Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH)
The rules apply to all public and private schools, sectarian and non-sectarian schools, seminaries or theological schools, review centers, graduate schools, special schools, schools for persons with disabilities, foreign schools, technical/vocational schools, special training or trade schools, training centers, day care or child care centers, nursery and kindergarten schools, and children’s institutions. Exemptions include Sunday schools, dancing and music schools, physical fitness schools, massage schools, martial arts schools, swimming schools, and other similar institutions covered by other chapters of the Code.
No person or entity shall operate any covered establishment without securing a sanitary permit issued by the local health officer.
Any person who violates any provision shall be guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or a fine not exceeding Php1,000.00, or both, at the court's discretion.
Sanitary permit is a certification in writing by the city or municipal health officer attesting that the establishment complies with existing sanitary requirements following evaluation or inspection under Presidential Decree Nos. 522 and 856 and local ordinances.
The school administrator must conduct and supervise maintenance of a healthful environment, apply for and renew sanitary permits, monitor use and disposal of cadavers (for medical/scientific schools), provide protective equipment, maintain vermin abatement, maintain a school clinic, report notifiable diseases, assist health authorities in inspections and campaigns, and comply with these rules.
School sites must not be located on steep hills, must be large enough for building expansion and recreational areas, not near railways, factories or properties causing disturbances, accessible to the community served, have accessible water supply, and be easily drained.
Sanitation ratings are based on percentage scores from sanitary inspections: 90-100% is 'Excellent' (Luminous Green), 70-89% is 'Very Satisfactory' (Luminous Yellow), 50-69% is 'Satisfactory' (Luminous Red). Schools below 50% may face suspension until compliance.
Every school requiring a sanitary permit must be inspected and evaluated at least every three (3) months by the city or municipal health officer or designated sanitation inspectors.
Adequate sanitary toilet facilities for male and female students and personnel, easily accessible, properly lighted and ventilated, separate facilities for boys and girls especially in pre-schools, compliance with minimum space, height, and fixture requirements, and facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.
Food served must comply with the provisions of Chapter III "Food Establishments" of the Code on Sanitation and its implementing rules and regulations. This includes ensuring food safety, sanitation, and proper handling to prevent health hazards.
Upon failure to comply with sanitary orders after inspection and grace periods, the health officer recommends revocation to the local health authority after prior notice and hearing. The operator may file a motion for reconsideration. The local health authority's decision is final and executory.
Medical/paramedical schools must have morgues with specific tank dimensions and drainage, proper ventilation, temperature control, privacy, and dissection rooms with adequate size, ventilation, infection control, and drainage per the provisions of the Code on Sanitation and related rules.
Schools must maintain a vermin abatement program including screening rooms and openings, eliminating mosquito breeding areas, rat-proofing openings, controlling bushes and weeds, and performing deratting and disinfecting operations under supervision of the local health office with accredited pest control applicators.
The local health officer must conduct regular inspections, issue sanitary permits and health certificates, investigate disease outbreaks, post sanitation rating stickers, recommend site clearance approvals, assist in enforcement, and monitor compliance with health and sanitation standards.