How APES Achieved the 3-Star Level in DepEd WINS Implementation
By RAUL L. MAHILUM
The DepEd WinS Program is outlined to achieve learning and health outcomes of Filipino learners through a comprehensive, sustainable, and scalable school-based WASH program which involved six major thematic areas: water, hygiene, sanitation, deworming, health education and capacity development. This is implemented to defend the right of children to dignity, assistance, and protection from conditions that would hamper their development.
Agusan Pequeño Elementary School is one of the schools in Butuan City Division which complied the requirements prescribed by DepEd to be categorized as 3 star level in WINS implementation. It was not an easy tasks to cope up all the necessary items, equipment and installations from the different categories of water, hygiene, sanitation, deworming, health education and capacity development but with the genuine support of the internal and external stakeholders, the school was able to collaboratively met what is stated in three-stars standard indicators. Though, it was not an overnight process but with the strong determination of the school staff headed by the school head and WINS Coordinator, different ways and means were initiated to gain financial support for the purpose of school improvements like applying face lifting through painting and beautification but most importantly prioritizing the necessary requirements indicated in the validation tool.
The DepEd validation is still ongoing whether or not the WINS three-star level is sustained up to present. Fortunately, WINS implementation has been sustained and the different means of verification are evident and tangible from the safe and drinkable water, functional toilet in standard ratio, comprehensive waste segregation system, the learners regular practice of proper handwashing and toothbrushing, the conduct of deworming semi-annually, the planned activities on advocating WINS and the capacity building to teachers, parents, learners and other stakeholders.
The most common hygiene deficiency related infectious diseases in public schools are due to inadequate water and functional sanitary facilities, if unattended, these will lead to malnutrition, poor physical growth and other diseases like anemia, toothache among others so the advocacy on the promotion of correct hygiene and sanitation practices among school children and a clean environment in Agusan Pequeño Elementary School has been the priority to keep the learners safe and healthy, excel academically and develop to be productive citizens in the country.
With the critical indicators in each area that the school will be rated according to the three (3)- star rubrics during the upcoming regional validation, the positivity to be assessed as 3 -star level is at reach.
Furthermore, applicable and apt intervention measures will be implemented to facilitate improvement and successful implementation of WINS program for its sustenance for the succeeding years. ###
