PRC STARTS WASH PROGRAM

THE PRC introduced in January this year the WASH ( Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Program to prevent diarrhea in disaster- hit areas and extended the age of members up to 30 years old. “WASH was present in the most disastrous calamities that hit the country this year,” Brian Kae Enriquez, program manager said. Since its creation, WASH’s 570 trained personnel have been deployed in the massive rehabilitation of Marawi City; in Biliran and nearby provinces after typhoon Urduja struck; at the recent fires in Tatalon, Quezon City and Malabon; and in the drought- affected areas in Catanduanes. In every deployment, program personnel carry with them thousands of soaps, sanitizers, alcohol, water purifiers, and for Marawi and Biliran, they brought movable toilets. “The intention of this program is always to be first, ready and there after a disaster strikes,” Enriquez said. The idea for creating a unit solely concentrated on fighting diarrhea came about after typhoon Yolanda struck provinces in Region 8 in 2013. Three days after Yolanda hit, 190 PRC personnel were sent to Tacloban to assist those who lost their homes and their loved ones. On October 15, WASH will host Global Hand Washing Day to mobilize 500,000 students in schools around the Philippines who will simultaneously wash their hands. Ryan Jopia, PRC manager said they already extended up to 30 years old the maximum age of anybody who wants to become a member.