Hygiene and Sanitation Practices among Selected Public Secondary Schools in Area IV, Batangas Province: Basis for a Proposed Intensified Plan

Abstract

Introduction

All children have the right to clean water and basic sanitation, as stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In the Public Health Reports on November 10, 2010, the Philippines has a population of more than one hundred million people, making it one the most populous countries in Asia with approximately one-third of the country's population living in poverty, and for many families, inadequate sanitation, and hygiene is a serious problem. In this study, a proposed intensified plan was proposed and implemented in the school where the researcher is currently teaching.

Methods

The descriptive method of research was used. One one hundred thirty-five (135) public secondary school teachers responded to a set of modified survey questionnaires based on the Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools Program of the Department of Education. The data was collected and analyzed to determine the level of implementation of hygiene and sanitation practices in schools.

Results

The majority of the schools near the municipality depend on water districts for their water source, but still, there is a need to improve water supply since most of the schools in the rural areas depend on electric-powered pumps. Schools are fully aware of the importance of sanitation. Hygiene development among girls needs more attention from school management especially in terms of security. School management is very serious in implementing the deworming process. The campaign for health education and public awareness has to be given more attention to ensure that the program is being understood and implemented.

Discussions

The results recommend a provision for deep well or overhead water tanks for schools to have a regular supply of water in case unforeseen things take place. The school administration may establish linkage with the Local Government Units to encourage local officials to be more proactive in safeguarding the health of students in providing support for efficient and sustainable water sanitation facilities. District supervisors, school principals, school health personnel and teachers may carry out maintenance of sanitation facilities as a performance indicator in the evaluation of the school.