Philippines education department links clean water to better student nutrition

The Department of Education (DepEd) told leaders at a global forum in Lusaka, Zambia, that clean water and sanitation are as vital to student nutrition as food. Assistant Secretary Roger Masapol shared how the Philippines implemented the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) Program to improve school environments.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that children cannot learn effectively if they suffer from preventable waterborne diseases.

He argued that school feeding programs achieve better results when students have access to safe toilets, clean drinking water, and regular handwashing habits. The department attributes these improvements to a decade of policy commitment and systematic monitoring of hygiene standards. The department also secured a tuition subsidy increase for families with children in private junior high schools. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, the Educational Service Contracting (ESC) grant rates will rise for Grade 7 students.

The new rates provide higher annual grants depending on the specific region of the school.