrerequest, nandyan na agad kayo,” [Thank you for your immediate support. Even before we formally requested assistance, your team was already ready to help.] said Melvie Agustin, Municipal Administrator of Calasiao.

The initiative reflects Manila Water's continued commitment to supporting communities during times of crisis through reliable water access and collaborative disaster response efforts. By leveraging local partnerships and innovative logistics solutions, the Company and Manila Water Foundation were able to swiftly deliver essential aid when it was needed most, helping affected families cope with the impacts of the recent flooding.

As communities continue recovery efforts, Manila Water and its operating units remain ready to work alongside local government partners and stakeholders to help ensure that safe water remains accessible during emergencies and other challenging situations. 

Erceflora Strengthens Its Commitment to Gut Health Education This Batang Matatag Day 2026

Persistent gaps in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools continue to put Filipino children at risk of preventable infections. In the Philippines, diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of illness and hospitalization nationwide, with studies linking around 80% of diarrhea-related deaths to poor access to safe water and sanitation. This recent health concern shows how unsafe water and poor hygiene continue to expose children to avoidable infections. 

Enter Batang Matatag, Erceflora’s flagship advocacy, tackling child mortality from diarrhea by flipping the script—from treatment to prevention. The initiative champions gut health awareness, hygiene education, and improved sanitation, reaching over 200,000 children across different regions in the Philippines since its launch in 2022.

“Batang Matatag reflects our commitment to protecting children not just through treatment, but through prevention—empowering communities with the knowledge, habits, and support to build strong foundations for lifelong health and resilience. Real change begins with the small things families do every day, it starts at home, in schools, and in everyday choices,” said Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone Brand Lead. 

The Batang Matatag initiative by Erceflora has built WASH facilities and donated refrigerated drinking fountains to over 104 schools across BARMM, Luzon, and Rizal, helping drive measurable health gains and improving everyday environments where children learn and grow.  20% decline in diarrhea cases in partner Rizal schools and a 50% reduction in BARMM schools have been observed during School Year 2024–2025. 

Looking ahead, Erceflora aims to reach 150,000 students and healthcare providers in 2026 as the program expands across Rizal and Metro Manila, strengthening its mission to build more resilient children through better gut health and hygiene practices.

“Being Batang Matatag starts with taking care of one’s body, but this mission goes far beyond any single product or organization. We call on parents, educators, and partners to work with us—because building stronger, healthier children is a shared responsibility we cannot achieve alone,” Opella Healthcare Philippines Country Head, Emma Valette emphasized.

Batang Matatag Day 2026: Growing the Mission, Strengthening More Young Lives

Manila Water Foundation Boosts Community Health and Sustainability with Continued RDF Turnovers Across Metro Manila and Rizal

Manila Water Foundation, the social development arm of East Zone concessionaire Manila Water Company, in partnership with its Service Area teams, recently conducted a series of handover ceremonies to distribute Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) across select cities in Metro Manila and municipalities in Rizal.

This initiative aims to promote hydration for better health, support solid waste management, and encourage the use of reusable water tumblers to reduce plastic bottle pollution.

The handover events took place at Taguig Integrated School in Taguig City, San Isidro Labrador Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal, and both the Philippine Science High School and University of the Philippines Integrated School in Quezon City.

A total of over 60 Refrigerated Drinking Fountains will be installed in 60 schools and public spaces, reinforcing the importance of hydration and the role of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs in advancing health and nutrition outcomes.

To further promote sustainable practices, drinking kits were distributed to select learners during the ceremonies, along with hygiene info-education posters on the 7 Steps to Proper Toothbrushing and the 7 Steps to Proper Handwashing. These kits encourage the use of personal water tumblers, aiming to reduce PET bottle usage, contribute to cleaner waterways, and improve solid waste management. 

Key officials attended the ceremonies, including Rodriguez Rizal Municipal Vice Mayor Edgardo Sison and MWSS Regulatory Office Chief Regulator Atty. Patrick Ty, who underscored the importance of regulatory and service-area support for WASH initiatives.

Noel Balubal, Chief of the Schools Governance and Operations Department of DepEd Taguig-Pateros, expressed gratitude for the program, noting that Manila Water Foundation’s WASH efforts help expand DepEd’s initiatives in health and nutrition.

Through the Erceflora’s Batang Matatag campaign, boxes of Erceflora probiotics were also handed over to school leaders in Marikina City and Municipalities of San Mateo and Montalban as a support to manage diarrheal, gastrointestinal disorder on campus and to promote overall gut health.

The Lingap RDF Program is expected to benefit over 500,000 learners, teachers, and staff across Metro Manila and Rizal Province, providing reliable access to safe drinking water.

These turnover events also form part of Manila Water Foundation’s celebration of Manila Water’s 28th anniversary, showcasing its enduring commitment to WASH for all communities.