Saint Louis University (SLU) celebrated the opening of a new “Water is Life” refilling station at the Sacred Heart Medical Center (SHMC) on 12 August 2024, an initiative in partnership with KBWorld Trading Corporation.
The blessing ceremony and ribbon-cutting were led by University President, Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD; Vice President for Mission and Identity, Rev. Fr. Emery Ebumea Mwako, CICM; SHMC Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Emanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM; Rev. Fr. John Salama; Dr. Paul Adlai Quitiquit, SLU Hospital Administrator; and other SLU and SHMC officials.
The SHMC “Water is Life” marks the fourth free water refilling station established by SLU and KBWorld, following the installations at the SLU Main Campus, SLU Maryheights Campus in Bakakeng, and at the Basic Education School campuses. The project aims to provide accessible and safe drinking water while promoting environmental sustainability by reducing the use of plastic bottles.
During the blessing, Rev. Fr. Mwako reminded attendees of Christ as the “living water,” emphasizing the station’s purpose to offer clean water and serve as a symbol of faith. In conjunction with the refilling station’s blessing, the seven stations of the SLU-SHMC were also blessed.
Rev. Fr. Sales concluded the celebration by expressing gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the project, especially acknowledging the University’s partnership with KBWorld. He highlighted the importance of encouraging stakeholders to bring reusable tumblers, aligning with the initiative’s goal of reducing carbon footprints and plastic waste on campus and at the hospital.
The “Water is Life” project reflects SLU’s commitment to sustainability by decreasing the environmental impact associated with bottled water and plastic and by promoting responsible water consumption within the University and its surrounding community. This initiative also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), specifically SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation for All.
Article by Mae Janica Palkit / Photos by Antonio Lim Jr. (UIO Volunteers)
