Manila Water bags two Merit Awards at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards

“Project Drink Pilipinas! of Manila Water Foundation calls on more partners and donors to bring refrigerated drinking fountains to more schools and public spaces. Through partnerships, let us quench the public’s thirst for clean, potable water, promote hydration for health, and care for the environment by supporting solid waste management programs of cities and communities.” ~Rej Andal, Manila Water Foundation Executive Director

Manila Water Foundation’s Project Drink Pilipinas! and Manila Water Sustainability Team’s Katubig Currents: Stories & Actions for a Sustainable Future both earned recognition at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards held at the Manila Hotel recently.   

At the 21st Philippine Quill Awards, held at the Manila Hotel, the Sustainability Team and the Manila Water Foundation were both given a Merit Award for outstanding communication efforts that advance public health and environmental sustainability.

The Drink Pilipinas Initiative!  was recognized in the Manila Water Foundation's Corporate Social Responsibility category.   Drinking enough water is encouraged by the program for both health and environmental sustainability.   With Project Drink Philippines' assistance!  The Manila Water Foundation has installed around 400 refrigerated drinking fountains (RDFs) in important public spaces, such as parks, hospitals, and well-known tourist destinations, in an effort to enhance community health and well-being.   RDFs have been installed on campuses throughout Metro Manila to ensure that workers, instructors, and students have easy access to clean, refreshing drinking water.

Since more than 752,987 individuals now have access to clean, drinkable water, the initiative encourages the use of washable drinking cups or tumblers and opposes the "throw-away" mindset of single-use PET plastic bottles, which can contaminate streams and cause flooding.

Meanwhile, a Merit Award in Sustainability Communications and Breakthroughs and Innovations was given to the Manila Water Sustainability Team for their Katubig Currents: Stories & Actions for a Sustainable Future project.   The program combines employee-led watershed restoration projects through Pasibol: Puno ng Pag-asa with internal storytelling platform Kwentong Katubig to foster a sustainable culture.   With over 1,600 volunteer hours, 22 published publications, and many employee-generated ideas, Katubig Currents prepares Manila Water employees to advocate for climate resilience.

“Katubig Currents reflects the heart of our sustainability journey—empowering every Manila Water employee to be a storyteller, a changemaker, and a steward of our shared future. This recognition affirms our belief that real climate action begins within.” ~Sarah Bergado, Manila Water Sustainability Director

The Philippine Quill Awards, organized by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines, is the country’s most prestigious recognition program for business communication excellence.