Compliance and practices of selected elementary schools on WASH: Foundation for an enhanced health, hygiene, and sanitation program

The focus on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in schools highlights its importance in promoting student health, reducing disease transmission, and supporting academic performance. In the Philippines, the Department of Education’s WinS (WASH in Schools) program provides a framework for integrating hygiene, sanitation, and health education within the school system. This study aimed to assess the level of compliance and practices of selected public elementary schools in Santiago City, Isabela, with the WinS program, and to evaluate the microbial quality of school water sources. A mixed-methods, descriptive-experimental research design was utilized. Data were collected through structured surveys, key informant interviews, school observations guided by the WinS Monitoring Tool, and microbiological analysis of school water samples. A total of 400 respondents participated, including students, teachers, and school staff from four central public schools. Survey results revealed a “Very Good” level of WASH-related practices, with high adherence to handwashing habits, sanitation routines, and hygiene promotion activities. Compliance assessment showed a 98.19% overall rate across five components: Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Health Education, and Deworming. However, water analysis revealed that two schools failed microbiological testing, with high heterotrophic plate counts and detectable coliforms, indicating contamination risks. The findings conclude that while schools demonstrate strong behavioral and infrastructural WASH compliance, gaps persist in water safety and environmental monitoring. Thus, there is a need for more comprehensive implementation that includes regular water testing, improved toilet maintenance, and behavior-centered training programs. It is recommended that schools adopt the proposed CLEAN policy framework—Coordinate with health agencies, Learn through training, Evaluate practices, Assure access to resources, and Nurture a hygiene culture—to ensure sustainable and health-protective WASH practices.