On November 15, 2024, the Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex/The Group) collaborated with the Women's Union of Lao Cai Province to implement a program distributing 1,000 water filters to households affected by Typhoon Yagi and disadvantaged households lacking clean water in the districts of Bac Ha and Bao Yen. This initiative reaffirms Petrolimex's pioneering position in climate and community activities, making it the first Vietnamese enterprise to implement a large-scale water filter distribution programme.

Attending the programme from Lao Cai Province were Hoang Giang, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee; Hoang Quoc Khanh, member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Vang Thi Mai Huong, Vice President of the Lao Cai Provincial Red Cross Society; and Vu Thi Tan, Vice President of the Lao Cai Provincial Women's Union.

Representing Petrolimex were Pham Van Thanh, Member of the Standing Committee of the Central Enterprise Bloc’s Party Committee, Secretary of the Petrolimex Party Committee, and Chairman of the Board of Management; Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Deputy Director General; Nguyen Thanh Son, Chairman of the Vietnam National Petroleum Trade Union; Pham Quang Huy, Chairman and Director of Petrolimex Lao Cai; and representatives from the Group's departments.

Bac Ha and Bao Yen districts in Lao Cai province were among the areas most severely affected by Typhoon Yagi in terms of casualties and infrastructure damage. As of September 30, 2024, the two districts recorded 98 deaths, 17 missing persons, 49 injuries, and severe damage to over 5,000 houses and infrastructure facilities such as electricity, roads, schools, and stations. Many water supply facilities ceased operations, disrupting the local people's source of domestic water. Due to the lack of domestic water, many households had to temporarily use stored rainwater or share well water resources.

Recognising the urgency of providing access to clean water, Petrolimex collaborated with the Women's Union of Lao Cai Province to distribute 1,000 water filters to households affected by natural disasters in Bac Ha and Bao Yen districts. These ceramic core water filters effectively remove bacteria and impurities, ensuring a clean water source that meets the quality standards of the Ministry of Health. The device is compact, easy to install, and does not require electricity, firewood, or coal, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Filtered water can be consumed directly without boiling, making it convenient for households.

Petrolimex is the first Vietnamese enterprise to implement a large-scale water filter distribution programme. This initiative is a concrete step in the Group's greenhouse gas emission reduction action plan, aiming towards carbon neutrality and net zero emissions in accordance with the Government's direction.

Secretary of the Petrolimex Party Committee and Chairman of the Board of Management, Pham Van Thanh, stated: "Although Typhoon Yagi has passed, its aftermath on people's daily lives remains severe, particularly the essential need for clean water. These water filters are a small gift but represent a piece of Petrolimex's heart sent to the two districts, helping people overcome difficulties and partially mitigate the consequences of the rain and floods."

In addition to focusing on its production and business tasks, Petrolimex—one of Vietnam's leading energy corporations in trading green, clean, and environmentally friendly fuel products—remains committed to its social responsibility through various social security activities. These efforts are considered a vital part of the Group's mission and are inseparable from its production and business activities, aligning with its sustainable development goals.

Speaking at the programme, Vice President of the Lao Cai Provincial Women's Union, Vu Thi Tan, emphasised the significance of the water filter distribution activity, especially for people who have recently experienced natural disasters. The programme contributes to the Women's Union organisations at all levels in carrying out key tasks in health care, environmental protection, and effectively implementing the campaign to build progressive and happy families.

"We often run short of tap water, so our family still uses well water for daily activities. Since Typhoon Yagi, the well water has become cloudy. The water filter donated by Petrolimex helps my family have more clean water and peace of mind to use it, so we are very happy," shared Lam Thi Suong, a resident of Na Hoi village, Bac Ha district, Lao Cai Province.

The Group's leadership expressed their sincere gratitude to the leaders of Lao Cai province, the local people, and social organizations for their support and facilitation, which enabled the Group to successfully implement the program. It is anticipated that in December, Petrolimex will continue the program by distributing 1,300 water filters in the provinces of Ha Giang and Yen Bai, in order to share and spread the spirit of support and encouragement to people overcoming difficulties.

Some images depict the water filter donation programme: