UNIQLO Philippines, together with SM Foundation, recently turned over new handwashing facilities at San Vicente Elementary School in Angono, Rizal as part of their Balik Eskwela Program, which advocates for access to proper hygiene facilities for schools and was done in 10 other sites nationwide.

The 9-faucet handwashing area is in addition to the existing facility the school has. The added facilities encourage students to continually observe a handwashing habit, such as before or after breaks and physical activities.

Apart from the facility handover, a mural painting contest awarding ceremony was held for the winners. Grade 5 student Judy B. Melgar won the top prize in the contest with his river-cleaning themed art piece. His winning artwork was made into a mural at the school’s entrance walkway.

Joining the simple ceremony are SM Supermalls AVP for Operations John Brian Ternate, Regional Operations Manager Cid Victoria, SM Center Angono Assistant Mall Manager Paolo Gunao, SM Foundation Outreach Programs Project Supervisor Shiela Marie Bahoy and the employee volunteers of SM Center Angono.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Uniqlo, sa SM Center Angono sa kanila pong project na ginawa ngayon sa school namin. Napakalaking opportunity po ang ibinigay nyo po sa amin para maipakita po ng mga bata namin ang kanilang kakayahan sa pagpipinta. Ganun din po awareness na din po sa mga bata to save our planet. Kung ano po ang maitutulong nila para po makatulong sa kalinisan at sa ikagaganda pa ng ating planeta. Maraming, maraming Salamat,” said San Vicente Elementary School teacher Ms. Elenita Rabaja.

The Balik-Eskwela project is a joint program of Uniqlo and SM Foundation together with SM Supermalls.