Correct hygiene and sanitation for the win!

The DepEd-NCR Regional Office, through the School Health and Nutrition Unit, has conducted the Regional WASH in Schools (WinS) Validation of Schools with a 3-Star Rating at SDO-Makati on February 1–2, 2024, to ensure the proper implementation of the WinS Program in compliance with DepEd Order No. 10, s. 2016 entitled “Policy and Guidelines for Comprehensive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program” and also in preparation for the uploading to the Online Monitoring System (OMS) for SY 2022-2023.

The Regional Monitoring Team, composed of Dr. Connie P. Gepanayao, Medical Officer IV, and Ms. Rhodora Elli, Nurse II, and WinS Coordinator of SDO-Pasig, went to Guadalupe Viejo Elementary School and Nemesio I. Yabut Elementary School on February 1, 2024.

On the second day (February 2, 2024), Dr. Merlino Mateo, Regional Supervising Dentist and WinS Coordinator, visited Makati High School, Palanan Elementary School, and Hen. Pio del Pilar ES-1 and Jose Magsaysay Elementary School.

The monitoring was smooth with the assistance of the SDO-Makati Health Personnel. The principals of the schools visited were very supportive and hands-on. The MOVs are intact, and the facilities are clean and well maintained. The school canteen, feeding room, Gulayan sa Paaralan, and clinic were also checked.

The findings, observations, and recommendations of the regional validators were noted by the school and division WinS coordinators and discussed with the principals. All the best practices of the schools visited were commendable.

On February 7, 2024, the School Health and Nutrition Section—School Governance and Operations Division of SDO-Makati will conduct a post-conference with the validated schools to discuss the findings, observations, and recommendations for better and improved WinS program implementation.

This year, the SDO-Makati is targeting an increase in the number of schools with a 3-star rating. Ways forward are already in place, as indicated in the Division WinS Action Plan.