ACES Awards names Manila Water Foundation as Asia’s Community Care Company of the Year

[Editor’s note: GoodRap previously featured one of MWF’s initiatives to promote hygiene education. They recently won the Asia’s Community Care Company of the Year award at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards. Below is their press release.]

MANILA, Philippines – True to its mission in serving marginalized communities through water access, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Manila Water Foundation (MWF), the social development arm of the Manila Water enterprise, bagged the Asia’s Community Care Company of the Year award, the top award for its category, at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards last September 20 at the Athenee Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.

“We are very grateful on the commendation as the Asia’s Community Care Company of the Year. As our Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala articulated, Manila Water is not a business to run, but a mission to fulfill. Winning this prestigious award certainly underscores our commitment to continue bringing WASH for all communities,” said MWF Executive Director Reginald Andal.

The ACES Awards recognized MWF for their Integrated WASH and Flagship programs. 

The Integrated WASH and Flagship programs

The Integrated WASH program was developed to provide rural and marginalized communities with access to clean and potable water  as well as to improve their sanitation and hygiene practices. 

After ensuring the community’s access to safe and clean water, MWF provides sanitation facilities. They involve the residents in the design and construction phases and put them in charge of maintenance and minor repairs once the facilities are provisioned to strengthen their accountability. They also conduct behavioral change communication (BCC) campaigns to promote good sanitation practices, primarily Hand Washing with Soap (HWWS). 

On the other hand, the Flagship programs were created to support public institutions and low-income communities through stand-alone WASH initiatives. 

These initiatives target those who have less to no capacity to install their own water service connections, stand-alone water supply systems or sanitation facilities. Hygiene education is also conducted to raise awareness on proper hygiene practices as keys to healthy living.

Pride in Excellence

ACES Awards, an international award-giving body, recognizes companies and individuals in Asia across two main domains: leadership and corporate social responsibility. It values and distinguishes the accomplishments of businesses for their contributions to their communities and the world. 

The  Asia’s Community Care Company of the Year award is given to companies leading significant, innovative and inspirational corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaigns. MWF was able to fulfill the parameters of the campaign, including the ability to engage the public, generate positive brand communication, be creative in execution, methodological approach in results measurement, and campaign’s continuity.

“On behalf of Manila Water Company, Manila Water Foundation, its talents, stakeholders and beneficiaries – our heartfelt gratitude to MORS Group and its partners for this recognition. Let us continue to collaborate in ensuring that no one is left behind in Asia’s sustainable growth,” said MWF Executive Director Reginald Andal.

– Rappler.com

#GoodRap is a weekly column that aims to deliver lighthearted yet meaningful stories from here and around the globe. We hope this provides an oasis for anyone who wants to take a quick escape from the gloom and doom of the everyday world.