Coca-Cola Philippines continues to strengthen its commitment to provide access to safe, clean water to the country’s underserved communities by supporting Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Inc. ,its social investment arm., as well as partnerships with likeminded organizations.
Coca-Cola Philippines marked this year’s World Water Week by strengthening its commitment to support water conservation and preservation.
Globally, Coca-Cola has given back every drop of water it uses in its drinks and continues to help provide safe and clean water access to underserved communities in the Philippines and other countries around the world. Coca-Cola has also pledged to continue to ensure a sustainable supply of water by helping reduce water challenges, develop community water resilience, and improve the health of priority watersheds.
In response to the increasing need for safe water access due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI)–the company’s bottling arm in the Philippines–and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc. pledged in November 2020 to install 37 handwashing stations across the country. Phase 1 of the project is now complete, with 14 handwashing stations built in high-traffic locations such as public markets and terminals, in major localities nationwide. Phase 2 is slated for completion in the coming months.
“At CCBPI, we continue to support the development of resilient communities, and this involves ensuring that communities in need have access to clean, safe water, especially at such a crucial time,” said Gareth McGeown, president and CEO of CCBPI. “This is part of our commitment to Filipinos and through collective action, we are able to truly refresh the world and make a difference.”
CCBPI was also recognized for its industry-leading water management practices during the first Europa 2021 awards, where it was awarded best in Water Resource Management by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
The citation covers CCBPI’s intensive and comprehensive water efficiency programs and initiatives, such as smart design for optimal bottle washing, reducing unnecessary backwashing, recovering and reusing water for maintenance tasks, and its use of advanced technologies.
Empowering communities with Agos
Through Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines Inc., Coca-Cola is also giving back to communities, especially those in water-scarce areas. The Foundation’s long-standing Agos program provides water-stressed communities with access to water, supports watersheds, and educates Filipinos on the importance of conservation in order to ensure that water continues to flow.
Agos community water programs have helped over several hundred thousand people across hundreds of communities gain access to water not only for domestic use, but for productive purposes as well, such as for agricultural use and sustaining livestock.
