The Department of Education (DepEd) urged parents on Thursday to teach children proper handwashing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as education shifts to home-based studies.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones called on families to show children how homes are a safe environment to live and learn as the continue their learning at home because of the pandemic. The DepEd chief noted that teaching proper handwashing “will be key in ensuring safety of our children.”
The call comes as the world marks Global Handwashing Day on Oct. 15. Briones said DepEd has been celebrating the global event annually since 2000, noting that it is “in recognition of the importance of building the habit of handwashing among children to ensure their health.”
“Now under the new normal, our Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan also integrates handwashing practice as part of the required health standards,” she said.
The World Health Organization has repeatedly highlighted the importance of proper handwashing in the fight against COVID-19.
The DepEd also announced its partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and UNICEF for a stronger communication campaign for proper handwashing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two government agencies along with support form the UNICEF will use the theme “Clean Hands for All” to promote proper handwashing along with the help of development partners, and local government units.
The campaign aims to promote proper handwashing as a staple in Philippine culture.
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