IMPLEMENTATION OF SCHOOL-BASED MANAGEMENT – WASH IN SCHOOL PROGRAM: AN ASSESSMENT

The School-Based Management—Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (SBM-WinS) program addresses critical needs within schools. This program plays a vital role in supporting parents. By ensuring schools to provide clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene education, the program directly contributes to a healthier student population, meaning fewer illnesses and less disruption for both children and parents. The program also empowers parents through education. This study determined the level of awareness and the extent of implementation of SBM-WinS in the District of Hinabangan II, Schools Division of Samar, during the School Year 2023-2024. The study utilized a quantitative approach to research. In the main data gathering tool, the researcher employed a survey questionnaire. The findings of the study affirmed that looking into the relationship between the level of implementation of the parent-respondents relative to the SBM-WinS program and their level of awareness of the SBM-WinS program; it was revealed to have a very strong correlation. Moreover, their correlations were determined to be statistically significant. Thus, parents who were more aware of the program tend to perceive it as being implemented more effectively. This emphasized the need for parents to be aware of the program so they could properly assess the implementation of this program in school and appropriately guide their children toward proper sanitation and hygiene practices. Moreover, it was also revealed in this study that there were no profile variables (age, sex, civil status, highest educational attainment, occupation, gross monthly income, attitude toward the SBM WinS-program) having a significant correlation with the perceived level of awareness and level of implementation of the parent-respondents relative to the SBM-WinS program. This could signify a positive achievement for the program, suggesting a broadly successful effort in reaching parents across various backgrounds. Additionally, it was highlighted in this study that the null hypothesis, which states that there is no significant difference in the level of awareness and level of implementation of the SBM-WinS program along with water access, sanitation, and hygiene, was accepted. The null hypothesis, which states that there is no significant difference in the level of awareness and level of implementation of the SBM-WinS program along with deworming and health education, was rejected. Furthermore, the issues and concerns that emerged in the study regarding the SBM-WinS program implementation were: 1) Insufficient water supply: Multiple mentions of not enough water in the schools for drinking, toilets, and handwashing facilities; 2) Non-functional or insufficient toilets and handwashing facilities: toilets being locked and a lack of overall facilities were mentioned; and 3) Unclear Management of Water and Sanitation: The division between who should provide free drinking water (school vs. program) and who is responsible for repairs (school vs. barangay) suggests a lack of clarity.