UDM Promotes Conscious Water Usage in the Wider Community through “Tiny Hands, Big Drops” Seminar
by: RHODORA C. BERNAL and ALISTAIR B. SELORIO
In its ongoing commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Universidad de Manila (UDM) reaffirmed its dedication to sustainability and community engagement through a special seminar on water management in local communities entitled “Tiny Hands, Big Drops: Keeping Water Clean and Safe.”
Held on October 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Brgy. 659-A Day Care Center in Ermita, Manila, the seminar gathered university faculty, students, and day care pupils for an engaging session on safe and sustainable water practices. The young learners participated in interactive lessons highlighting the importance of clean water and hygiene, simple conservation techniques, and environmental care. Through fun songs, games, and visual aids facilitated by student volunteers, the children learned practical habits such as turning off faucets while brushing teeth, proper handwashing, and waste segregation to prevent water pollution.
To keep the children energized, UDM volunteers distributed nutritious sandwiches and refreshments, while each participant received a school supplies kit to encourage continued learning. This initiative reflects the University’s support for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and underscores the importance of early environmental education as a foundation for responsible citizenship.
The activity was led by Dr. Rhodora C. Bernal, Director of the Gender and Development Office and Adviser of the Philippine Nursing Student Association (PNSA); Mr. Alistair B. Selorio, Director of the National Service Training Program (NSTP); and Dr. Vanessa Vargas-Martinez, BSE Science Program Head and Adviser of the Society for the Advancement of Science Education (SASE). Members of PNSA and SASE served as facilitators, embodying UDM’s spirit of volunteerism, leadership, and social responsibility.
Strong local participation marked the event, with Hon. Robert A. Bunda, Barangay Chairman, and Ms. Esmeralda Delos Reyes, Barangay Secretary of Brgy. 659-A, expressing appreciation for UDM’s continued outreach and partnership with their community. The presence of Dr. Manuel Richard B. Martinez (SDG 17 Focal Person), Dr. Ronnie F. Sta. Maria (SDG 4 Focal Person), and Dean Enriquito Mahinay (SDG 3 Focal Person) further demonstrated UDM’s institutional collaboration in achieving sustainable development through education, health, and community partnerships.
This initiative directly supports SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, while also contributing to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Beyond the event itself, UDM continues to actively promote conscious water usage in the wider community by involving residents, barangay officials, and parents in water conservation awareness and education.
Through this initiative, the Universidad de Manila upholds its mission of transforming education into meaningful community action—empowering both students and local residents to take small yet impactful steps toward achieving a sustainable and water-secure future, one drop at a time.
