‘Water break’ policy for Quezon City schools mulled

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City council on Monday approved an ordinance requiring “water breaks” in all private and public day care, elementary and secondary schools in the city.

Up for approval by Mayor Herbert Bautista is a measure that will mandate schools to implement water break time for students before the start of their first subject and at the end of the last subject.

“This ordinance will not deter nor prohibit the students from drinking water at any given time, provided that they will not in any way disrupt the classes,” the measure read.

The measure, authored by second district Councilor Ramon Medalla, cited studies showing that daily intake of enough water helps maintain balance of body fluids and flush out toxins.

Several resolutions calling for the installation of drinking fountains in public and elementary and high schools have been filed in the city council.

“Knowing the importance of water intake, Maynilad responded to the needs of students by installing drinking facilities through their corporate social responsibility program,” read the measure.

“This ordinance aims to inculcate in the minds of students the good habit of drinking sufficient amount of water,” it added.

Once signed into law by the mayor, school administrators will have to issue policies or guidelines and conduct orientations for the implementation of the measure.

School officials are also tasked, in coordination with parent-teachers’ organizations and other socio-civic groups, to work closely for the installation of adequate sources of potable water for students.

“Parents are encouraged to support this ordinance by ensuring that their children have sufficient supply of drinking water contained in a bottle or canister,” the measure said.

The city health department will conduct periodic tests on water sources in schools to ensure water safety.