Non-functioning toilets a problem in many Metro Manila public schools

At least 100 public schools in Metro Manila have recorded incidents of students who are not familiar with the proper way of using comfort rooms, a report on "24 Oras" said Thursday.

The report said this usually results in broken toilet bowls and urinals, leaky faucets and filthy floors in many school comfort rooms every school year.

"Kung (malinis) ang school, nae-enganyo po silang pumasok dahil some other pupils, they do not have comfort rooms. Kaya dito [sa school] po sila talaga dumudumi," said  Dr. Maria Dulce Macabudbud, Manila Health Office Chief.



To solve the problem, health officials are training teachers to teach their students the proper way to use, clean and care for the school's comfort rooms.

In case of water shortages, students should be instructed on how to collect rainwater for hygienic purposes.

The report said the Department of Education (DepEd) is coordinating with local authorities and water distributors to provide schools with an adequate supply of water.

"Araw-araw, naglilibot ang ating nurses upang masiguro natin nang sa ganun ay masiguro natin ang kalinisan ng comfort rooms," said Macabudbud. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News