Councilor Fred Bagbagen has proposed an ordinance requiring all private and public schools from kinder to senior high school to ring their bells at least four times during school hours to remind students to drink water and stay hydrated.
Bagbagen said drinking water is a healthier alternative to sugary beverages and contributes to memory retention, improved attention, weight loss, and reduction of risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, fluoridated water helps prevent dental cavities. Despite these benefits, many school-aged children remain inadequately hydrated with some not consuming any water throughout the day, Bagbagen claimed.
He mentioned United Nations (UN) Resolution 64/292 of 2010 which recognizes access to safe drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for all other human rights.
Bagbagen said other countries have practices that encourage regular water intake of children and that the 8 by 8 rule (eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily) is commonly recommended by health experts.
In 1999, the Baguio City Council passed a resolution requesting all public schools to provide drinking facilities. However, this request has largely gone unheeded, thus the need to enforce it through an ordinance, Bagbagen said.
The proposed ordinance specifies specific roles of stakeholders. Parents and guardians are tasked with ensuring that their children bring sufficient potable water to school, monitoring their participation in the program, and engaging with teachers to support its implementation.
On the other hand, schools, principals, administrators, and school heads are responsible for crafting bell schedules suited to their routines or time tables and promptly displaying “Water Wellness Schedule for Students” signage in classrooms or common areas.
The Schools Division Superintendent is designated to oversee compliance with the ordinance. This includes conducting regular inspections and coordinating with the City Health Services Office (CHSO) to perform monthly water quality tests in schools.
Complaints regarding violations can be filed verbally or in writing with the Schools Division Superintendent who will conduct an investigation. Penalties of schools for non-compliance start with a first notice, followed by a second and final notice, then a reprimand if the violation persists.
The proposed ordinance was approved on second reading by the city council on November 4, 2024 and is set for posting and publication. Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod Release
