Manila Water celebrates dual recognition at the 21st Philippine Quill Awards held at the Manila Hotel, with Manila Water Foundation and the Sustainability Team each earning a Merit Award for outstanding communication programs that advance public health and environmental stewardship.
Project Drink Pilipinas!, led by Manila Water Foundation, was recognized under the Corporate Social Responsibility category. The initiative promotes hydration for health and environmental sustainability. Through Project Drink Pilipinas!, Manila Water Foundation has installed more than 400 refrigerated drinking fountains (RDFs) in key public spaces such as parks, hospitals, and tourist destinations supporting the health and well-being of the community. RDFs have been installed on campuses across Metro Manila, ensuring that learners, teachers, and staff have easy access to refreshing, clean potable water.
With over 752,987 individuals now accessing clean, potable water, the project encourages the use of washable drinking cups or tumblers, challenges the “throw-away” culture of single-use PET plastic bottles which may pollute waterways and cause flooding.
“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,” Manila Water Foundation Executive Director Rej Andal said.
Meanwhile, the Katubig Currents: Stories & Actions for a Sustainable Future program by the Manila Water Sustainability Team earned a Merit Award in Sustainability Communications and Breakthroughs and Innovations. The initiative combines employee-led watershed restoration efforts through Pasibol: Puno ng Pag-asa and an internal storytelling platform, Kwentong Katubig, to foster a culture of sustainability. With over 1,600 volunteer hours, 22 published articles, and multiple employee-driven innovations, Katubig Currents empowers Manila Water employees to become champions of 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,” Manila Water Sustainability Director Sarah Bergado said.
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.
