SM Supermalls, together with SM Cares Program for the Youth Children’s Welfare, in partnership with Unilever, World Health Organization, Department of Health and United Nations Children’s Fund, celebrated its third simultaneous Global Hand washing Day recently at 41 SM Malls nationwide.

Hand washing with soap is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrhea diseases and pneumonia, which together are responsible for the majority of child deaths. Every year, more than 3.5 million children do not live to celebrate their fifth birthday because of diseases that can be prevented through proper hand washing.

Present at the SM Mall of Asia were television stars Dominic Ochoa, Dimples Romana, and child stars Zaijan Jaranilla and Xyriel Manabat. TV journalist Vicky Morales showed the children how to properly wash their hands.

‘While proper hand washing has been part of the malls advocacy to inform and educate its customers, we have embraced that challenge, to further step up beyond what is necessary and continuously promote good hygiene and clean living. We enjoin everybody in this worthwhile activity because the responsibility to care for our people is not just a task of one, but of many, we hope to give back, reach out and help educate children, because SM Cares,’ said Royston Cabunag, assistant vice president for operations and program director for youth and children’s welfare of SM Supermalls.

Photo shows students of West Fairview Elementary School, together with SM representatives and guest speaker Dr. Myriam David, showing their hands clean during the Global Hand washing Day celebration.