P&G water scheme successfully wrapped up

Procter & Gamble, the global consumer-products manufacturer, has witnessed success in attracting public participation in its CSR programme in Thailand – and the experience is now being shared with its new unit in Myanmar.

The US-based company recently wrapped up its first CSR programme, launched in November to mark the opening of its office in Myanmar.

Under the “10 Merits of Donating Water” programme, P&G water-purifying sachets are distributed through its partners in participating countries to provide 10 million litres of clean water to local communities.

“P&G is now glad to announce the official inauguration of its office in Myanmar,” said Raul Falcon, managing director of Procter & Gamble (Thailand-Myanmar). 

“P&G policy will touch and improve the lives of the people of Myanmar by providing them with our quality products and, at the same time, P&G’s commitment to donate clean drinking water in Myanmar through the ‘10 Merits of Donating Water’ programme has continued with a positive impact on society there. 

“Today, we truly realise our objective to experience the success of the ‘10 Merits of Donating Water’ campaign, in cooperation with our well-respected strategic and NGO partners,” he added.

The campaign, called “Yay A Jo Say Pa” in the local language, was launched in cooperation with partners across the industry: Aung Ko Latt, Forever Group, City Mart, Ocean, other trade partners and World Vision.

“Clean drinking water is extremely important in saving lives and reducing suffering, in relief, as well as recovery phases. P&G is one of our main donors for clean drinking water for regions re-establishing from disasters and the people living in suburban areas with inadequate drinking water. Supporting P&G is very helpful to our operation and I am truly delighted with today’s donation handover to World Vision,” said Chris Herink, national director of World Vision.

The campaign, launched in November, called for participation from consumers. By buying P&G products at supermarkets, they are contributing a partial sum to the scheme. 

Last year, P&G provided 31 million litres of clean drinking water to disaster victims. Since 2011, a further 10 million litres have been distributed across Myanmar, through a partnership with World Vision. 

Late last year, P&G partnered with Chelsea Clinton to deliver its 6-billionth litre of clean water, to a family in Myanmar. The latest campaign is designed to fit the country’s rich religious heritage. 

U Win Maw, CEO of Forever Group, said of the “Yay A Jo Say Pa” programme: “It is the most beneficial donation one can make in saving lives, and we from Forever group are proud to be part of this campaign and making this donation possible. May Procter & Gamble products continue to have more customers in our market and more clean water donated to Myanmar children in need.”

P&G also presented an additional part of this programme via schools in Yangon and Mandalay to help promote the awareness of donating fresh water, by asking students to express their impressions about the merits of the programme though the art of drawing. Thousands of entries were sent in.

“In Thailand, P&G has also set up the P&G Thailand for Society Foundation, which has successfully run projects on safe drinking water. As a P&G representative who has been in charge of the projects, I am proud to deliver an improved quality of life to our neighbours [in Myanmar],” said Kannika Jarusuraisin, external relations director of Procter & Gamble (Thailand-Myanmar).