It Takes a Village to Raise a Batang Matatag: How Safe Water and Gut Health Are Helping Build Stronger Futures

Erceflora, together with the Manila Water Foundation, Department of Education (DepEd), and the Pasig City Government, is expanding the Batang Matatag child health initiative across 44 schools in Pasig as the program marks its fifth year.

The initiative will bring refrigerated drinking water fountains and health education on gut health and everyday hygiene—including toothbrushing, handwashing, and sanitation—to school communities. The expansion is part of Batang Matatag’s broader effort to promote healthier school environments through sustained community partnerships.

“Batang Matatag has always been about creating healthier environments where children can grow and thrive. As we enter our fifth year, we are looking beyond immediate needs to help communities build the knowledge and habits that can support children’s health in the long term. Through our partnerships, we hope to make these healthy practices more accessible and sustainable for the communities we serve,” Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Brand Zone Lead said.

P&G turns over 285 handwashing facilities to schools in time for the return of face-to-face classes

These facilities will benefit 700,000 students and staff across NCR and Rizal

Procter & Gamble (P&G) Philippines, whose portfolio has been trusted for its superior health care, home care, beauty, grooming and hygiene products, partners with Manila Water Foundation (MWF) to promote proper handwashing with soap to students with the turnover of  SafeWash handwashing facilities to 285 schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Rizal.

These include 10-faucet foot-pedal-operated hygiene facilities and the distribution of hygiene supplies to enable the safe return of more than 770,000 students, teachers, and staff to in-person classes in NCR and Rizal. All facilities have been turned over to beneficiaries, just in time for the return of face-to-face classes on November 2, 2022.