Am I in Or Out? a Survey on the Involvement of Parents in the School-Based Feeding Program (Sbfp) of San Agustin Integrated School; Basis for Schematic Road Towards Active Parental Support

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The School-Based Feeding Programs piloted by Department of Education has tremendous potentials in creating healthy school environments and improving education outcomes. At the school level, the parents' perception and role in inculcating proper nutrition practices are essential. In San Agustin IntegratedSchool, parental involvement has dramatically decreased for the past three years. It should be noted that the idea of school feeding programs and their results depend upon many factors. As a complex issue, its results would depend on the culture and perceptions of the people, especially the parents, on its impact on the physical, social and mental health of their children.

METHODS

The descriptive-survey method was used in the study. A researcher-made questionnaire was the main instrument used in the data gathering.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the level of awareness of the parents in the SBFP implementation is very high as revealed in their 74-79 % YES responses. The hindrances in their participation and involvement in the SBFP were also discussed. As to the perceived effects, the parents absolutely agree on the indicators included in the perceived effects of the SBFP in the well-being and health of their child/ children. After careful analyses of the results, PROJECT KAIN was formulated to strengthen the partnership with the parent-volunteers.

DISCUSSIONS

The research instrument was divided into four parts. Part 1 dealt with an awareness of the parents regarding the feeding program of the school. The result shows that the majority of the respondents have a high level of awareness regarding the SBFP of the San Agustin Integrated School evident in their average weighted mean of 3.48 verbally interpreted as highly aware. It might be a good indicator that the community is aware of the programs and projects of the school. Yet, it should be noted that awareness is not enough. The second part discussed the types of involvement of parents in the SBFP. The data showed an average weighted mean of 2.24 and verbally interpreted as Very Seldom. The third part revealed the perceived hindrances of parental involvement in the SBFP. It garnered an average weighted mean of 2.41 and verbally interpreted as disagree. The fourth part of the questionnaire dealt on the perceived effects of SBFP. The data showed an average weighted mean of 3.63 and has a verbal interpretation of Absolutely Agree.