In its continuing promotion of good sanitation and proper hygiene in the course of the pandemic, Bicol University College of Nursing (BUCN) through the BU Extension Management Division (EMD) and Center for Gender and Development (CGAD) launched the premiere of a weekly webinar called Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) During Pandemic: A WASH Response to COVID-19, on February 18, 2021.

Conceptualized by BUCN Extension Service Committee and BUCN Gender and Development Committee, the webinar aims to inform the public of the current WASH situation of the country, WASH response to COVID-19, and the importance of sanitation and hygiene. The weekly webinar will also share the importance of Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) and general precautions against COVID-19. 

The webinar commenced with an overview discussed by GAD Committee Chairperson Dr. Nera A. Galan followed by messages delivered by BUCN Dean Dr. Bernadette A. Palacio, BUCGAD Director Dr. Noel R. Rafer, BUEMD Director Officer-In-Charge Prof. Rowena F. Zoilo, BU Vice President for Research Development and Extension Dr. Luis O. Amano, and BU President Arnulfo M. Mascariñas.

With the university’s commitment to level 3 water facility or water district, first speaker Arvin G. Malonzo discussed a human rights-based approach for mainstreaming an Integrated Water Sanitation and Hygiene (IWASH) followed by a discussion of the current WASH situation in the country and its response to COVID-19 pandemic and beyond presented by Jaime Antonio Jr.

The session continued to a discussion of local assessment in the university presented by webinar facilitator Prof. Richard L. Bartolata followed by BUCN- College Student Council Adviser Dr. Mary Joy B. Sande who presented the topic, Hand Hygiene during the Pandemic and Beyond. Dr. Nera A. Galan continued the session with discussions on Menstrual Hygiene.

The webinar concluded with a recap and closing remarks delivered by BUCN Associate Dean Prof. Jean Annette S. Ibo.