CREATING SHARED VALUES
Manila Water Foundation: Forming Synergies with Depth and Breadth
Manila Water Foundation, the social development arm of Manila Water, continued to make waves, created synergies and partnerships for water access, sanitation and hygiene or WASH.
In 2024, it assumed stewardship of the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City, marking a significant milestone. This new responsibility places the Foundation within the La Mesa Watershed Reservation Multi-sectoral Management Council-Technical Working Group, alongside key stakeholders such as the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Maynilad, and the Quezon City Government.
The 33-hectare La Mesa Ecopark, often regarded as one of Metro Manila’s last remaining green spaces, is poised to become a focal point for inspiring climate action and raising awareness about "BiodiverCity"—the importance of biodiversity within urban environments.
Leveraging its extensive experience, the Manila Water Foundation, in collaboration with Manila Water Business Units and valued partners, has already reached over 10 million Filipinos through its various programs. As it celebrates 20 years in 2025, Manila Water Foundation faces the ongoing challenge to reach more communities and implement programs with breadth and depth.
INTEGRATED WASH
Manila Water Foundation empowers rural communities in their journey towards improved water access, sanitation, and hygiene or WASH, with support from valued partners. In 2024, Manila Water Foundation’s Integrated WASH program made significant strides in Bulacan, Oriental Mindoro, Palawan and Pampanga.
Empowering Communities, Drop by Drop: The Roots to Shoots-Family Care Center Project
In a powerful synergy of purpose, the Manila Water Foundation joined forces with Pilipinas Shell Foundation and Clark Development Corporation to launch the Roots to Shoots-Family Care Center Project in Mabalacat, Pampanga. This collaborative endeavor was born from a shared vision: to uplift Aeta households by securing reliable access to clean water, thereby safeguarding their health and well-being.
A crucial step towards this goal was the establishment of a deep well facility. To further bolster the community’s water resources, static water tanks were installed in August 2024, with the generous support of Clark Water.
Recognizing the intrinsic link between Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and overall community flourishing, Manila Water Foundation and its dedicated partners extended their support through comprehensive training sessions. These sessions focused on vital aspects such as Food Security and Livelihood, as well as Mother-and-Child Care, nurturing holistic well-being. Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, the Manila Water Foundation spearheaded the formation of a vibrant WASH group—a community-led leadership council that will serve as the future stewards of their water system. With the groundwork laid, construction of the deep well commenced in December 2024, marking a significant stride towards impacting five local Aeta cultural communities, encompassing approximately 2,500 households.
Project Planas: Cultivating Resilience Through Water Security
Another inspiring testament to collaborative impact is Project Planas, a synergy initiative spearheaded by Manila Water Foundation in partnership with Prime Infra Foundation, Inc. This project was strategically designed to bridge critical WASH gaps within the Aeta community of Katutubo Village, Barangay Planas in Porac, Pampanga. The cornerstone of this initiative was the establishment of a vital water system, directly benefiting 257 households across Sitio Kulambo, Sitio Tanag, and Sitio Magalang.
Mirroring the holistic approach of other WASH community partnerships, the Manila Water Foundation facilitated empowering capacity-building activities. These sessions equipped community members with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively operate and maintain their newly established water system. Notably, the WASH Group members, predominantly comprised of determined Aeta women, have embraced the responsibility of leading the management and operations of this vital facility. The project also benefited from the invaluable support of the Filipino Catholic religious congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM), who graciously granted permission for the use of the land where the deep well was constructed. The Barangay Local Government of Planas further bolstered the project through supportive policy development and ongoing management.
A significant milestone was reached in October 2024, when the Katutubo Village water system was energized, now drawing an impressive 300,000 liters of water per day. To ensure the highest standards of water quality, a conventional water treatment system was installed, guaranteeing compliance with the stringent Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSWD). Furthermore, a power reliability function was integrated to ensure a consistent and dependable water supply for the community, fostering greater resilience and wellbeing.
Sanitation for Watershed Communities
Manila Water Foundation, in partnership with the MWSS, inaugurated family toilets in Sitio Sapang Munti, within the Ipo Watershed in Norzagaray, Bulacan in November 2024. Thirty (30) sanitation facilities now serve over 500 adults and children living in the Ipo Watershed. The safe and secure toilets are a vital step in eliminating open defecation, protecting the environment, and upholding the dignity of families, particularly young girls.
The handover of the family toilets followed the installation of a community potable water system in 2023.
At the handover event, the WASH Group of community leaders renewed their pledge of stewardship for the Ipo Watershed. This initiative is part of the Integrated Watershed Management Roadmap for Angat, Ipo and La Mesa (IWMRAIL) that is spearheaded by MWSS and which intends to ensure the preservation and sustainability of the critical watersheds that are vital to water security.
Co-creating empowered communities
Manila Water Foundation’s Lináng, the award-winning technical mentorship program on WASH for local water utilities or water operators has reached more regions in 2024. Lináng improved water availability for productivity, health, and championed gender equality.
Manila Water Foundation was tapped by Malampaya Foundation, to address the critical need for reliable water access in conservation-partner communities in North Palawan, Oriental Mindoro, and Batangas City. MWF provided technical expertise, including water source assessment, engineering design, construction oversight. Manila Water Foundation also facilitated capacity-building sessions for community partners. The trainings highlighted system maintenance, operations, and the development of policies to sustain the WASH infrastructure.
The 2024 WASH partnership is projected to benefit an estimate of 6,714 residents in El Nido, Palawan, Pola in Oriental Mindoro, Pinamalayan in Oriental Mindoro and Isla Verde in Batangas City.
In June 2024, Manila Water Foundation, Angat Buhay Foundation and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands launched the Women Champions in the Water Sector (WCWS) Fellowship Program. The four-day program tapped aspiring women leaders in the water sector by gathering cohorts across the country in a knowledge-exchange workshop. Part of the Fellowship was a special Lakbayan at the Balara Treatment Plant 2 and the Marikina North Sewage Treatment Plant, where the participants were joined by Atty. Leni Robredo and representatives of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands. The following days were filled with self-development workshops and insights about the various programs and initiatives that address the problems in the water sector.
The WCWS connected women participants with subject matter experts to discuss project concepts that advance the shared goals on sustainable community development and environmental stewardship.
Manila Water Foundation, through the partnership with Angat Buhay Foundation, also provided technical support to Metro Naga Water District (MNWD) as it faced increasing demand and challenges posed by rapid population growth in Naga City and in the nearby municipalities it serves. The Lináng project with MNWD collaborated for a common objective to enhance service delivery by addressing water supply concerns and optimizing operations.
Water tankers were deployed to Naga City for 3 weeks in September which served the municipalities of Gainza and Camaligan, and barangays in Naga City for the celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival.
Manila Water Foundation engaged with 10 Technical Volunteers to conduct onsite assessments, provide recommendations, and lead the technical learning exchange with MNWD managers. This knowledge-sharing strengthens MNWD’s commitment to provide efficient and reliable water service.
WASH in Emergencies
Through its AGAPAY: WASH in Emergencies program, Manila Water Foundation supported disaster response, recovery and resilience phases of vulnerable communities. In February 2024, Manila Water Foundation handed over units of Wateroam, Singapore-developed water filtration device for Non-East Zone Business Units to share with government stakeholders and partners in case raw water supply is compromised in a disaster's aftermath. The units were handed over for stakeholders and communities served by Boracay Water, Calasiao Water, Calbayog Water, Metro Ilagan in Isabela, Tagum Water in Davao del Norte.
To deliver urgently needed clean, potable water after a disaster, Manila Water Foundation collaborated with private sector and national government agencies. MWF partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Joint Task Force, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Coast Guard as well as the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) and members of the League of Corporate Foundations (LCF).
Manila Water Foundation, with valued partners brought and handed over packaged water from Maris Pure Corporation, hygiene and home care products from Procter & Gamble Philippines.
In the aftermath of the devastating typhoons in 2024: Typhoon Carina (International Name Gaemi), Typhoon Enteng (Yagi), Typhoon Kristine (Trami), Manila Water Foundation provided clean, potable water for 13,140 families or 65,700 individuals and hygiene products for 5,000 individuals.
Manila Water Foundation was also involved in water supply augmentation through water tankers when Bacolod City was hit by El Nino, Naga City for a localized water crisis and the Island of Siargao for extended power interruption. Manila Water Foundation provided 5,736 cubic meters of water via tankers to address critical water supply needs in these key locations.
WASH Interventions
Manila Water Foundation responds to WASH gaps and reinforces infrastructure in schools and public institutions through its program, Lingap. This program supports the Department of Education’s WASH in Schools (WinS) Program and the Department of Health’s Healthy Pilipinas campaign. In 2024, Manila Water Foundation continued to provide built-to- last hygiene facilities in schools and public institutions.
Lingap East Zone
Manila Water Foundation donated two hygiene facilities in Taguig City and Marikina City, increasing the number of functioning faucets in these schools from 87 to 97 and improved access to these essential WASH facilities by an average of 13.84%, benefiting at least 15,086 students, teachers, and parents.
As warmer months were experienced in the country, Manila Water Foundation responded by provided Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) to support the hydration needs of learners on campus and those who avail of services in public institutions.
Project Drink! For schools and institutions within the East Zone
Manila Water Foundation improved access to cool drinking water in communities within the Manila Water East Zone Service Area was enhanced through the donation of 28 Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs), improving 25,241 individuals’ access to drinking water. Project Drink! encouraged the habit of bringing drinking tumblers instead of using single- use plastic or P.E.T. bottles which may pollute the environment.
Project Drink! partner institutions include local government city halls, specialized care facilities, medical centers, hospitals, and shared spaces.
Manila Water Foundation installed 4 Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) at Inuman Elementary School, participating in the Batang Matatag Campaign by Erceflora Probiotics. The project benefited 2,460 students, teachers, and parents. This initiative resulted in an 80.00% improvement in access to safe drinking water, enhancing the overall availability of clean water on campus.
In learning institutions, Manila Water Foundation, with valued partners, improved access to safe drinking water in schools by donating 83 new Refrigerated Drinking Fountains to 80 schools in 2024. These donations have boosted the total number of potable drinking water in schools from 92 to 175 units benefiting 160,724 students, teaching and non-teaching staff, and parents resulting in 70.12% average improvement in access to hydration for health.
Lingap Non East Zone
Manila Water Foundation, together with valued partners, constructed multi-faucet hygiene facilities were constructed in 6 schools across various cities and provinces under the Manila Water Non-East Zone Business Units. The total number of functioning faucets in these schools increased from 193 to 228, benefiting 9,660 students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. With new hygiene facilities, an average improvement of 32.65% in access to these essential amenities was achieved. This initiative underscores MWF’s commitment to promoting health and well-being in educational communities.
Manila Water Foundation, in partnership with Airbus and Clark Water, rehabilitated the water system of Haduan Negrito Integrated School in Mabalacat, Pampanga. With funding support from Airbus, Manila Water Foundation constructed a 3-door sanitation facility, a 10-faucet hygiene facility in the new school building and a 3-faucet hygiene facility by the first school building. The WASH interventions shall benefit Aeta learners at Haduan Negrito Integrated School as well as the residents of Sitio Haduan in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
Kapuso Lingap Eskwela is a collaborative project of Manila Water Foundation and GMA Kapuso Fountdaion to close WASH gaps in schools in remote communities. In May 2024, a two- classroom building complete with a 5-faucet hygiene facility was handed over to Dagadag Elementary School, Mankayan Benguet, benefiting 121 students, teachers, and parents. This increased the number of functioning faucets at the school from 1 to 6, boosting the average improvement of access to essential amenities to 83.33%
Lingap Manucares is an ongoing 3-year partnership between MWF and Manuchar Philippines that addresses WASH challenges in schools. In 2024, a Water Asset Installation and Rehabilitation (WAIR) project was implemented for Noveleta Elementary School in Noveleta, Cavite. The school reported weak water pressure, compelling students to fetch water from lower floors of the school building to use comfort rooms. This WASH project provided students and staff with reliable water for improved hygiene and sanitation.
Project Drink! For schools and institutions beyond the East Zone
Manila Water Foundation donated 17 Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDFs) to 10 institutions in partnership with Manila Water Non-East Zone Business Units, improving access to safe drinking water across these institutions.
Manila Water Foundation and Boracay Water enhanced access to safe drinking water in Boracay Island schools by donating 4 Refrigerated Drinking Fountains, benefiting 5,799 individuals.
Manila Water Foundation, in collaboration with the MWSS Regulatory Office, Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity, UP Sigma Delta Phi, and Manila Water Company, strengthened efforts to
support the communities and institutions to fight against the disease by promoting proper sanitation and handwashing as the first line of defense against the spread of viruses through the following WASH interventions donation of Refrigerated Drinking Fountain, provision of drinking kits, and conduct of hygiene education session.
A total of 14 Refrigerated Drinking Fountains (RDF) installed in San Juan City Medical Center, San Juan City Hall, San Juan National High School, UP Diliman, and UP Los Banos with an average of 69.74% improvement in access to safe drinking water. The donations help to accommodate more workers, students, and faculty on having access to WASH facilities.
Health in Our Hands
Manila Water Foundation leads local activities for major global campaigns that promote health and support disease prevention in its program, Health in Our Hands. It is a set of health campaigns to heighten awareness on habits such as proper toothbrushing, proper handwashing and proper sanitation. Across the year, Manila Water Foundation celebrates World Oral Health Day in March, Global Handwashing Day in October and World Toilet Day in November. The combined reach of the Health in our Hands online and onsite activities are 176,969 individuals and the visual collaterals in public spaces reached an estimate of 4,086,152 individuals.
The World Oral Health Day 2024 main event was held in Taguig City where 500 learners of R.P Cruz Elementary School participated in a group toothbrushing. The Global Handwashing Day major onsite events were held at the San Juan City Hall and at the La Mesa Ecopark in Quezon City. The World Toilet Day was celebrated in Parang High School in Marikina City and at the inauguration of family toilets in Sitio Sapang Munti, the Ipo watershed community in Norzagaray, Bulacan.
La Mesa Ecopark
In a collaborative project among the MWSS and the Quezon City Government, Manila Water Foundation was assigned as the steward of a premiere urban green space: the La Mesa Ecopark. The goal of La Mesa Ecopark is to transform the 33-hectare space into a leading environmental hub that promotes environmental conservation, ecological awareness that leads to climate action.
Business, academe and faith-based institutions have conducted various environmental conservation activities such as weeding and tree nurturing activities within the La Mesa Ecopark in 2024. The La Mesa Ecopark has drawn international attention with the Taiwanese Government’s donation through the Taiwan Excellence Awards to support biodiversity and environmental sustainability in the park. Last October 2024, the La Mesa Ecopark hosted a visit by the UK Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils and Ms Catherine West MP, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office Minister for the Indo-Pacific.
Manila Water Foundation Awards and Recognition
- Manila Water Foundation was honored with a Partner in Empowerment, Advocacy and Commitment to Excellence or PEACE Award by the Metrobank Foundation for synergies in WASH since the year 2020.
- Manila Water Foundation was given an Award of Merit under the Corporate Social Responsibility category at the 20th Philippine Quill Awards for the #SAFEWASH in Schools, the milestone partnership project between Manila Water Foundation and Procter &Gamble Safeguard.
- #SAFEWASH in Schools enhanced the learners’ and teachers’ access to hygiene facilities with clean water and soap. Reaching over half a million individuals, there are now 285 multi-faucet hand hygiene facilities in schools in the National Capital Region and in the Province of Rizal.
- Manila Water Foundation’s Integrated WASH Program was lauded at the United Nations (UN) Women’s Empowerment Principles Awards last November 2024. Under the Community Engagement and Partnerships category, the MWF program was honored for its empowerment of women community leaders in strengthening water access, sanitation and hygiene or WASH. Manila Water Foundation President Jocot de Dios was named first runner-up for Leadership Commitment.
- Closing 2024, Manila Water Foundation was recognized by the Department of Education for its support to the WASH in Schools (WinS) program. From DepEd Schools Division Offices to the Central Office, MWF’s contribution - the provision of hygiene products, hygiene education, and installation of infrastructure to improve water access, sanitation and hygiene on campus has been lauded by DepEd leaders. At the 5th Gawad Kaagapay of the Schools Division Office of Quezon City, the Outstanding Stakeholder Award was given to Manila Water Foundation.