U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera, alongside First Lady of Panama Maricel Cohen de Mulino, Minister of Education Lucy Molinar, Minister of Health Dr. Fernando Boyd Galindo, and Governor of Colón Julio Hernández, launched the “Agua en tu Aula” initiative at Escuela Bilingue Gatuncillo. The event was also attended by AES Panama President Miguel Bolinaga and United Way’s Board President Gilberto Arosemena.
The program aims to provide continuous access to clean water for over 500 students at Escuela Bilingue Gatuncillo through a new rainwater harvesting system. The system was built with materials donated by SOUTHCOM, funding from AES Panama, and support from United Way Panama.
“Agua en tu Aula” is a joint effort between the U.S. Embassy, Panamanian government agencies, private companies, and non-governmental organizations. It is intended to improve potable water access in schools across Panama and is expected to benefit 4,000 students in 30 schools.
Several companies—including AES Panama, ARGOS, Copa Airlines, Dorben Group, EY, Panama Rainwater, Procter & Gamble, and WCI Maritime Services—have contributed resources for school water infrastructure as part of this initiative. These efforts complement SOUTHCOM’s Humanitarian Assistance Program that provides materials to help ensure continuous access to clean water in educational institutions throughout Colón and other regions including Los Santos, Herrera, Chiriquí, and the Ngabe Bugle area.
“Agua en tu Aula reflects the best of our cooperation in security and education: concrete, visible projects with a positive impact on youth and communities. Under President Trump’s leadership, the U.S. Embassy is strengthening bilateral cooperation with Panama for the benefit of both countries,” said U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera.
First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino commented: “Today, with this water system installed, I see stability, a better quality of life, and dreams that can now move forward without the uncertainty of lacking access to safe drinking water. I would like to thank the United States Embassy for this initiative, which reflects a genuine sensitivity to our realities.”
The United States has stated it will continue working with Panama’s government and people to promote security and prosperity in the region.