ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROJECT ON WINS SUPPORT THE WASH IN SCHOOL PROGRAM IN NASUGBU EAST SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

ABSTRACT

The Wash in School Program (WinS), also known as DepEd Order No. 10, Series of 2016, focused on maintaining and improving the cleanliness of wash areas and comfort rooms. It also emphasized students' needs in terms of hygiene practices and sanitation. A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Project ON WinS (Optimum Neatness for Wash in School Program) in promoting hygiene and cleanliness among students at Nasugbu East Senior High School, Philippines. Adopting a quantitative descriptive research strategy, data were collected through convenient sampling from 30 students utilizing comfort rooms and handwashing areas. The study assessed the program's impact on hygiene, sanitation, water, and health education, as well as its contribution to improving sanitation infrastructure. Results indicated high agreement among students regarding the program's effectiveness in promoting hygiene practices, sanitation, access to clean water, and health education. Students perceived visible improvements in sanitation infrastructure and facilities through the program. Barriers to effective implementation included inadequate funding, administrative support, resource shortages, and student discipline issues. Recommendations included prioritizing program focus, investing in infrastructure, securing funding, and enhancing student participation and oversight. Future research was suggested to emphasize continuous improvement and collaboration with school administrators to strengthen program effectiveness in promoting hygiene and cleanliness in educational settings.

Keywords: implementation, hygiene practices, and cleanliness

INTRODUCTION

Appropriate hygiene practices and management in schools are crucial for maintaining the cleanliness and neatness of learning spaces and properties. In fact, according to Alambra et al. (2024), schools can promote a culture of cleanliness and hygiene by making handwashing facilities easily accessible, encouraging frequent handwashing routines, and ensuring the availability of hygiene kits as proper hygiene practices. It is vital for students to grasp the significance of personal hygiene, which includes frequent handwashing, proper water supply, and respiratory hygiene. This issue locates the impact of the program entitled “ON WinS: Optimum Neatness for Wash in School Program aligned with the implementation of the Wash in School (WinS) Program as dominant to the satisfaction of Nasugbu East Senior High School proper hygienic practices among students and the cleanliness of WASH areas results. 

In a global study, personal hygiene education should be taught more in schools in accordance with the school curriculum (Lubis& Manullang, 2022), and existing national education policies should adequately provide for adequate water and sanitation facilities, as well as other menstruation-related improvements needed in schools (Sommer et al., 2017).  

However, in the Philippines, the WASH in School Program was built due to a lack of access to appropriate water supply, limited toilet and suitable handwashing facilities, and non-practice of hygienic behavior, which continue to be major contributors to hygiene and sanitation difficulties (DepEd Philippines, 2016). Most of the schools were exposed to cross-contamination due to failures, particularly in environmental hygiene and procedures (Oliveria et al., 2014). The acquisition of permits and certificates, improvement of facility design, and strict implementation of hygiene practices should be given careful consideration by school administrators, including local government units (Pascual& Abenis, 2016). 

In the Province of Batangas, the WASH in Schools program was evaluated (Udto & Miramar, 2022), and a study discovered that school type had the most influence on students’ learning concepts about hand hygiene, as well as its implementation and the provision of adequate supplies and facilities (Ramos et al., 2018). On the other hand, public school students demonstrated better levels of knowledge, practice, and facility utilization, as well as more enthusiasm for the proposed hand hygiene activities (Ramos et al., 2018). 

In light of this, the present researchers would like to study the program entitled “ON WinS: Optimum Neatness for Wash in School Program” in Nasugbu East Senior High School for its contribution to the information of the satisfaction of having proper hygiene practices and management in the WASH areas. Due to the insufficient and inadequate hygiene that occurs within the WASH areas, the significance of the program “ON WinS” connected to the Implementation of Wash in School Program conducted by DepEd Order No. 10, s. 2016 will identify the acquirable effect in terms of hygienic satisfaction impact at Nasugbu East Senior High School. Seemingly, this study will remain dedicated to the visible results of the program “ON Wins” as guidelines for school hygiene and cleanliness improvement. 

This study assessed the effectiveness of Project ON WinS: Optimum Neatness for Wash in School Program among students at Nasugbu East Senior High School, focusing on the program's impact on hygiene, sanitation, water, and health education. The study also assessed the program's contribution to the improvement of sanitation infrastructure and facilities within the school. Additionally, the study identified barriers to the effective implementation of the ON WINS program. Lastly, the recent study suggested improvements to enhance its effectiveness in promoting hygiene and cleanliness at the school.

METHODOLOGY

The current study adopted a quantitative research strategy and was designed in a descriptive manner. Descriptive research is a study design in which data is acquired qualitatively and examined quantitatively (Nassaji, 2015). It is a scientific practice that involves observing a sampling population in its natural environment. To reiterate, the descriptive research approach sought to determine the 'what' of a phenomenon. Data was acquired qualitatively and analyzed quantitatively in this manner. Furthermore, the observer did not intervene in the observation process or alter any of the study's variables (Lambert & Lambert, 2013). The researcher evaluated the ON Wins program aligned with implementing the Wash in School program to determine the improvements of WASH areas in terms of cleanliness at Nasugbu East Senior High School. Participants in this study were students from Nasugbu East Senior High School. Convenient sampling was adhered to by the researcher since the target outcome was solely solicited from 30 students who used the comfort rooms and handwashing areas around Nasugbu East Senior High School. Convenient sampling was used to select respondents that were most likely to yield appropriate and useful information (Kelly, 2013) and was a way of identifying and selecting cases that would use limited research resources effectively (Palinkas et. al, 2015).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION  

This section presents the data collected where the researcher is given interpretation and analysis. 

1. Effectiveness of the ON WINS (Optimum Neatness for Wash in School) Program among students at Nasugbu East Senior High School.            

     a. Hygiene

Table 1.1 shows the effectiveness of ON WinS Program in Nasugbu East Senior High School in terms of hygiene including the weighting and computed mean with its interpretation.

This table outlines the effectiveness of ON WinS program at Nasugbu East Senior High School in terms of hygiene. This shows that 100 percent of the answers Agree and garnered a grand weighted mean of 3.23 with the verbal interpretation of Agree. The highest weighted mean from the recommended solution is that there is a cleaning schedule to ensure cleanliness and hygiene in WASH areas, with a weighted mean of 3.43. And the lowest weighted mean from the recommended solution is that students engage in daily tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste, with a weighted mean of 2.97. This statement is related to the findings of Jayalakshmi (2015). The hardware consists of drinking water, washrooms for washing hands, and sanitary amenities inside and outside the school grounds. These components are initiatives to improve conditions at schools, staff, and student behaviors that lower the risk of illnesses linked to poor water and sanitation. 

     b. Sanitation

Table 1.2 shows the effectiveness of ON WinS Program in Nasugbu East Senior High School in terms of sanitation including the weighting and computed mean with its interpretation.

This table outlines the effectiveness of ON WinS program at Nasugbu East Senior High School in terms of sanitation. This shows that 100 percent of the answers Agree and garnered a grand weighted mean of 3.14 with the verbal interpretation of Agree. The highest weighted mean from the recommended solution stated that students follow the Oplan cleaning schedule diligently to maintain a clean and organized environment within the school premises. Proper handwashing techniques are followed by using soap and water or an alcohol-based rub, with a weighted mean of 3.27. And the lowest weighted mean from the recommended solution stated that comfort rooms have wrapping materials available for used pads to promote proper disposal, with a weighted mean of 2.90. 

According to Agbofa (2022), appropriate WASH facilities should be offered in accordance with the various WASH requirements to guarantee that the facilities are suitable, sufficient, accessible, and secure for use by students. 

     c. Water

Table 1.3 shows the effectiveness of ON WinS Program in Nasugbu East Senior High School in terms of water, including the weighting and computed mean with its interpretation.

This table outlines the effectiveness of ON WinS program at Nasugbu East Senior High School in terms of water. This shows that 100 percent of the answers Agree and garnered a grand weighted mean of 3.44 with the verbal interpretation of Agree. The highest weighted mean from the recommended solution stated that using clean water in my hygiene practices is essential for maintaining health and well-being, with a weighted mean of 3.60. And the lowest weighted mean from the recommended solution stated that there is a clean faucet in the handwashing areas and within toilets, with a weighted mean of 3.23. According to Ea (2019), Students thought that school was their second home, yet in the Philippines, schools in underprivileged areas are the worst off, with more than 7,000 primary schools lacking a reliable water supply and more than 90,000 needing to have basic restroom facilities built. In order to promote the Sustainable Development Goals by establishing sustainable, safe water supply points, hand-washing stations, and sanitation facilities, all schools must resolve gaps in the WASH program’s implementation. 

     d. Health Education

Table 1.4 shows the effectiveness of ON WinS Program in Nasugbu East Senior High School in terms of health education including the weighting and computed mean with its interpretation.

This table outlines the effectiveness of ON WinS program at Nasugbu East Senior High School in terms of health education. This shows that 100 percent of the answers Agree and garnered a grand weighted mean of 3.29 with the verbal interpretation of Agree. The highest weighted mean from the recommended solution stated that there are 'out of order' signages on comfort rooms that are under maintenance, and students take part in raising awareness among my fellow students on maintaining good hygiene habits with a weighted mean of 3.37. And the lowest weighted mean from the recommended solution is that students pay attention to the educational posters that are attached in the WASH area, with a weighted mean of 3.17. 

This statement is related to the findings of Brunda & Ganapathy (2021), who found that the best way for students to develop community tactics and intervention techniques to combat the numerous communicable and infectious diseases is through personal cleanliness. Students should participate in health promotion initiatives and health education lectures. Parents, school personnel, school nurses, and other staff members all play crucial roles in educating pupils about the importance of basic personal hygiene.               

2. Contribution of the ON WINS program to the improvement of sanitation infrastructure and facilities at Nasugbu East Senior High School 

Table 2 shows the contribution of the ON WINS program to the improvement of sanitation infrastructure and facilities including the weighting and computed mean with its interpretation.

This table shows the contribution of the On WinS program to improving the sanitation infrastructure and facilities. This shows that 100 percent of the answers Agree and garnered a grand weighted mean of 3.36 with the verbal interpretation of Agree. The highest weighted mean from the recommended solution stated that there are still available comfort rooms within our school, with a weighted mean of 3.60. And the lowest weighted mean from the recommended solution stated that there is sanitary materials provided within the comfort rooms of women by the aims of the program, with a weighted mean of 3.17.            

This statement is related to the findings of Reyes & Lim (2016) that the program successfully implemented infrastructure improvements such as the construction of handwashing stations, toilets, and water supply systems. These improvements contributed to a significant increase in access to clean water and improved sanitation facilities for students.               

3. Barriers to effective implementation of the ON WINS program in Nasugbu East Senior High School.               

Table 3 shows the barriers to effective implementation of the ON WINS program including the weighting and computed mean with its interpretation.

This table outlines the barriers to effective implementation of the ON WINS program. This shows that 20 percent Strongly Agree, while 80 percent Agree. The highest weighted mean of the recommended solution stated that adequate oplan cleaning should be implemented for the success of the program, with a weighted mean of 3.57. The lowest weighted means from the recommended solution stated that students encountered resource shortages in cleaning materials and equipment that hindered the effectiveness of the program, with a weighted mean of 3.17.               

The study of the WASH in School Program was built due to a lack of access to appropriate water supply, limited toilet and suitable handwashing facilities, and non-practice of hygienic behavior, which continue to be major contributors to hygiene and sanitation difficulties (DepEd Philippines, 2016). 

4. Improvements that can be implemented in the ON WINS Program to enhance its effectiveness in promoting hygiene and cleanliness at Nasugbu East Senior High School.               

Table 4 shows the improvements that can be implemented in the ON WINS Program to enhance its effectiveness in promoting hygiene and cleanliness including the weighting and computed mean with its interpretation.

This table shows the improvements that can be implemented in the ON WINS Program to enhance its effectiveness in promoting hygiene and cleanliness. This demonstrates that 50 percent of the responses are Strongly Agree, with the remaining 50 percent being Agree and garnered a grand weighted mean of 3.56 with the verbal interpretation of Agree. The highest weighted mean from the recommended solution suggested prioritizing the maintenance of clean restrooms to effectively promote good hygiene for myself and other students, with a weighted mean of 3.90. The lowest weighted means from the recommended solution are that more frequent cleaning sessions could enhance their hygiene practices, strict monitoring among sections that are engaged in the oplan cleaning to promote ongoing participation, and creating a student-led hygiene committee can increase their efforts to participate in the hygiene activities and oversee cleanliness efforts, with a weighted mean of 3.40.            

The study by David (2020) concludes that the video-assisted teaching and demonstration were effective in improving the knowledge of personal hygiene among schoolchildren and suggests having a regular teaching and training program to improve the hygienic practices among school children.

CONCLUSIONS  

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: 

1. The ON WinS program at Nasugbu East Senior High School has been effective in terms of hygiene, sanitation, water, and health education in promoting cleaning schedule, proper handwashing techniques, clean water utilization, and posting educational signages.
2. Through visible infrastructure improvements and student participation in enhancing wash area cleanliness, the program can effectively contribute to improving sanitation infrastructure and facilities.
3. The program emphasizes the critical need for adequate cleaning plans while addressing challenges such as insufficient funding, lack of administrative support, inadequate facilities, and student discipline issues, all within the context of limited access to water supply and poor hygiene practices in schools.
4. Implementing student involvement in cleaning schedules, monitoring sections during cleaning activities, and establishing a student-led hygiene committee are improvements needed to effectively promote hygiene and cleanliness within the educational setting.

RECOMMENDATIONS   

From the result of the study which was to assess the effectiveness of project on wins support the wash in school program in Nasugbu East Senior High School, these are the recommendations of the researcher to the beneficiary of this study: 

1. Continue to prioritize and strengthen the ON WinS program's focus on hygiene, sanitation, water, and health education to maintain and build upon its effectiveness in promoting cleanliness within the educational setting. 

2. School should invest in improving infrastructure and facilities to have a more organized and cleaner WASH areas and create encouragement in student participation in enhancing the cleanliness in WASH area. 

3. For the improvement of the program, future researchers may collaborate with school administrators to prioritize adequate cleaning plans, secure sufficient funding, and promote student discipline to strengthen administrative support and enhance WASH facilities. 

4. Future research should implement improvements by continuous student participation in cleaning schedules, having strong monitoring sections to guarantee the effective promotion of hygiene and cleanliness in the school. These improvements can boost participation, oversight, and the overall impact of the program.