GSCWD celebrates Global Handwashing Day 2020

18 May GSCWD celebrates Global Handwashing Day 2020

Covid-19 will never stop General Santos City Water District in implementing its hygiene education and sanitation projects.

To further promote regular handwashing to contain infectious diseases, handwashing facilities are now installed at some public places in General Santos City.

One set of handwashing station was conveniently placed in Bulaong Bus Terminal and two other sets were put up in the entrance and exit of the City Public Market.

The project is initiated as part of the District’s celebration of Global Handwashing Day 2020 in partnership with the Local Government of GSC, USAID-Strengthening Urban Resilience for Growth with Equity (SURGE), South Cotabato Filipino-Chinese Chamber Inc. (SCFCCI), General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GSCCCI).

Carrying the theme “Hand Hygiene for All’, this year’s commemoration, according to united nations as posted on their official website (www.water.org), is a call for all of society to achieve universal hand hygiene now and for the future.

Meanwhile, GM Arn B. Gellangarin ensures that these newly-installed facility will have its uninterrupted water supply, making sure it can be used by the public 24/7.

“We will do our best that these sanitation units will have continuous clean water supply. As our best defense against corona virus, GSCWD will always promote proper handwashing in any way we can”, he added.

Nilda Agulay, 40, is pleased with the undertaking, saying this is beneficial to market-goers like her.

“Malaking tulong po ito dahil hindi maiiwasan na lumabas para mamalengke. At least pagpasok at paglabas mo ng palengke, nakapaghugas ka ng kamay so mas feeling secured ka kaysa uuwi ka sa bahay na hindi nakapaghugas ng kamay”, she stated.

All the installed units has readily available bar soap and a tarpaulin of “Hugasan ang kamay sa Tamang Paraan” is posted in an area readable for users.

Highlighting the benefit of keeping hands clean, Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera reminded the community to always look after their health.

“This is a very noble undertaking na nagbuhat tag ing-ani nga mga handwashing stations because kahit papaano malikayan nato na matakdan ta ug COVID or kining mga any infections because lisod jud sa karon na mga panahuna, kay kung masakit man ka muadto ka ug hospital, maniguro man pud ang mga nurses ug doctors na dapat i-testing sa. Unya sa testing pa lang daan, kung private, naa sa mga 8,000 to 9,000 pesos kung testing ra unya wala pay COVID, although libre na sya sa atong Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital. So mao na sya, dako jud ug gasto karon nga mas maayo pa nga mubantay ta sa atong kalawasan”, Rivera shared during the Turn-Over and Inauguration of the handwashing facility in the City Public Market on October 31.

According to USAID SURGE City Program Coordinator Gemma Borreros they are planning to install five more handwashing stations in different public areas in the city such as at the Airport and Seaport areas.

Prior to covid-19 pandemic, GSCWD, through its Gender and Development Program, had been visiting public schools to promote proper handwashing to school children along with the distribution of hygiene kits.

In 2019, the District turned over handwashing facilities to Lagao National High School Annex, Dadiangas South Central Elementary School and Dadiangas North Elementary School.

By Lipsy Grace C. Lucas