Metrobank Foundation and World Vision turn over handwashing facilities

Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI) provided support for the recently completed construction of four (4) handwashing facilities in four (4) schools in Siayan, Zamboanga del Norte namely Denuyan Elementary School, Dumpilas Elementary School, Tulohon Elementary School, and Paranglumba Elementary School.

In the recent Virtual Project launch and Project Salute event held last November 5, 2021 via Zoom, World Vision operations director Xenia Legaspi shared, “We thank God for using MBFI to help insure that children and adults in Denuyan, Dumpilas, Tulohan, and Paranglumba Elementary School have access to clean water. We are thankful to each of you for your support in building these facilities. Now more than ever, the importance of access to clean water for handwashing, sanitation, and hygiene are highlighted as we navigate thru this pandemic. Today we are celebrating a milestone. It is a blessing that we are being a part that brings hope and joy to the children. May this important endeavor inspire others to aim for more partnerships and collaborations.”

Representatives from the beneficiary schools also expressed their appreciation to MBFI and World Vision. The school principal of Denuyan Elementary School Uldarico Crampatanta said, “Thank you for this handwashing facility that answers the needs of the children especially when face to face classes will resume. “Thank you for sharing with us your blessings and for your benevolent heart. Thank you for making this possible.”

Tulohan Elementary School head Junmar Matta added, “In this time of pandemic, the handwashing facility is very useful to the children to maintain their proper hygiene. MBFI, thank you so much for your love and support in sharing your blessings to us. Sana all schools in Zamboanga Del Norte Division bigyan niyo ng ganitong proyekto. Sana all!”

No less than the Local Chief Executive of Siayan Local Government Unit (LGU), Hon. Atty. Josecor S. Gepolongca also graced the event. In his speech, he commended the proactivity and the great cause of World Vision and MBFI that even in the midst of the pandemic, they’ve been helping Siayan just for education, but the health and nutrition of the children as well.

Hon. Atty. Gepolongca on a grateful note said, “Yung dumating ang World Vision, malaking blessing yun. Why? Because WV is always there. Yung nag simula ang pandemic, World Vision ang unang tumulong samin. Unang nagbigay ng mga alcohol, face mask, face shield. Nung walang face-to-face classes, World Vision ang unang tumulong namigay ng mga bond papers, printers, atbp. Despite the pandemic, walang pagod ang World Vision, parating andyan at ngayon, may handwashing facilities pa. Napa sana all kami.”

During the event, World Vision also awarded MBFI with the Project Salute One for Children plaque as a token of appreciation for their overwhelming support and trust throughout the years. Since 2014, they funded several WaSH projects with World Vision such as the Typhoon Pablo Water System Recovery Project in Agusan del Sur, and multiple school-based handwashing facilities in Kidapawan City and Moises Padilla. “Over the years, MBFI has been supportive in World Vision’s programs. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish these aspirations. MBFI, we are grateful for your support and trust. We salute you. Maraming salamat po at Mabuhay kayo!” said Jun Godornes, World Vision’s Resource Development Director.

Ms. Marievic Mariano, the Grants and Healthcare Unit Head and Assistant Program Manager of MBFI gave her closing remarks which emphasized the pivotal role of addressing proper hygiene and sanitation especially that COVID-19 cases are arising. “This partnership with World Vision plays a vital role in addressing the challenges faced in the education sector which has largely disrupted causing delays in classes. When the covid-19 hit us, MBFI has remained committed in supporting the education sector. Likewise, investing in proper hygiene facilities that has been modified in compliance with the government’s health and safety protocols is a valuable intervention for increasing pandemic preparedness. Be instruments of nation building especially to young generation amidst this unprecedented times, MBFI will remain to respond to the call of collective action.”