The lack of adequate and functional restrooms especially at the latest built buildings at Tabaco National High School is a longstanding issue. It is disheartening to see that many of these facilities fail to meet basic usability standards, creating an ironic situation where comfort rooms do not deliver comfort.

Over time, numerous complaints have arisen regarding the deplorable conditions of these restrooms. Unpleasant odors, lack of water supply, and poor maintenance are among the common grievances raised by students and staff alike. Despite the fact that students pay monthly fees for access to usable and clean comfort rooms, they are unable to enjoy the facilities they rightfully deserve. While it is understood that public schools in the Philippines face budget constraints, it is essential to recognize that even students from underprivileged sectors deserve access to hygienic restrooms without the constant worry of encountering unclean and unsanitary conditions.

Restrooms are not luxuries; they are a fundamental necessity for students. The provision of suitable restrooms should be prioritized, considering that all attendees of Tabaco National High School, including students, teachers, and other personnel, experience the need to use these facilities on a regular basis. The current substandard quality of the restrooms forces many individuals to endure hours of waiting before they can access a clean facility. This situation poses serious health risks, potentially leading to ailments such as Urinary Tract Infections, Bladder Infections, Kidney Infections, and other related illnesses.

Several junior high school and senior high school students have voiced their dissatisfaction with the use of comfort rooms in their respective buildings. A Grade 12 HUMSS student said, "I have had my fair share of experiences with facilities such as the comfort rooms. Cleanliness and hygiene are paramount when it comes to school comfort rooms. Unfortunately, in some cases, I have encountered discomfort as a result of poor maintenance. Unclean floors, overflowing trash bins, and unpleasant odors have been common issues.” A Grade 12 STEM student also shared her Building 63 restroom experience. "My number one complaint about the bathrooms in Building 63 would be the unavailability of water from time to time. There are days when faucets and even the toilet flush would work but there are also times when water is not available. As a result, there is an unpleasant smell of the bathrooms that can cause discomfort and pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the students,” she said. 

Similar to what the senior high school students said, a Grade 9 STE student claimed, “One of my complaints is the intermittent availability of water; sometimes there is water and other times there isn't. Additionally, there are no faucets in each restroom and water is only provided in the sinks, which prevented us students from flushing the toilets correctly when we used the restrooms. ”We are dealing with some unanticipated situations at school, such as menstruation or upset stomachs, and our school's comfort room is lacking in supplies,” she added. The lack of locks on the doors in the comfort rooms at Tabaco National High School, according to a student in Grade 8, is another problem. This lessens the sense of security that students may experience whenever they use the facilities. 

It can be said that the majority of students at Tabaco National High School had the aforementioned experiences. With the amount of concerns voiced by students at Tabaco National High School, students have also provided comments or recommendations to further improve the quality of our school's comfort rooms. Some of these measures include:

• To establish a cleaning schedule and administer adequate resources to thoroughly clean the facilities.
• To inspect fixtures, plumbing, and ventilation systems on a regular basis to address any concerns as soon as possible.
• To provide necessary sanitation supplies including napkins, tissue, and soap.
• To have a proper system for water availability in each building. 

These suggestions must be considered since they will also benefit every student's well-being, and they should be given the opportunity to feel comfortable when using the restroom. 

Comfort rooms play an essential role in providing necessary sanitation facilities to ensure the well-being, comfort, and safety of students and staff within educational institutions. We envision each restroom to be an essential amenity for students’ hygiene and convenience, resulting in a definite need for the facilities to be fixed and maintained. As we interviewed some of the junior high and senior high school students at Tabaco National High School, we found that they all had similar experiences and issues. Observing these facilities degrading over time and use raises public concern for addressing this ongoing issue with immediate attention and action. It is imperative that the school administration, in collaboration with other stakeholders, allocate sufficient resources and prioritize the improvement of restroom facilities. Investing in proper infrastructure, regular maintenance, and ensuring the availability of essential amenities such as running water and hygiene supplies are vital steps in rectifying the situation. Furthermore, the students should also bear responsibility for using these facilities with discipline and ethical behavior. 

The petition’s goal to promote awareness and take concrete measures to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of our comfort rooms in the school premises contribute to a successful and thriving educational institution. We believe everyone deserves access to clean and functional facilities with adequate resources free from unpleasant odor, dirt, and mess. Proper maintenance and sanitation practices help create a positive user experience, preventing the deterioration of facilities and reducing the health risks and conditions that may occur. By providing students with clean, functional, and well-maintained restrooms, Tabaco National High School can uphold its commitment to the well-being and comfort of its student body, fostering a safe and conducive learning environment for all.

- Cyrene Barnedo
- Syllrose Jheane Brugada
- Jedediah Bedis
- Elise Samantha Tabud
- Clyde Owen Tio

12- STEM F
Mr. Jorge Mella Jr
EMPOWERMENT TECHNOLOGIES