Cataning Integrated School, situated under the administrative oversight of the Schools Division Office (SDO) in Balanga City, achieves a notable milestone as an exemplary success story within the Department of Education’s (DepEd) WASH in Schools Program. WASH, an abbreviation for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, encapsulates a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving the overall well-being of students. Cataning Integrated School stands out as a model of triumph in the effective execution of this program. With its dedication to all eight essential components of the DepEd WASH initiative, the school emphasizes its commitment to fostering a healthy and hygienic learning environment for its students.

Under the guidance of the program, Cataning Integrated School has actively embraced the eight components of the WASH initiative:

• Oral hygiene and proper handwashing: The school places a strong emphasis on cultivating oral hygiene habits and instills the importance of proper handwashing among students, fostering practices that contribute to their overall health.
• Provision of safe and adequate water supply: Recognizing the fundamental role of water in maintaining health, the institution ensures the availability of a secure and sufficient water supply, meeting the basic needs of both students and staff.
• Provision of toilet, handwashing, and drainage facilities: Cataning Integrated School prioritizes the establishment of proper sanitation facilities, including well-maintained toilets and handwashing stations, aiming to enhance hygiene standards within the school premises.
• Environmental sanitation: Going beyond the immediate school vicinity, the program actively addresses environmental sanitation, focusing on the elimination of breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes, particularly those transmitting the dengue virus. This proactive stance aligns with broader public health initiatives.
• Solid waste management: The school adopts a conscientious approach to waste management, cultivating responsible waste disposal habits among students. This not only contributes to the cleanliness of the school but also imparts valuable lessons in environmental stewardship.
• Food sanitation: Recognizing the pivotal role of food safety, Cataning Integrated School places strong emphasis on maintaining high standards of food sanitation, ensuring that the meals provided to students adhere to stringent hygiene practices.

Cataning Integrated School’s resounding success in implementing these WASH components speaks volumes about the dedication of both educators and students in creating a holistic and health-conscious learning environment. Actively participating in the DepEd WASH in Schools Program, the school not only meets basic hygiene standards but also fosters a culture of responsibility and well-being among its student body.

As the program continues to make a positive impact on Cataning Integrated School, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for the broader educational community. The success of Cataning Integrated School underlines the transformative potential of programs that prioritize the health and well-being of students, contributing to a brighter and healthier future for the entire educational landscape of Balanga City.