By: Rosalie C. Agapay, Teacher III
SDO Laguna, Liliw Sub Office
Francisco S. Brosas Memorial ES
The WinS policy as stated in DepEd Order 10, s.2016 titled Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in School Program issued on February, 2016, integrates different schools’ program on personal health and environmental sanitation.
DepEd WASH in School (WinS) components composed of oral hygiene and proper handwashing, provision of safe and adequate water supply, provision of toilet, handwashing and drainage facilities, environmental sanitation and solid waste management, food sanitation, menstrual hygiene management, deworming and hygiene and sanitation education.
Managing and implementing all these components in school requires great effort not only from the school head, but also to the whole school. It also requires man power from teachers and even parents play an important role in making this policy a success not only in school but also at home.
Another problem in WinS operation is the financial resources that need in purchasing equipment, personal hygiene kit for the learners, cleaning materials and maintenance of handwashing facilities and drinking facilities.
This is where the managerial expertise of the school head put into action. School principal need to devise plans in order to solve issues on WinS operation. Stakeholders, serves one of the many options that will assist school in ensuring the safety and protection of our learner from any harm as mandated in state’s constitution.
Monitoring and evaluation of the policy helps to identify strategies that are effective and that are need for reevaluation. This also help in pinpointing the source of the problem to immediately provide solution.
WASH in School program is not a-school-alone program, it need help from outside sources in order to achieve its success. School needs to motivate every learner and parents to participate and promotes awareness on the importance of cleanliness, not only to one self but also to their environment.
