Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and

Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program

February 19, 2016

DepEd Order Number 10, s. 2016

Policy and Guidelines for the Comprehensive Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools
(WinS) Program
To:

Undersecretaries
Assistant Secretaries
Bureau and Service Directors
Regional Directors
Schools Division Superintendents
Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools Heads
All Others Concerned

1. For the information and guidance of all concerned, the Department of Education (DepEd) issues the enclosed Policy and Guidelines for the
Comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program for the promotion of correct hygiene and sanitation practices among school
children and a clean environment in and around schools to keep learners safe and healthy.

2. This Policy aims to:

ensure correct knowledge and understanding among learners of effective hygiene and sanitation projects;
improve equitable access to safe water, adequate toilets, and hand washing facilities;
improve hygiene and sanitation practices among the learners to enable them to develop life-long positive hygiene and sanitation behaviors;
ensure that schools are kept clean and safe through school-based solid waste management, proper drainage, the
elimination of breeding grounds for mosquitoes to prevent vector-borne diseases, and food sanitation; and
engage public and private partners for program implementation and sustainability.
3. All Orders, Memoranda, and other issuances inconsistent with this policy are deemed repealed, rescinded, or amended accordingly upon its effectivity.

4. This Order shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

5. Immediate dissemination of and strict compliance with this Order is directed.

(Sgd.) BR. ARMIN A. LUISTRO FSC

Secretary

Useful Links:

1. Establishment of Barangay Health Station (BHS), A DOH Clinic in Public Elementary Schools
2. Hiring Guidelines for Kindergarten to Grade 10 Teaching Positions
3. Changes in and Additional Information to DepEd Memorandum No. 1, s. 2016 (Administration of the Language Assessment for Primary Grades
(LAPG) and the National Achievement Test for Grade Six (NAT G6) for School Year 2015-2016)
4. DepEd School Year (SY) 2015-2016 End of School Year Rites
5. DepEd Policy on Educational Field Trips

(Enclosure to DepEd Order No. 10, s. 2016)

POLICY AND GUIDELINES FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE WATER, SANITATION AND

HYGIENE IN SCHOOLS (WINS) PROGRAM
I. Rationale
Hygiene and sanitation are essential to good health. Adequate water supply and adequate toilet and proper handwashing facilities are required to achieve
good hygiene and sanitation. The lack of access to these facilities poses risk to peoples health. However, the mere presence of these facilities is not
enough to achieve better hygiene and sanitation among the community members. Proper and correct practices in the use of these facilities must be
practiced to maximize the benefits and achieve the impact to the well-being of the community.

Hygiene and sanitation challenges have caused many children in developing countries to fall ill and even die from infection with intestinal parasites,
abdominal pain, and diarrhea. This situation also leads to anemia, stunted growth, and higher incidence of absenteeism which consequently impede a
childs learning and ability to stay in school.
In the Philippines, some 24 million Filipinos lack improved sanitation even as the Department of Health (DOH) has made significant strides in this regard
over the last two decades. Poor sanitation practices among the almost 20 million poorest Filipinos have been linked directly to poverty, thus bringing to
the fore the vital role of government in breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring access to improved drinking water and sanitation. The lack of access to
safe and clean water and poor sanitation and hygiene practices among the nations poorest families have led to an estimated 43.7 percent and 44.7 percent
of pre-school age and school-age Filipino children, respectively, having soil-transmitted helminth infections

To help address this challenge, the Department of Education (DepEd) has been conducting semi-annual deworming of kindergarten and elementary
school children in all public schools nationwide under its Integrated Helminth Control Program (IHCP). In the last six years, it has combined deworming
with daily tooth-brushing and proper handwashing under one program. Department Order (D O.) No. 56, s. 2009 titled Immediate Construction of Water
and Hand Washing Facilities in All Schools for the Prevention of Influenza A (H1NI) and D O. No. 65, s. 2009 titled Implementation of the Essential
Health Care Program (EHCP) for the School Children were issued in an effort to institutionalize good health and hygiene practices among students.

Under the EHCP, pupils have been taught simple, basic, and doable health interventions to promote cleanliness and prevent sickness. As of 2014, the
program was able to cover 16 of the countrys 17 regions in partnership with a number of government organizations (GOs) and non-government
organizations (NGOs) that have continuously sponsored health kits/packages for more than three (3) million pupils nationwide. This meant coverage of
68 out of 220 Schools Divisions, with 9,366 EHCP-implementing schools out of a total of 38,689 public schools. In consonance with the EHCP, the
Department has endeavored to bridge the gap in the pupil-to-bowl ratio in the countrys public elementary and secondary schools which, as of 2015, was
1:36 in the elementary level and 1:53 in high school. The Department also partnered with stakeholders to vigorously promote correct handwashing
practices among schoolchildren.

Best practices around the world have shown that improving access to and use of water and sanitation facilities within schools and enhancing hygiene and
sanitation practices can effectively halt water and sanitation-related diseases. This will also help bring the Philippines closer to realizing its 2015 MDG
commitment on the reduction of infectious diseases and improving sanitation coverage.

To expand the EHCPs reach and transform it into a more comprehensive program, the Department has crafted this holistic program for personal health
care and environmental sanitation through a set of standards for proper and correct health practices in schools. It goes beyond handwashing, tooth
brushing, and deworming which are the key programs of the EHCP to cover water, sanitation including food handling and preparation, hygiene
including menstrual hygiene management, deworming, health education, and capacity building. In crafting this set of guidelines, thus, the Department, in
partnership with agencies and stakeholders, hopes to address the gaps in the areas of hygiene and sanitation and keep more children healthy and in school.

II. Scope
This Policy and Guidelines shall apply to all private and public elementary and secondary schools nationwide including Learning Centers.

III. Statement of Policy and Objectives

This Policy is designed to achieve learning and health outcomes and improve school attendance of students through a comprehensive, sustainable, and
scalable school-based water, hygiene, sanitation, and deworming program pursuant to the States mandate, under the 1987 Constitution, to defend the
right of children to assistance including proper care and nutrition and special protection from conditions prejudicial to their development as well as to
protect and promote the peoples right to health and instill health consciousness among them. This policy intends to achieve the following targets:

1. Water: All schools shall have an organized system to make adequate and safe drinking water as well as clean water for handwashing, toilet use,
menstrual hygiene management, and cleaning purposes available to all students during school hours;

2. Sanitation: All schools shall have adequate, clean, functional, safe, and accessible toilet facilities that meet the pupil-to-bowl ratio as stipulated in the
Philippine Sanitation Code; maintain cleanliness and safety in and the immediate vicinity of school premises through school-based solid waste
management, proper drainage, and the elimination of all possible breeding grounds for mosquitoes to prevent vector-borne diseases; and ensure safety in
food handling and preparation;

3. Hygiene: All students in school shall perform supervised daily group handwashing with soap and toothbrushing with fluoride, while a system and
support mechanisms for effective menstrual hygiene management shall be ensured in all schools;

4. Health Education: All teachers, heads of schools, facilities coordinators, and health personnel shall be oriented on the DepED WinS program. Trained
teachers can conduct Health Education in coordination with community leaders during Parent-Teacher Assosication (PTA) meetings. All pupils/students
shall have a higher awareness of correct hygiene and sanitation practices and develop positive health behaviors;

5. Deworming: At least 85 percent of all students shall be dewormed semi-annually; and

6. Capacity Building: All DepED WinS program implementers shall undergo orientation on the program as needed.

IV. Procedures
A. Basic Requirements and Standards

To achieve the foregoing objectives, the following basic requirements must be in place and followed in all schools. School Heads and all school
personnel in collaboration with partners must endeavor to meet and realize these basic requirements, indicated below.

Elements of Basic Requirements and Standards

WINS
Water Regular supply of safe drinking water in school;
Regular supply of clean water for handwashing, menstrual hygiene management, toilet flushing, and other cleaning purposes
within the school setting.
Rainwater catchment systems shall be installed in schools to ensure water supply for proper hygiene and sanitation during
emergencies, pursuant to Sections 902-904 of the National Building Code, and in areas that have no access to regular water
supply;
Daily cleaning and regular maintenance activities as well as repair of water supply facilities in their respective schools,
pursuant to the school-based management principle mandated in Republic Act No. 9155, the Governance of Basic Education Act
of 2001; and
Regular monitoring of water quality in accordance with the latest National Standards for Drinking Water, to protect the water
supply from all types of contamination within the school premises.

Sanitation Access to functional toilets with individual handwashing facilities for boys and girls in schools;
Adequate and proper septage and waste water disposal and/or treatment systems in school;
Daily cleaning and proper and regular operation and maintenance of toilet and individual handwashing facilities for sustainable
use;
Proper segregation and disposal of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste material is practiced by providing separate
garbage bins for dry waste, wet waste, and hazardous/toxic waste, as well as proper solid waste disposal through the existing
municipal or city solid waste management and disposal system or, in the absence of the same, through a compost pit within
school premises.
Elimination of breeding grounds for mosquitos in and around the vicinity of schools to prevent vector-borne diseases;
Regular supply of soap and water in individual handwashing stations near toilets;
Correct and concise information on proper handwashing and use of toilet facilities, as well as pertinent posters for said
purpose, posted prominently on strategic locations in toilet and handwashing areas;
Proper septage and w aste water disposal are strictly followed;
The prohibition on the burning of garbage shall be strictly implemented in compliance with Republic Act No. 9003, the
Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000;
Food preparation and handling in all schools meet the standards of the Food Safety Manual;
School personnel in charge of food handling and preparations are properly trained and certified based on the standards of the
Code on Sanitation of the Philippines;
Information/education materials on the WinS program are provided to program implementers, teachers, and students.
Deworming Deworm all students semi-annually subject to DOH recommendations based on the results of the current prevalence index
survey;
Parental or guardians consent for semi-annual deworming is obtained during enrolment or the first few days of school prior to
the first deworming sessions;
Mass deworming is done by health personnel or by teachers in the presence of a health personnel;
Deworming is done on a lull stomach to help reduce adverse events;
Any adverse events shall be handled based on the Guidelines on Deworming, Dmg Administration, and Management of
Adverse Events Following Deworming in compliance with DOF! directive; and
Coordination with other partners shall be encouraged in the implementation of the program.

The school head plays a crucial role in ensuring that the basic requirements and standards of this policy are met. Every requirement and standard in each
WinS element must be satisfied either through policy and procedures or the provision of required items.

B. Roles and Responsibilities

The DepEd and its key stakeholders are pivotal to the effective implementation of this Policy. As such, the following shall be the roles and
responsibilities of the different DepEd Offices as well as DepEd partners:

The Central Office, through the School Health Division of the Bureau of Learner Support Services (BLSS-SHDT shall:

1. Develop strategies and action plans including the setting up of a WinS Technical Working Group (TWG), issue related policies, and take charge of the
overall execution of the WinS Program;
2. Allocate funds and prepare logistical plans for the WinS Program;
3. Undertake capacity development of and technical assistance to program implementers in all schools;
4. Undertake program oversight as well as monitoring and evaluation, analyze data from the field, and issue recommendations for improving program
implementation;
5. Network and coordinate with partner agencies, organizations, and local government units (LGUs) for program advocacy, mobilization for public
awareness campaigns, treatment referral, legislation, monitoring, and overall policy compliance;
6. Coordinate with the Physical Facilities and Schools Engineering Division (PFSED) in the determination of the following:

a. Standards and specifications for WinS facilities;

b. proper septage and waste water disposal;
c. correct specifications for the handwashing facilities as well as build common handwashing facilities inside the classroom for individual use and/or
outside the classroom for daily group activity; and
d. adequacy of toilet and handwashing facilities for boys and girls to achieve pupil-to-toilet ratio of 50:1 for boys and girls;

7. Establish a set of standards for incentives and awards to recognize outstanding program implementers;
8. Coordinate with the Bureau of Curriculum Development (BCD) for the inclusion of the following into the K to 12 curriculum:

a. benefits of proper handwashing for food safety;

b. key concepts on menstrual hygiene management that are age-appropriate, culture- and gender-sensitive, and interactive; and

9. Close coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure regular supply of deworming medicines to DepEd regional offices or schools
division offices;

Regional Offices shall:

1. Provide technical assistance to division offices on the conduct of training and orientation, funding sources, and link up with partners and the Central
Office, among others;
2. Provide support for WinS logistical plans;
3. Conduct training and capacity development for implementers;
4. Undertake program advocacy with LGUs;
5. Implement incentives and awards for Best Division Implementor;
6. Conduct monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the WinS Program using the national M&E tool;
7. Submit an annual report consolidating the yearly reports from Schools Division Offices within their respective jurisdictions no later than the first week
of December each year to the Central Office-BLSS; and
8. Conduct an annual Performance Implementation Review of the WinS Program and submit findings and recommendations to the Central Office.

Schools Division Offices shall:

1. Provide technical assistance to districts and schools in coordination with partners;

2. Conduct training and capacity development for implementers;
3. Undertake program advocacy with LGUs;
4. Conduct monitoring and evaluation of the WinS Program;
5. Submit an annual report consolidating yearly reports from schools within its jurisdiction no later than the first week of December each year to the
Regional Office.
6. Create a WinS TWG for better implementation of the program;
7. Implement incentives and awards for Best School Implementor; and
8. Conduct an annual Performance Implementation Review of the WinS Program.
Schools shall:

1. Ensure effective implementation of the WinS policy and its program activities in the school setting;
2. Secure the support and participation of the community, including the Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and other stakeholders, for the program;
3. Collaborate with key partners for the following:

a. put in place systems and mechanisms that will allow all stakeholders to take part in the implementation of this policy,
b. craft specific roles and responsibilities of each member of school personnel in making sure that all requirements and standards are met,
c. ensure the inclusion of the WinS Program in the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and Annual Implementation Plan (AIP);

4. Gather information necessary for effective monitoring and evaluation of the Program,
5. Conduct an annual Performance Implementation Review of the WinS Program; and
6. Submit an annual report no later than the first week of December each year to the Schools Division Office.

DepEd Partners for WinS shall:

1. Provide technical assistance to WinS implementing schools;

2. Extend support for WinS implementation in identified DepEd areas;
3. Strengthen monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems for the WinS Program; and
4. Document and share best practices, approaches, strategies, funding and knowledge sources to support the WinS program.

C. Partnerships and Linkages

The involvement of partners and key stakeholders in the implementation of this program has significantly contributed to the strides the Department has
made in this area.

Nevertheless, school authorities shall strictly observe the prohibition on accepting donations or sponsorships from or having any financial or material
involvement with tobacco companies in advancing the WinS program. Violation of this prohibition is punishable under existing law and DepEd Order
No. 6, s. 2012.

Likewise, school authorities shall strictly observe prohibitions stipulated in Executive Order No. 51 or the Milk Code of the Philippines, particularly those
on the acceptance of funding, sponsorships, logistical, training, financial or material incentives, or gifts of any sort from companies that manufacture or
market infant formula and other breastmilk substitutes.

V. Funding
Funding for the effective and sustainable implementation of the WinS Program shall be sourced from the budget for school maintenance and other
operating expenses (MOOE), in accordance with the school-based management system mandated in Republic Act No. 9155. Specifically, the MOOE
budget shall finance the proper maintenance and repair of school handwashing, toilet, water supply, waste disposal facilities, and the provision of a
regular supply of drinking water as well as clean running water for hygiene and sanitation purposes.

VI. Monitoring and Evaluation

The Schools Division Office, through the School Management Monitoring and Evaluation Section (SMMES), shall periodically monitor overall
implementation of this policy and guidelines to determine its efficiency and effectiveness as well as problem areas. Civil Society Organizations that are
actively involved in the monitoring of school-level programs and projects may also provide assistance in this task and provide feedback to DepEd.

Periodic reports, once every six months, on the status of the program to be submitted by all school heads to the Schools Division Offices (SDOs) shall
form part of the M&E effort. The SDO shall consolidate these reports and submit the same to the Regional Office which, in turn, shall consolidate all
reports from the SDOs and submit a unified report to the Central Office through the Bureau of Learner Support Services, School Health Division (BLSS-
SHD).

Targets and performance indicators shall be clearly defined based on the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) in which
the WinS program shall be included. Capacity building on how to run an effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the WinS program shall also be
undertaken.

VII. References
A. DECS Order No. 60, s. 1994, Cleanliness and Maintenance of Schools and DECS Offices Toilets;
B. DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2007, Revised Operating Guidelines on the Operation and Management of School Canteens in Public Elementary and
Secondary Schools;
C. DepEd Order No. 56, s. 2009, Immediate Construction of Water and Hand Washing Facilities in All Schools for the Prevention of Influenza A
(H1NI); and
D. DepEd Order No. 65, s. 2009, Implementation of the Essential Health Care Program (EHCP) for the School Children.

VIII. Separability Clause

If for any reason, any portion or provision of this Order is declared unconstitutional, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

IX. Effectivity
These guidelines shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. This shall be
registered with the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR) at the University of the Philippines (UP) Law Center, UP Diliman, Quezon
City.