Evaluation on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WINS) Program of Department of Education in South Central Mindanao

This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools (WINS) program of the Department of Education in South Central Mindanao. To achieve the objectives of the study, the descriptive-correlation method was utilized in which the researcher-made survey questionnaire was used as the primary instrument in acquiring data. A total of 250 respondents were the samples of the study conducted. The data were tallied, analyzed, and interpreted using mean and Pearson-r Moment Correlation (Pearson-r) for the significant correlation, and multiple regression for the best predictor.  Findings revealed that the extent of implementation of the basic requirements and standards of the comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene in schools (wins) program of the Department of Education in South Central Mindanao in terms of water in schools was moderately implemented. However, in terms sanitation, hygiene, health education and deworming in schools was considered to be slightly implemented. Hence, to produce a healthy school environment and to develop or support appropriate health and hygiene behaviors, there is a need to promote conditions within the school and the practices of children in order to prevent water and sanitation-related diseases. Further, results revealed that the extent of attainment of objectives per element of comprehensive water, sanitation and hygiene in schools (wins) program of the department of education in South Central Mindanao in terms of adequate and safe drinking water as well as clean water for hand washing, toilet use, menstrual hygiene management, and cleaning purposes available to all students during school hours; adequate, clean, functional, safe, and accessible toilet facilities; performed supervised daily group hand washing with soap and tooth brushing with fluoride; trained teachers on the conduct of health education in coordination with community leaders during parent-teacher association (PTA) meetings; and attained at least 85 percent of all students shall be dewormed semi-annually are slightly attained with an overall mean of 3.01, 3.10, 3.02, 3.14, and 3.07 respectively. Despite its slight attainment, the promotion of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation within schools can help children to adopt good habits during the formative years of their childhood. This is only possible if all strategies highlighting how water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in schools improve access to education and learning outcomes provide a safe, inclusive and equitable learning environment for all.