DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) -- To amplify the campaign on proper handwashing, water conservation, and sanitation, the Metro Dumaguete Water (MDW) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) conducted the ‘Hugas Luwas Dance Contest’ for World Water Day 2024.
A total of 15 high schools participated in the competition, recognizing the importance of handwashing and embracing the art of dance as a medium to reinforce these practices.
DepEd schools division superintendent Dr. Neri Ojastro said using the dance format is an effective way to promote handwashing.
“We were able to encourage the schools to really advocate this health and sanitation and at the same time conserve our water sources in Dumaguete City as well as in the province because to conserve water is also to help the community,” said Ojastro.
He added that residents in Dumaguete City enjoy a sufficient water supply from water sources, which is still potable or can be drank directly from the faucet.
However, he urged the public to conserve water as other towns are now experience water shortage.
Ojastro said he has requested MDW to provide drinking water to some schools due to lack of potable water amid the El Niño phenomenon.
Seventeen-year-old Lero Vince Abella, a student of Sumaliring High School in Siaton town, said dancing is one medium to convey the importance of proper hygiene to be safe from diseases.
“As a dancer, we have to show off the need for proper hygiene na mao dapat o kinahanglan to practice the habit of proper washing hands aron maka iwas sa mga bacteria nga maoy gadala sa mga sakit," said Abella.
(As a dancer, we have to show the need for proper hygiene that needs to become a habit, such as handwashing, to prevent the bacteria that causes illnesses.)
MDW corporate communications officer Katrin Arcala said this 3rd edition of ‘Hugas Luwas dance competition showcased how the students understand the message and impart them to their community and become ambassadors in their institution as well.
The Siaton National High School won this year’s ‘Hugas Luwas’ dance battle and was awarded a P12,000 cash prize.
Mabinay National High School was awarded 1st runner-up, followed by Sta. Catalina National High School as 2nd runner-up, Piapi High School as 3rd runner-up, and Dahile Provincial Community High School as the 4th runner-up.
The observation of World Water Day aims to raises awareness on the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)
