Surigao del Norte (SDN) is among the most climate-vulnerable provinces in the Philippines, with significant gaps in water, hygiene, and sanitation services across 17 municipalities. Many schools remain at 0-star status - a framework assessing schools on their compliance with minimum WASH requirement - lacking proper toilets, handwashing stations, and water access, both in Surigao City and Siargao Island. Nutrition must also improve nutrition in underserved communities.
To answer these urgent needs, Acted with the support of the EuroFins Foundation, conducted the 8.5-month "Strengthening Children's Health in Day-Care Centers and Schools through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Support and Strengthening Health of Vulnerable Populations through Access to Sustainable Food Respectful of the Environment in Surigao Del Norte" project. The initiative focused on improving health by upgrading sanitation facilities in three schools and three day-care centres and promoting food security through gardening initiatives in three schools and support for 10 Indigenous women.
At Ima Elementary School, hygiene practices have become deeply embedded in daily routines, thanks to the establishment by Acted of the WinS Patrol. This dedicated group of students from Grades 4, 5, and 6 monitors and maintains the school’s water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, leading by example and driving behavioural changes across the school. These young leaders have become knowledgeable advocates for health, encouraging their peers to improve hygiene and wash their hands regularly.
Before Typhoon Odette, handwashing was already part of the school routine, but the destruction of facilities halted these activities. However, with the support of Eurofins Foundation in the framework of Acted’s project, the patrol was revived, and handwashing practices resumed. Today, WinS Patrol members guide younger students, and the impact is clear: handwashing has become a school-wide habit, helped by one handwashing facility rehabilitated by Acted. Where only a few children practiced it before, now the 55 students of Ima ES participates, and illnesses have noticeably decreased, leading to fewer absences.
The influence of the WinS Patrol extends beyond the school walls, as students share their newfound knowledge with their families.
Though there were initial challenges in getting others to listen, cooperation grew, and now all pupils properly use the water and sanitation facilities. Thanks to the 4-awareness raising led by Acted and the patrols, the students have realized the importance of handwashing in preventing illness, a vital lesson for their health.
One of the most remarkable achievements of this project is the creation of a song that helps transfer knowledge to younger grades. The entire school now sings this song, ensuring that the practice of proper hygiene is sustained for years to come.
Though this project, 990 people benefited directly and 10,406 community members were reached across seven barangays (small administrative division) : San Pablo, Mabuhay, Jugban, Diaz, Balite, Banbanon, and Ima.