The level of readiness and the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) implementation of secondary schools: Basis for an enhancement program

This study investigated the application of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in schools in the context of monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of WASH programs. The study provided concrete data to determine the implementation of the program and made enhancements to the WASH implementation in schools. A total of 30 technical working group teachers from four public secondary schools in East Butuan District III, who were implementing the WASH in Schools program for the academic year 2022-2023, were selected to participate in the study. The study’s findings showed that there was no significant relationship between the level of school readiness and the level of WASH implementation, particularly in areas related to dissemination, awareness, acceptability, and advocacy. The interconnectedness of WASH components within school environments suggests that effective dissemination, awareness, acceptability, and advocacy are integral to the successful implementation of WASH practices. The findings of this study underscore the necessity of adopting customized strategies to bolster these essential aspects and improve the implementation of WASH in Schools, especially for schools with limited resources. The results of the investigation were used in the development of the WASH implementation enhancement program. A collaboration between the school, administrators, stakeholders, parents, and students is recommended to ensure a smooth and more efficient implementation of these programs, which can lead to the expected positive outcomes in the WASH program.