Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH)
The implementing rules and regulations apply to 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 and slimmer schools, massage schools, embalming schools, martial arts and yoga schools, swimming schools and scuba-diving schools, and other similar institutions covered under other chapters of the Code on Sanitation.
No person or entity shall operate a school establishment without a sanitary permit issued by the local health officer. Additionally, any extension, additional construction, or alteration requires a new sanitary permit before operation.
The sanitary permit is valid from the date of issuance until the last day of December of that year and must be renewed annually.
Any person who violates, refuses, or neglects to comply shall be guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction may be punished by imprisonment for up to six (6) months, a fine of up to Php1,000.00, or both at the discretion of the court.
The school site must not be located on steep slopes, must receive maximum sunlight, be large enough for expansion and recreational areas, not be adjacent to noisy or polluting establishments, be accessible to the community served, have adequate water supply, and be easily drained.
Schools must provide adequate and sanitary toilet facilities for males and females, accessible lavatories with running water and soap, separate toilets for employees and pupils/students with minimum fixture units, and facilities accessible to persons with disabilities.
Teaching and non-teaching personnel must undergo annual physical, medical, and dental check-ups and have a health certificate. Schools must establish medical and dental clinics to deliver preventive, promotive, and emergency health services, and provide adequate first aid kits and referral systems.
The local health officer conducts regular inspections of schools, issues sanitary permits and health certificates, investigates disease outbreaks, posts sanitation standard rating stickers (SSRS), recommends approval of school site clearances, and assists in enforcement of the rules.
The local health officer issues a sanitary order specifying corrections and a grace period. If not complied with, a second sanitary order and notice of hearing are served. If violations persist, the sanitary permit may be revoked after due notice and hearing.
School buildings must conform with the National Building Code, provide natural and/or mechanical ventilation, adequate lighting, sufficient classroom size to prevent overcrowding, proper acoustics, fire protection, sanitary and safe premises, and accessible facilities for persons with disabilities.
Water supply must be adequate, potable, and meet Philippine National Standards. Water sources require certificates of potability tested by DOH accredited laboratories. Water quantity should be at least 40 liters per capita per day, and drinking fountains must be provided at a ratio of 1:100 pupils/students per session.
Schools must maintain a vermin abatement program, screen rooms and openings, eliminate mosquito breeding sites, rat-proof openings, control growth of bushes and grasses to prevent pests, and conduct deratting or disinfestation by accredited pest control applicators under local health supervision.
The school administrator must maintain a healthful physical and emotional environment, apply and renew sanitary permits, supervise use and disposal of cadavers if applicable, maintain vermin control, establish school clinics, report notifiable diseases, facilitate health inspections, and comply with all rules and regulations.