QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --The City of Taguig, in collaboration with the Department of Education, celebrated National Deworming Month and Handwashing Day at Maharlika Integrated School on October 18, Wednesday.

More than 300 participants, including students and parents, took part in the program, whose primary objective is to deworm 85 percent of elementary students, from Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Mayor Lani Cayetano expressed gratitude and support to the students, parents, guardians, and teachers, emphasizing the importance of children's health and encouraging parents to instill the values of nutrition and proper hygiene at home.

"Mahalaga po sa amin ang kalusugan ng inyong mga anak. Sana po kahit sa loob ng inyong mga tahanan, kayo po ang magpapaalala sa inyong mga anak ng kahalagahan ng nutrition and proper hygiene. Maganda na bata pa lang ay itinuturo na po natin ito sa kanila,” Mayor Lani said.

Mayor Lani also personally led the handwashing activity and the distribution of deworming tablets, cards, slippers, and hygiene kits containing alcohol, towels, and handwashing soap.

Various activities were conducted by the Taguig City Health Office (CHO), including a handwashing exercise, storytelling, a deworming presentation, and a lecture on handwashing.

The city's new handwashing jingle and dance were also introduced by the Health Education and Promotion Office. (taguig pio/pia-ncr)