Regional Planning and Development Office (RPDO) Executive Director Baintan A. Ampatuan, together with ARMM officials, Mr. Ronnie Liang, ARMM Handwashing Ambassador, and pupils from different primary schools showed procedures in proper handwashing during the 4th Global Handwashing Day Celebration underscoring the theme "Raise a hand for hygiene" held last October 26, 2015 at the ARMM Compound, Cotabato City. The activity was spearheaded by the ARMM Department of Education (DepEd) - ARMM, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) - ARMM.
The activity aimed to foster and support a general culture of handwashing with soap in all societies, shine a spotlight on the state of handwashing in each country, raise the awareness about the benefits of handwashing with soap as a key to approach to disease prevention.
"We all know that handwashing is important. Handwashing with soap is a 'do-it-yourself' vaccine that prevents infection and saves lives," DepEd - ARMM Regional Secretary, Mr. John Magno, emphasized in his message.
Sec. Magno also said that the DepEd - ARMM recognizes the importance of enabling schools to practice daily handwashing with soap. However, without the right equipment, schools cannot practice the daily habit that is why the Autonomous Regional Government continues to establish handwashing facilities in the region.
The activity was followed by a press conference with the DepEd, DOH and PhilHealth wherein a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to rekindle the strategic mutual understanding among the agencies in the protection and promotion of children's right to health.