Expert shares 3 key insights on why proper handwashing is important this Christmas

The most wonderful time of the year is here.

 

As you share presents and spread good cheers this season of giving, how can you be sure that you are not sharing viruses and spreading germs as well?

 

The Grinch to Pinoy Christmas

Even with the merrier mood that comes with the end of lockdowns, the threat of germs and viruses remains a proverbial grinch. After all, nothing dampens one’s spirits like a case of stomach flu or a bad cold.

 

The holidays bring much-awaited face-to-face reunions and gatherings with families and friends, and the frenzy makes it easier for you to let your guard down. Without proper precautionary measures, you may end up spreading more than just good cheers.

 

Did you know washing your hands can go a long way in protecting yourself and your loved ones this holiday season? This is why Safeguard is committed to educating Filipino families about the importance of proper handwashing. 

 

Handwashing Tips for Holiday Gatherings:

Being a trusted expert at germ protection and disease prevention, Safeguard Philippines ramps up its hand hygiene advocacy this holiday. Here are three key practical handwashing knowledge and tips that they recommend:

 

1.    Hands are the root of most sicknesses

In his lecture during Global Handwashing Day 2022, P&G Principal Scientist David Khoo revealed that "Scientists and doctors would agree that the main way germs infect us is through our hands."

 

Just think about all the times you unconsciously put your hands on your face after touching bathroom surfaces or holding onto money. These everyday instances can be opportunities for germs and viruses to be picked up and passed on. 

 

2.    Washing with soap and water does make a difference

Now that we know how easy it is for our hands to spread disease-causing germs, it is crucial that we remember to wash them regularly and properly. According to the gold standard set by experts, this means washing our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

 

As Koo demonstrated during his lecture, 20 seconds is just enough time for the soap lather to create bubble-like structures, trap viral matter and other biomaterials, such as grease, oil, and dirt, and flush them down the drain.

 

An easy and fun way for families and kids to gauge if 20 seconds have passed is to use a familiar song that lasts for the same duration. Singing the Happy Birthday song twice is one such example.

 

3.    It’s best to wash hands with running water compared to still water.

Aside from demonstrating the seven-step handwashing routine, Koo also debunked some common handwashing myths, including one that claims that a bucket of water is just as effective as washing our hands with running water.

 

He clarified, “Anytime you have a standing bucket of water (water that isn’t flowing or running), the first time you use it, it may be clean. But after that, the germs may be left behind and they will grow. So, the next time you use it, you will potentially reinfect and contaminate your hands with the germs that are growing in that standing water.”

 

Spread Cheers, Not Germs, with Safeguard

Reinforcing handwashing as a holiday essential to safeguard families, Vice President for P&G Beauty Care and Brand Operations Aldrich Gopal echoed the importance of how a single hand wash can help lessen the spread of germs:

 

“The threat of germs and diseases never left us, even as we move on to the new normal. The same germs can cause diseases that lead to school absences. However, with the power of a single SAFEwash, we can remove most of those diseases. So, when we make regular handwashing a part of our students’ lives, we also protect them from missing opportunities that would lead them to success in the future.”

 

A single handwash can help make sure you and your loved ones are protected – and it only takes 20 seconds! By practicing proper hand hygiene in and out of your homes, you are one step closer to a happier and healthier holiday season.

 

Give your family and friends the gift of a safe and healthy Christmas with Safeguard. 

Safeguard shows Students and Teachers How To Prevent Germs With Handwashing

Recently, Manila Water Foundation went live on Facebook to celebrate Global Handwashing Day with its partners, P&G Safeguard, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the Department of Education (DepEd).

 

Prior to the Facebook Live, Safeguard kicked off the celebration face-to-face with the local government of Quezon City, one of #SAFEWash program’s biggest beneficiaries. P&G’s flagship brand emphasized how important consistent proper hand hygiene is in keeping the safety of both children and school administrators is, especially with safety restrictions being lifted. For this reason, Safeguard is committed to making sure that every school has access to handwashing facilities. With the culmination of the construction of the 285 handwashing facilities, P&G Safeguard, along with its partners, was proud to announce that the National Capital Region (NCR) is on track to having all of its schools star-rated in the DepEd Wash in Schools (WinS) program. 

Unveiling of the new handwashing stations in a school in Metro Manila featuring its school administrators

Host Riki Flo on the inset image

 

Why Handwashing is Important

During Safeguard and MWF’s Global Handwashing Day livestream, David Khoo, Principal Scientist of P&G’s Health and Hygiene Institute, led a short lecture on the science of handwashing and how germs can spread. Khoo mentioned that “scientists and doctors would agree that the main way germs infect us is through our hands.” 

 

Every time we cover our mouth when we cough or sneeze, every exchange of money and items that passes between our hands, every flush of the toilet, and all 23 times per hour that we unconsciously put our hands on our faces just to name a few.

 

David Khoo, Principal Scientist of Health and Hygiene Institute shows the difference of washing for 20 seconds vs 5 or none at all.

 

Given that we use our hands for all that we do, it is important we remember to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds. 

 

Khoo also set some common handwashing myths straight, such as having a bucket of water is not as effective in cleaning our hands, compared to washing with running water.

 

“Anytime you have a standing bucket of water (water that isn’t flowing or running), the first time you use it, it may be clean. But after that, the germs may be left behind and they will grow. So, the next time you use it, you will potentially reinfect and contaminate your hands with the germs that are growing in that standing water.”

 

A Friendly Reminder to Wash Your Hands

Vice President for P&G Beauty Care and Brand Operations Aldrich Gopal pointed out that even if we are all out and about, it does not mean that germs and diseases are eliminated and that washing your hands is crucial to protect the future of our nation – especially our students. “The threat of germs and diseases never left us, even as we move on to the new normal. The same germs can cause diseases that lead to school absences. However, with the power of a single SAFEwash, we can remove most of those diseases. So, when we make regular handwashing a part of our students’ lives, we also protect them from missing opportunities that would lead them to success in the future.”

 

 

A single hand wash can help lessen the spread of germs—and it only takes 20 seconds! For yourself, your loved ones, and the people around you, let’s unite for a safer Philippines through practicing proper hand hygiene in and out of our homes. 

 

Celebrating Global Handwashing Day Hand-in-Hand and Face-to-Face

Key Milestone Reached in the Fight Against Germs

With the full reopening of face-to-face classes around the corner, Procter & Gamble’s flagship brand, Safeguard, along with its long-time partners Manila Water Foundation (MWF) and the Department of Education (DepEd), reached a breakthrough achievement by finishing the construction of 285 handwashing facilities in public schools in time for Global Handwashing Day.

 

These facilities bring Safeguard and MWF all that closer to their goal of having all schools in Metro Manila on track to be star-rated by DepEd’s Wash in Schools (WinS) program. In addition, Safeguard also donated products to aid in proper handwashing.

 

All of these were driven by Safeguard’s unyielding commitment to prioritize the health and hygiene of Filipinos, particularly school children who hold the nation’s future in their hands.

 

 

Celebrating Global Handwashing Day Hand-in-Hand and Face-to-Face 

   

Global Handwashing Day was all the more meaningful as the P&G Safeguard team led by Brand Director Amna Abbas, Quezon City's Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, and MWF director Reginald Andal celebrated together in Quezon City—one of the biggest beneficiaries of SAFEWash program. The celebration even had its virtual run on the MWF Facebook page where more Filipinos tuned in to learn about the importance of proper handwashing. 

 

In his partnership message, Aldrich Gopal, Vice President for P&G Beauty Care and Brand Operations, reminded everyone that “the threat of germs and diseases never left us, even as we move on to the new normal. The same germs can cause diseases that lead to school absences. However, with the power of a single SAFEwash, we can remove most of those diseases. So, when we make regular handwashing a part of our students’ lives, we also protect them from missing opportunities that would lead them to success in the future.”

 

A Continuous Journey to 100% All-Star Rating for Public Schools in the Metro

The newly constructed facilities and donations go beyond ensuring our schools are on track to becoming star-rated. They also serve as a reminder to Filipinos, especially the young ones, to cultivate a proper handwashing culture in and out of school. 

 

Together, let’s make it our joint mission to make every wash a SAFEwash for a safer nation. 

 

 

The best tips from moms on how to overcome the back-to-school sepanx

Stemming from the two words, ‘separation’ and ‘anxiety,’ sepanx is the unsettling feeling of being in a new, unfamiliar situation or place. 

 

After two years of building protective family habits at home, back-to-school season is bringing unique separation anxiety for moms. Suddenly, they must deal with their kids being away from their sight and supervision. This anxiety is only further intensified by their worry if they have prepared the best safety essentials for their kids.

 

To help moms cope, we rounded up the best tips from fellow moms on how they can overcome the back-to-school sepanx:

Best Protection Starts at Home

Like most moms, Fae Ancheta's initial reaction to the resumption of face-to-face classes was to turn into a big ball of nerves. Upon sending off her kid to school for the very first time, Faye was instantly struck by distressing thoughts. 

 

“I hope that my kid will not catch a cold or a flu,” she immediately thought.

 

But knowing how excited her kid was to see her friends at school, Fae decided to instead focus on strengthening her kid’s protection outside of home by instilling in her the best hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing and taking a bath with a germ protection soap.

 

“Here at home, we practice taking a bath using Safeguard before and after leaving our home.”

 

Prevent Stinky Situation

Even among experienced mothers, back-to-school sepanx is real. This is the case for Christy Cabalquinto who shared that, “Shifting to face-to-face classes is a bit challenging for me as a parent because of the adjustments that we need to make.”

One of her main concerns was having to welcome back a sweaty, sticky, and stinky kid after a long day at school. So, she decided to start a new hygiene habit, the #5PMBacteryASIMCheck.

Do the #5PMBacteryASIMCheck

Every 5PM, Christy checks if her kid still smells fresh after a long day of school. Assured by the best germ protection soap, the sniff test instantly results into unlimited and rewarding gigil hugs between Christy and her kid. 

 

MAX Gigil Hugs with Safeguard MAX Pinabango

With over 54 years of service, Safeguard, the Philippines’s No. 1 germ protection soap continues to earn the trust of Filipino families. Its new and improved formula is guaranteed to deliver the best fragrance that lasts all day.

 

Like Fae and Christy, you, too, can overcome back-to-school sepanx and keep your worries at bay with Safeguard Max Pinabango. From 5PM onwards, enjoy the rewarding feeling of welcoming your fresh-smelling kids back home from school and gathering the entire family for maximum gigil hugs and moments.

 

A Big Win for NCR As Safeguard’s SAFE Wash in Schools Program Results to School Reopening

As Metro Manila prepares for the return of face-to-face classes, school heads are left with a problem: how can we meet the Department of Education (DepEd)’s minimum hand hygiene protocols when we lack the handwashing facilities? Procter & Gamble (P&G)’s Safeguard, in partnership with Manila Water Foundation (MWF), addressed this by donating Php 70 million to build handwashing facilities in all 285 schools that do not meet the DepEd Wash in Schools (WinS) hand hygiene ratings. By doing so, these public schools will be meeting DepEd’s minimum star rating in WinS Program, enabling the schools to apply for reopening.

The DepEd WinS Program is a 3-star rating system developed in 2016 to rate public schools in the areas of Safe Drinking Water, Gender Segregated Toilets, Group Handwashing Facilities with Soap, Daily Group Handwashing Facilities, and Access to Sanitary Pads. Through a pre-planning session, Safeguard was able to identify that the handwashing areas scored the lowest across the board, with Metro Manila surprisingly as one of the key drivers of the rating.

Anna Legarda-Locsin speaking during the Manila Water Foundation’s Hawak Kamay: Celebrating WASH Partnerships Live Event

According to P&G Communications Director Anna Legarda-Locsin, this partnership with DepEd and MWF encourages students and teachers to “practice good hygiene habits that will protect them from disease-causing germs and viruses while they are in school.” She also went on to say that everyone involved in this project is looking forward to “seeing the outcome of this project, and the health, and the good that we can do in the many schools in the community.”

(LEFT TO RIGHT) Jubail Pasia, Arnulfo Balane, Jeune San Juan, Rina Marino, Mylene Catana

When asked how the SAFE Wash in Schools initiative align with Safeguard Philippines’ goals, the brand’s Communications Leader, Jeune San Juan, expresses that “by safeguarding the everyday health and hygiene of our children and educators as well, we are also safeguarding the future of the nation. By enabling schools to reopen with handwashing facilities, that is only just the first step we are taking in building safe habits for the future of our kids.” 

Don Galo Elementary School Head Mylene Catana expressed how their school is currently at a zero-star rating but with the help of the SAFE Wash in School program, she is certain that pretty soon they will achieve a two or three-star rating. “[The handwashing facilities] will help us achieve one, two, or three stars. Because we now have enough water supply and our handwashing facilities are enough to accommodate pupils to [wash their hands in] before entering the school and even after recess.”

On top of the donation for building more handwashing facilities and providing water supply, Safeguard will be providing these schools soaps in all these schools to push the handwashing movement further. Safeguard and MWF have already constructed 82 handwashing facilities in schools to date, and this program will accelerate the number to 332 schools nationwide by the end of the year.

Jose Victor Emmanuel de Dios, the CEO of Manila Water Company and president of Manila Water Foundation, expressed his thanks for this initiative led by P&G. 

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Manila Water Foundation, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to P&G Philippines, led by their president Mr. Raffy Fajardo for entrusting [Manila Water Foundation] with the #SafeWashInSchools project.”

In the coming months, Safeguard and MWF will roll out DepEd-approved educational modules to teach handwashing habits in school and at home. This is an effort to ensure that handwashing is practiced as a habit and is embedded in the learning curriculum.

Rewatch the live event here:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?extid=NS-UNK-UNK-UNK-IOS_GK0T-GK1C&ref=watch_permalink&v=471436794472489

Celebrity moms Joyce Pring and Sophie Albert zero in on handwashing as added protection against COVID-19

Handwashing remains as one of the most effective precautions against COVID-19 alongside social distancing, wearing of face masks, and vaccination. With the emergence of COVID-19 variants, one thing remains constant – the safety protocols mandated by experts aimed at reducing COVID-19 transmissions. 

 

COVID-19 infections among children have been rising due to the emergence of new variants, which leads parents to think of more ways on how they could double-up their children’s protection against the virus. Even TV personalities and actresses such as Joyce Pring and Sophie Albert have been taking extra precaution especially since they have newborns. 

TV personality and host Joyce Pring conducted an experiment in her vlog showcasing how Safeguard effectively removes germs from hands through a germ simulation experiment. Using Glo Germ gel and UV light, this experiment aimed to demonstrate the stickiness of germs and why proper hand hygiene is crucial in protecting you from illness-causing germs and bacteria. Using Safeguard Pure White Foaming Hand Soap and following the recommended steps and duration of proper handwashing, the blacklight displayed successful removal of all the germs in Joyce’s hands. 

 

Joyce also had a chat with P&G’s Principal Scientist for Asia, Middle East, and Africa, David Khoo, on the importance of proper handwashing in protecting oneself from germs and bacteria. Some of the key points discussed were the correct way of washing hands, the 7 steps of proper handwashing, and the truth behind Safeguard’s 99.9% germ protection claim.  When asked if Safeguard’s claim that it can remove 99.9% was true, Dr. Kho explained “we wouldn’t put a claim like that without testing, we’re obsessed with testing. The way we do it is we apply a certain amount of test germ on a person’s hand or on a sample of artificial skin and then we remove or wash it with a safeguard soap and then we test the germs that remain after that.”

 

Safeguard does not only protect against 99.9% of germs and bacteria, but it also keeps the skin healthy despite frequent handwashing. In a separate vlog, actress and TV personality Sophie Albert did an experiment testing Safeguard’s and other handwashing brand’s pH levels. It revealed that Safeguard’s Pure White Liquid Hand Soap is pH balanced, while the other brand went beyond the range of ideal pH level. Unbalanced hand soaps have the tendency of disrupting the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it dried and irritated. This is especially dangerous for children given that they have more delicate and sensitive skin. 

 

COVID-19 transmissions have been steadily increasing the past few weeks. Now more than ever, everyone must strictly adhere to standard health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of face masks, receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, and handwashing to protect oneself from the virus. It is equally important to choose a tried and tested brand to wash your hands with in order to ensure that hands are protected from illness causing germs and bacteria, while maintaining a healthy skin barrier despite frequent handwashing. PAMET-recommended Safeguard has Infinishield technology where it inhibits reproduction of germs and bacteria and protects in between washes leaving behind particles that act as a protective shield against germs and bacteria. Safeguard’s innovations in germ protection keeps them the country’s most trusted brand in germ protection for over 55 years, making the brand a household name. 

 

Keep your hands free from illness causing germs and bacteria while keeping it healthy and moisturized byshopping your Safeguard essentials in leading supermarkets, drugstores, Shopee, or Lazada. 

Safeguard strengthens hand hygiene support for minors

 

Now that the country has fully implemented the roll-out of vaccines for minors aged 12-17, Safeguard strengthens hand hygiene support to hospitals and vaccine hubs to help ensure that healthcare workers, frontliners, and children are safe from any illness that can be transmitted from improper hand hygiene.

A total of ₱6.1 million pesos in Safeguard Foaming Hand Wash products are donated to hospitals and vaccination hubs like St. Luke’s Medical Center and vaccination operations inside Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. As the Philippine’s #1 family germ protection soap, Safeguard aims to help in keeping the nation safe from the threats of germs and bacteria.

Safeguard continues to provide aid in proper hand hygiene education and practices through donations to facilities that need it the most during the fight against COVID-19. The brand has partnered with numerous organizations including LGUs, malls, and provided handwashing facilities in urban areas as well, through the #SAFEWash campaign.

For more than 56 years, Safeguard has continued to keep Filipino families safe with 99.9% germ protection, and continues to expand its protection to frontliners, healthcare workers, and those that are at risk of germs and bacteria. Safeguard hand soaps are powered by Infinishield Technology that effectively inhibits the growth of disease-causing germs. After handwashing, it provides with a protective shield against germs for up to 24 hours. 

 

As the country remains in battle against the pandemic while also easing health protocols for a better new normal, proper health protocols and hand hygiene should be maintained. Safeguard is in arms with Filipinos, and with your efforts, we can look forward to a SAFE Philippines. 

Do your part in making sure your family and loved ones are safe through each #SafeWash. Protect yourself from illness-causing germs and bacteria by shopping Safeguard in leading supermarkets, drugstores, or through the official Safeguard malls in Lazada and Shopee.

 

Setting time to rejuvenate yourself means having more energy to give back to the world

In just a few weeks, another year stuck at home will come to an end. It was a full year of constant adapting to new protocols and new ways of working. Ironically, being closer to home didn’t make the stress of day-to-day tasks any less heavy. Some of us have joined meetings while washing dishes, skipped lunch to work on a deadline, and even woke up just in time to attend an early morning call. The stress we experience has increased because of more back-to-back meetings and higher demand for multi-tasking. 

 

To make sure we don’t burnout, we need to stop for much-needed breaks. You might not notice it but even your skin needs detoxing too. The constant change in weather and the temperature inside can be causing your skin stress.

 

End the year refreshed and ready for whatever challenges come our way with these easy-to-do relaxation activities we can do right at home. 

 

 

1. Immerse yourself in new worlds

 

There is no shortage of bad news in the world. Yes, we should be updated with current events, but it doesn’t hurt if we immerse ourselves in more positive environments from time to time. Constantly checking emails and updates about work, especially on weekends can cause even more anxiety at a time when you should be taking care of yourself.

 

Read a book about a magical realm, about an intense love story, or about a woman finding her purpose in the world. Take it a level higher and join your local book club’s weekly or monthly discussions! Feel the stress fade away as you flip through the pages (or swipe if you’re an e-book convert!) at the end of the day.

 

 

2. Curate a mood-booster playlist

It’s no secret that music affects our mood. Before the work week starts, why not set aside a few hours just listening to old and new favorites and create a personalized playlist for every kind of mood? This will be an easy stress-reliever when your to-dos start to pile up. It’s also a palate cleanser for your ears after being in whole day meetings.

Just hit play and feel the stress melt with the beat. Here are some suggested playlists to get you started: “This meeting could have been an email playlist,” “Overtime will soon be over playlist,” “Malapit na mag-weekend playlist.”

 

3. Make your shower a haven

 

Shower time is sacred alone time. It’s the time of day where we can get away from work calls, parent duties, and house chores! It’s the only we can truly be alone to relax. Take it a step further and make your shower a full blow haven of relief by investing in the right products. Set up your favorite candles, ready your trusty scrubs and loofah, and use a cleansing and rejuvenating body wash like Safeguard Detox. 

 

Safeguard Detox is enriched with Pomegranate that allows for deep cleansing of the pores, stripping away germs, bacteria, and dirt while leaving skin refreshed and rejuvenated. The fragrant foam will feel like a refreshing escape with every pump. 

 

Schedule your relaxation time

 

However you choose to detox from the stress of each day, make sure that you make time for it (and stick to it!) It’s so easy to get swamped with our daily tasks that we forget to take care of ourselves. Set an alarm for your reading time, block your weekend to curate a playlist, or set 9:00AM or 11:00PM as your regular shower time. Setting time to rejuvenate yourself means having more energy to give back to the world. So what are you waiting for? Start your relaxation today! 

 

Safeguard Detox is available in Pomegranate and Bamboo Charcoal. Add to cart when you visit the P&G official online stores in Lazada or Shopee. 

 

Safeguard just released the NEW Natural Detox Foaming Body Wash — the first in the Philippines

Spending so much time at home during this humid dry season really does make you want to take showers even more. But doing it so often makes it feel like such a chore. Good thing Safeguard just released the NEW Natural Detox Foaming Body Wash — the first in the Philippines. And it comes in three luxurious fragrances namely Pomegranate, Bamboo Charcoal, and the classic Pure White. Foaming body wash can make for a luxurious bathing experience and transform an everyday shower feel indulgent, while also deep clean your skin.

Ordinary soaps are only able to clean surface level, leaving behind germs, pollution, and oil in the skin. Every pump of the Safeguard Detox Foaming Body Wash body wash is a light and airy foam that purifies the skin while gently lifting germs, dirt, and oil with their new Triple Detox technology that provides 99.9% germ protection. Plus, not only are you able to have a fun and indulgent shower experience, but you also you get to save on water consumption of up to 30% in each shower. 

The humidity can get quite intense and leave you taking more showers than you’d prefer. Project Vanity took the three variants to test and was undeniably blown away by the distinct scents of Safeguard Foaming Body Wash. The Pomegranate, Bamboo Charcoal, and the classic Pure White variants are able to take you for your most coveted outdoor getaway, even with just a shower at home. 

Safeguard Detox Foaming Body Wash for Every Occasion

On days when you need an energy boost, Project Vanity recommends the Safeguard Foaming Body Wash in Pomegranate for a burst of bold freshness and juicy scent and to bring fun at home, while the humidity and dry season intensifies.

If you’re seeking for a relaxing pampering day, the Safeguard Foaming Body Wash in Bamboo Charcoal is just the Zen shower that you’re looking forward on. According to Project Vanity, the beach is just a scent and foam away. With the smell of the beach and mint this variant brings your well-deserved pampering in the shower.

And on days when you feel like being nostalgic, the Safeguard Foaming Body Wash in Pure White is your variant of choice. The classic and famous Safeguard scent that exudes simplicity and familiarity that might just bring back childhood memories. Project Vanity describes the experience as “finding a cozy spot to catch up on some reading or loosening up with a yoga sesh”.

Project Vanity also shared that each pump of the Safeguard Foaming Body Wash’s fragrance starts out strong yet tones down after cleansing the skin. “Then post-rinse, the scents tone down and stay close to the skin. Meaning, you can still use your lotion and perfume without the smells conflicting. I have peace of mind that I got a Safeguard Natural Detox deep cleansing, minus any tightness on the skin.”

Read more on the in-depth review of Project Vanity for each of the three variants of the Safeguard Foaming Body Wash. There’s never a dull shower moment with the new Safeguard Foaming Body Wash — you might even #FoamInLoveWithShowers more than you already do. One thing is for sure, it’s this season’s must-have item for fun showers.

The fun with foam doesn’t end in the shower with Mimiyuuuh’s Foamiyuuuh Challenge! See if you got what it takes against other contenders online, or even with your family and friends at home. Share your Foamiyuuuh Challenge on Tiktok with the hashtag #FoamInLoveWithShowers.

Teleport to your own respite and have fun even when you’re just in the shower with the new Safeguard Detox Foaming Body Wash. Shop now through the official Safeguard store in Lazada