Most of us take having a clean toilet for granted, much more so just having a toilet for ready use. In many areas of the Philippines however, many less privileged communities do not have access to a single clean toilet facility. It is because of this sad truth that people affected by this lack sees the construction of a new toilet facility or even the repair of a dilapidated one as a reason to celebrate.

The Fiesta Star

In a typical fiesta scene, people will be rushing to the streets as they are drawn to the sound of a marching band. They expect to see the star of the celebration who could be a movie celebrity, a beauty queen, or a politician. Unilever Philippines through Domex, in its efforts to contribute to the One Million Clean Toilets Movement, created a video featuring a most unlikely star of a fiesta celebration - a new, clean toilet facility.

Domex Brand Manager Dennis Chua explains the reason for creating the "Fiesta" Domex video. He said that it is intended for people to realize the value of a toilet which most of us take for granted. Unilever Foods and Home Care President Benjie Yap adds that the company hopes that the video will raise awareness for toilet appreciation and sanitation. This is while helping less privileged communities gain access to clean toilet facilities.

Clean Toilets Towards Germ-Free Communities

People all over the country are becoming more and more aware of of the role of clean toilets in disease prevention especially among children. The Department of Health estimates that there are about 3,420 diarrhea-related deaths among children under 5 every year. These deaths are quite regretful especially with data showing that about 2,000 of these cases could have been prevented by having access to safe water, improved toilet sanitation, and personal hygiene.

My Say

I echo what Dennis Chua said that this video should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. The little things we take for granted like having a clean toilet are actually remote realities for many. We should be considering ourselves fortunate if we do have access to one.

That said, having a clean toilet can save millions of lives and we can do our part by simply watching the "Fiesta" video and asking our friends to watch it as well. Each unique view translates into a pledge for the advocacy campaign which collects pledges from households to conscientiously maintain their own hygienic bathrooms. For every pledge received, Domex will donate P5 to UNICEF’s sanitation program, towards improving access to basic sanitation in deprived areas around the world, including the Philippines.

Watch it now!