Health and Safety Practices of Public Elementary Schools in Atimonan District, Division of Quezon: Basis for A Strengthened Contingency Plan

Abstract

This comparative-descriptive study determined the health and safety practices of public elementary schools in the Atimonan District, Division of Quezon, across School Years 2023 and 2026. Specifically, it assessed the level of availability of health and safety kits, medical devices, school emergency kits, aid kits, and teachers’ emergency kits; the level of adherence to safety guidelines; the level of implementation of health and safety measures; and the challenges encountered by students, teachers, and school personnel. Seventy-eight (78) respondents composed of school heads, School DRRM coordinators, and Barangay DRRM coordinators were included through total enumeration. Data were gathered using a researcher-made questionnaire and validated through direct observations in schools, then analyzed using weighted mean, standard deviation, and Mann–Whitney U test. Findings revealed that the availability of health and safety resources and adherence to safety guidelines remained generally stable across both school years, indicating no significant differences. However, a significant decline was observed in the implementation of health and safety measures, while challenges encountered by respondents significantly increased over time. These results indicate that although resources and policies were sustained, gaps exist in actual implementation and operational execution. Based on these findings, a Strengthened Contingency Plan (SHIELD) was developed to address implementation gaps, enhance coordination, and strengthen school preparedness and resilience to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.