Students, teachers, and other stakeholders flocked to the Marikina Elementary School in Marikina City on Friday morning, Oct. 14, to “unite for universal hand hygiene” in celebration of Global Handwashing Day 2022.
The event was graced by officials from the local government of Marikina City, Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The program was held as a united effort in promoting the value of proper handwashing in creating safe schools and communities.
Sheryll Gayola, the superintendent of the DepEd- Marikina Schools Division, highlighted the importance of celebrating Global Handwashing Day amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Hand hygiene is an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives,” Gayola said.
A ceremonial handwashing activity was conducted to showcase to young children the proper ways and methods of washing hands, especially now that schools have resumed face-to-face classes.
Through the DepEd Joint Memorandum Circular on “Operational Guidelines on the Implementation of Limited Face-to-face Modality,” schools are mandated to implement health and safety protocols as they conduct classes in and outside of the premises.
Schools are required to set up handwashing facilities at the entrance and exit points of the school and other strategic areas, and maintain an adequate supply of soap and water.
In partnership with UNICEF, Save the Children, and the German development agency “GIZ”, the Department of Education (DepEd) spearheads the Wash In Schools (WinS) program.
WinS was launched in line with DepEd Order 10, s. 2016, or the “Comprehensive policy and guidelines on water sanitation and hygiene in schools.”
The program focuses on eight major components including proper handwashing and oral hygiene; provision of safe and adequate water supply; provision of usable toilet, handwashing with soap, and drainage facilities; environmental sanitation and solid waste management; food sanitation; menstrual hygiene management; deworming; and hygiene and sanitation education.
Environmental sanitation includes eliminating breeding grounds for virus carriers such as mosquitos.
The Marikina City local government continues to encourage its citizens of all ages to observe proper handwashing at all times, before and after eating, using comfort rooms, breastfeeding, or when in contact with possible contaminated objects or people.