Unilever's Domex Celebrates World Toilet Day with a "Fiesta" Video

A lot of times, we barely notice the things around us because they've already become so familiar, we tend to take them for granted. For instance, the comfort rooms in our homes are already a given. We just clean and enjoy the convenience of using them regularly.

But in many parts of the world, even in the Philippines, a lot of families still don't have access to this very basic need. Thus, a lot of countries yearly celebrate World Toilet Day in an effort to raise awareness on the need for clean toilets and, at the same time, encourage communities to be more conscious about the connection between their health and the lack of these sanitation facilities.

Last April, I blogged about Domex's 1 Million Clean Toilets Campaign where Facebook users simply have to click the "Pledge Here" button to raise funds for UNICEF's Sanitation Program. This November, as World Toilet Day on November 19 approaches, Unilever Philippines launches a video on YouTube aptly titled "Fiesta" showing underprivileged Filipinos welcoming the "arrival" of clean toilet facilities in their communities.

In the Philippines, fiestas typically involve people rushing to the streets, drawn to the sound of a marching band parade, and eager to see the "star" of the celebration. But instead of showing the face of a movie celebrity, beauty queen, or a politician, the video reveals an unlikely, yet very welcome sight -- a new, clean toilet facility.

Domex Brand Manager Dennis Chua shares, "The video aims to make people realize the value of a toilet, which most of us, unfortunately, take for granted."The Fiesta video contributes to the efforts of Domex's One Million Clean Toilets Movement. 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 that aims to improve access to basic sanitation in deprived areas around the world, including the Philippines.  According to Benjie Yap, Unilever Foods and Home Care Vice President, “By watching the ‘Fiesta’ video and asking our friends to watch it, we are not only raising awareness for toilet appreciation and sanitation; more importantly, we are helping less privileged communities gain access to clean toilet facilities.”  

I am personally glad to know that all over the country, people are welcoming the construction of new toilet facilities and the repair of dilapidated ones, since becoming aware of its role in disease prevention, especially among children.

As per the Department of Health, of the estimated 3,420 diarrhea-related deaths among Filipino children under 5 every year, around 2,000 could have been prevented by access to safe water, improved toilet sanitation, and personal hygiene. “This video should serve as a wake-up call for most of us. The little things we take for granted, like having a clean toilet, could mean the world to others and could definitely help save lives,” concludes Chua.

So please, pledge your support. It will only take one click.

* photos borrowed from Domex's Facebook page