THE PROPOSED minute water-break ordinance is an excellent initiative to create a conducive learning environment for students, an official from the Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao City said.
The 20th City Council approved on Tuesday, July 3, the ordinance institutionalizing a water break in public and private schools offering daycare, kindergarten, and elementary classes.
Reynante Solitario, DepEd Davao City Schools Division superintendent, told TIMES on Wednesday that the initiative aligns with their goal of promoting holistic development among students.
“Our goal is to create a conducive learning environment where students can perform their best academically while also taking care of their health,” Solitario said.
He added DepEd-Davao City is committed to working with both public and private schools to implement and ensure that students take a water break effectively.
“By between subjects, we can help them stay hydrated, which is crucial for maintaining their cognitive functions and overall well-being,” he stressed, citing research that shows the brain needs 8-12 glasses of water daily for “optimum performance.”
Councilor Jessica Bonguyan, the proponent of the ordinance, recognized promoting healthy habits at a young age leaves long-lasting good effects on children.
“This ordinance might be simple but it will have a big impact on the children’s health,” Bonguyan said.
The minute water break time must be observed daily, before the start of the second subject and the end of the last subject. However, students are still encouraged to drink water at any time, provided they will not disrupt ongoing classes.
Administrators and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) must ensure students can access potable and clean water on school premises.
The PTA must also encourage the parents to ensure children have sufficient drinking water in containers, aside from the school-provided.
“A Minute Water-Break” signages must be posted in visible places on the school premises.
The City Health Office (CHO) is mandated to conduct periodic monitoring in schools to ensure the water quality provided to students underwent accredited laboratories.
