About 40% of public schools in the Philippines lack proper handwashing facilities and designated toilets for girls and boys, according to social business SATO Philippines. “This could cause huge risks. Children get sick from dirty water, and young girls miss school every month because they don’t have privacy,” SATO Philippines Leader Akhito Shimojo told BusinessWorld .
The lack of sanitation infrastructure in schools poses significant health and educational risks. Unsanitary conditions increase the spread of diseases like diarrhea and typhoid, while the absence of private toilets disproportionately affects female students, who may miss classes during menstruation. The issue is particularly acute in rural and low-income areas, where resources for facility upgrades are limited.
SATO Philippines, a subsidiary of LIXIL Corporation, develops low-cost toilet and sanitation solutions aimed at underserved communities. The company’s findings highlight the urgent need for investment in school water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs to meet national development goals and ensure equitable access to education for all children.