School Health Intervention: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools (WinS) Program in Public Schools of the National Capital Region, Philippines

Background: The program of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools (WinS), implemented by the Department of Education, supports the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The present study assessed the extent of implementation of WinS in public schools in the National Capital Region (NCR), Philippines, identified the most challenging program elements, and explored the associations with demographic characteristics of implementers.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2023 among 706 School WinS Coordinators (SWCs) across public elementary and secondary schools in National Capital Region (NCR). Data were collected using a modified Department of Education WinS monitoring tool. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests (e.g., Chi-square) were used in SPSS version 26.Results: The WinS program was rated as “implemented” (mean value=3.41), with Sanitation as the only “fully implemented” element (mean value=3.60). Deworming was the most difficult element and Funding Stability was the most complex domain. Significant differences were found based on implementer demographics. Age was associated with implementation ratings for Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and Health Education (all P≤0.001). Position was linked to Water (P=0.031), Sanitation (P=0.036), Hygiene (P=0.048), and Deworming (P=0.008). Subject taught and grade level were also significantly related to some elements. Gender, educational attainment, and length of experience showed no significant associations.Conclusions: While WinS implementation in NCR schools is generally positive, gaps remain in Deworming and Funding Stability. Tailoring support based on implementer demographics may improve program delivery.