Every October, Global Handwashing Day reminds families around the world that a simple act—washing hands with soap—can save lives. This year, in Marikina City, students, teachers, and parents gathered for a special celebration led by Safeguard and its partners, showing that proper hand hygiene remains one of the most powerful tools in keeping communities healthy and resilient.
Safeguard Leads Global Handwashing Day Celebration in Marikina
In partnership with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET), the Philippine Red Cross, and the Manila Water Foundation, Safeguard launched its “Safe Wash, Safeguard Pinas” initiative in a public school in Marikina to mark Global Handwashing Day 2025.
The event gathered health experts, volunteers, and students to demonstrate proper handwashing techniques and talk about the importance of hygiene—especially during the rainy season, when waterborne diseases tend to rise. For many families in attendance, it was a meaningful reminder that small habits can make a big difference in protecting children’s health.
“We are very pleased that Safeguard has answered our call to support communities facing health risks, especially during this rainy season,” shared Dr. Gwen Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross.
Building a Culture of Hygiene in Schools and Communities
Photo above: Marikina Mayor, PAMET, DepEd and Red Cross officials officially launching the new Safeguard handwashing station
As part of the celebration, Safeguard unveiled new 10-faucet handwashing sinks in the Marikina school—part of its plan to install similar facilities in 60 schools across the country, many of which also serve as evacuation centers during typhoons. These facilities ensure that students and families will always have access to clean water and soap when they need it most.
Photo above: New Safeguard handwashing station launched in Marikina Elementary School
The program builds on the 330 existing handwashing stations established with Manila Water Foundation in previous years. During the event, children were taught the “Five Steps of Proper Handwashing,” turning hygiene lessons into fun, interactive activities.
“Water access, sanitation, and hygiene—or WASH—is central to our advocacy,” said Reginald Andal, Executive Director of Manila Water Foundation. “Together with Safeguard, we continue to make clean hands a symbol of care and protection in every Filipino community.”
Protecting Families with Knowledge and Daily Habits
Beyond the celebration, the Safe Wash, Safeguard Pinas campaign aims to reach more schools and communities across the Philippines. Safeguard will donate soaps to health centers and schools nationwide, while PAMET will help distribute educational materials about hand hygiene and disease prevention.
For 60 years, Safeguard has been a trusted household name for Filipino families. Its upgraded formula fights 10 types of harmful germs, offering up to 24-hour protection—a small but important safeguard for everyday life.
“Handwashing is more than just a habit—it’s a first line of defense,” said PAMET President Luella Vertucio. “This initiative shows how public and private sectors can work together to empower families with simple, effective ways to stay healthy.”
Clean Hands, Healthy Hearts: A Message for Every Filipino Family
This Global Handwashing Day, Safeguard and its partners remind every Filipino that clean hands mean protected homes and healthier futures. As moms, teachers, and students joined hands in Marikina, the message was clear: a safer community begins with a single, soapy step at the sink.
FAQs
Q1: What is Global Handwashing Day?
It’s an annual global campaign held every October 15 to promote handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives.
Q2: Why was Marikina chosen for this year’s celebration?
Marikina was selected as one of the starting points of the Safe Wash, Safeguard Pinas initiative because of its active local programs in disaster response and health education, especially during the rainy season.
Q3: How many schools will benefit from Safeguard’s new facilities?
Safeguard will install 10-faucet sinks in 60 schools nationwide, many of which also serve as evacuation centers during typhoons.
Q4: What makes Safeguard soap effective against germs?
Safeguard’s Pure White bar soap helps protect against 10 common types of harmful germs, including those transmitted through water and touch, and provides 24-hour protection.
