Metro Manila Schools, Manila Water Foundation, Erceflora Join Forces to Champion Gut Health in Schools

For many Filipino students, school isn’t just a daily routine—it’s a step toward a brighter future. But behind every recitation, exam, and school day is something just as important: health, specifically gut health.

This shared understanding brought together the Manila public schools, Manila Water Foundation, and Erceflora Probiotics in Mandaluyong City to launch the “Hygiene and Gut Health Talk.” The program equips teachers and health officers with tools and knowledge to promote hygiene and wellness inside and outside the classroom.

“A child’s health is directly tied to their academic performance,” said Ramilo Pascual, School Head at Senate President Neptali A Gonzales Integrated School. “If a student is unwell, whether due to malnutrition or poor gut health, it affects their focus, attendance, and ability to learn.”

For Manila public schools and Manila Water Foundation, gut health is no longer just a side topic—it’s a pillar of better education. And with Erceflora now at the heart of this mission, they’re making sure support reaches the students who need it most.

“At Erceflora, we believe that gut health is essential to overall wellbeing. For children, a healthy gut helps them feel their best every day, so they can stay active, focused, and ready to learn and thrive in school,” said Rica Mateo, Erceflora ASEA Zone Brand Lead. “By supporting programs that combine education, hygiene, and access to practical solutions, we hope to empower more schools and communities to put student wellness first.”

“When students have access to clean water, good hygiene, and support for gut health, they’re more likely to stay in school, stay focused, and excel,” said Nix Hipolito, Program Education Section Head at Manila Water Foundation. “That’s why collaborations like this matter—they help turn health into a strong foundation for learning.”

Reaching the Schools That Need It Most

School nurses and teachers agree: many students miss class or struggle to focus due to gut-related issues—often caused by poor hygiene, skipped meals, or dehydration.

“Stomach pain is one of the most common complaints we see,” shared Mateo. “When students are uncomfortable, it’s hard for them to concentrate, and sometimes, they have to miss class. Having Erceflora probiotics in the clinic really helps support their recovery and keep them in school.”

To help address this, schools are receiving probiotic donations—giving school health professionals a quick way to respond to digestive complaints, while also equipping teachers and staff with gut health education they can pass on to students and parents.

“At Manila Water Foundation, we want to make sure that Erceflora’s generous donation creates the greatest possible impact,” said Nix Hipolito, Program Education Section Head at Manila Water Foundation. “Through today’s activity, we’re reaching six Manila public school divisions—Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, Quezon City, and Taguig-Pateros—benefiting over 300 elementary and secondary schools. This strengthens our WASH programs by ensuring both resources and knowledge go hand in hand.”

To make the biggest impact, Manila Water Foundation and its partners are focusing efforts on public schools and school divisions that need the most support. With handwashing stations, drinking fountains, and improved hygiene facilities now in place, Erceflora takes the initiative one step further—helping students stay well enough to be consistently present and ready to learn.

“When schools have access to safe water, proper sanitation, and probiotics, everyone on campus benefits—students, teachers, and the whole school community,” said Nix Hipolito.

From Advocacy to Action: Gut Health is a Community Effort

For years, Manila Water Foundation has been leading hygiene education campaigns, but even with strong awareness programs, students in underserved areas lack access to practical health solutions.

“Our hygiene program promotes oral health, handwashing, and proper sanitation—all closely tied to nutrition and gut health,” shared Nix Hipolito. “This collaboration propels education into action. If our campaigns raise awareness and are the ‘software,’ probiotics such as Erceflora are the ‘hardware’ that brings our advocacy to life.”

For the school, the initiative goes beyond donations—it catalyzes behavior change. “This partnership is a real blessing,” shared Ramilo Pascual. “Not all schools have the same resources, especially in children’s health. Together, we create a healthier learning environment.” And it’s not just the schools that benefit. When parents are also engaged in the discussion, the lessons learned in school can be reinforced at home, creating lifelong habits that benefit the entire community.

“Probiotics like Erceflora can play a meaningful role in supporting student health, especially when combined with proper hygiene and access to clean water,” Mateo concluded. “It’s a simple, practical way to help keep students healthy and in school, even with limited resources.”

This joint effort proves that gut health isn’t just a wellness issue—it’s an education issue. When students feel better, they learn better. With clean handwashing stations, health talks, and access to practical tools like trusted probiotics, students are empowered to take charge of their well-being, so each one can become healthier, more focused, and more productive in school and beyond.