West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) recorded an 84% increase in student engagement in its 2024 wastewater education campaign, reaching 4,636 participants—the highest to date. The surge reflects growing awareness of wastewater management’s importance and Maynilad’s strengthened efforts to educate communities across Metro Manila.

Covering 32 schools in Manila, Quezon City, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Pasay, and Parañaque, the campaign was conducted in close coordination with local Department of Education (DepEd) officials to maximize school participation and ensure effective knowledge dissemination.

Maynilad enhanced learning through animated educational videos, which captivated young audiences by simplifying complex wastewater management concepts. Interactive Q&A sessions further deepened students’ understanding, with many expressing surprise at learning that wastewater undergoes treatment before being released and that communities play a crucial role in ensuring proper sewerage and sanitation—key to protecting public health and the environment.

Recognizing the youth as key influencers in their families and the next generation of Maynilad customers, the campaign seeks to empower students to make informed decisions that support environmental sustainability and public health. By equipping them with knowledge on proper wastewater management, Maynilad enables them to influence their households and communities toward more responsible water usage and sanitation practices.

“By making wastewater education more engaging and accessible, we empower students to appreciate its impact on the environment and the importance of proper treatment,” said Engr. Zmel Grabillo, Head of Maynilad’s Wastewater Management Division.

Since 2016, Maynilad’s wastewater education program has reached nearly 12,000 students across 207 schools. To further expand its impact, the company is proposing a wastewater treatment module for teachers through DepEd NCR, ensuring wastewater education becomes a sustainable, long-term part of the curriculum.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire of Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) in the Philippines in terms of customer base. Its service area includes the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres and Sta. Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the Districts of Holy Spirit and Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; and the cities of Cavite, Bacoor, and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario, all in the province of Cavite.