Factors Associated with Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Program in Maa District

The study aimed to determine the extent of factors associated with water, sanitation, and hygiene and the extent of WASH program of public elementary schools in Maa District. This study employed a non-experimental quantitative research design utilizing descriptive-correlation method. Validated questionnaire and Universal sampling procedure were utilized considering the minimal number of teachers in the research locale. One hundred twenty (120) public elementary school teachers were the respondents of the study. Using mean, pearson-r, and regression analysis, the findings revealed that the factors associated with water, sanitation, and hygiene was very extensive while the extent of WASH program of public elementary schools was also very extensive. Moreover, the overall results disclosed that indicators for the water, sanitation, and hygiene were positively correlated to the WASH program of public elementary schools. Further, results from the regression analysis revealed the following have a strong influence of water, sanitation, and hygiene on the WASH program of public elementary schools: prevention and control practices, sanitation and hygiene and evaluation and consultation. It is recommended that the DepEd should allocate sufficient resources and implement stronger policies to sustain and expand the WASH program, particularly in underserved schools, ensuring equitable access to clean water and sanitation facilities. It is also recommended that the teachers should integrate WASH education into daily classroom routines and activities to reinforce hygiene awareness and encourage lifelong healthy habits among learners.