Examining the School Health Program: The Case of Tertiary Education Institutions in General Santos City
Joy Marie Gulada | Cheryl Daga-as
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
This study examines the implementation of the School Health Program (SHP) in tertiary education institutions in General Santos City, focusing on institutional practices, challenges, and coping mechanisms. Using a multiple-holistic case study approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with Student Services Directors. Findings indicate that SHP implementation involves comprehensive health services, external stakeholder collaborations, and structured monitoring. However, budget constraints, inadequate medical personnel, limited stakeholder engagement, and insufficient infrastructure hinder effectiveness. Institutions respond with external partnerships, incentive-based participation, adaptive structuring, and feedback mechanisms. The study highlights the need for policy enhancements, institutional support, and sustainable frameworks to improve SHP. These findings contribute to the discourse on student well-being and public health promotion within academic institutions, emphasizing institutional collaboration and resource optimization for sustainable health initiatives.
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