Challenges and Opportunities in the Implementation of Health and Safety Policies and Programs in a State University in the Philippines

Authors

  • Paul Michael R. Hernandez, MD, MOH Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila; Healthy University Office, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0528-9766
  • Niña F. Yanilla, PTRP, LPT, MHPEd National Teacher's Training Center for Health Professions, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0091-944X
  • Fevito A. Obidos Jr., RMT University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0309-2637
  • Carlos Primero D. Gundran, MD, MScDM University of the Philippines Manila
  • Jo Leah A. Flores, RN, MSN-MBA University of the Philippines Manila
  • Homer U. Co, MD Philippine General Hospital
  • Lara Fatima L. Lintao University of the Philippines Manila
  • Arlene A. Samaniego, MD University of the Philippines Manila
  • Dexter C. Tiro, MAEd Healthy University Office, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0806-8753
  • Gabriel Jay B. Caoeng Healthy University Office, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0340-9627
  • Isabela Louise B. Navoa Healthy University Office, University of the Philippines Manila https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5277-6391

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47895/

Keywords:

healthy university framework, healthy university, occupational safety and health, health and safety policy

Abstract

Background. State universities in the Philippines should comply with the 2020 Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards for government workers and must be guided by the 2017 ASEAN University Network’s Healthy University Framework (HUF) for them to become healthy universities. Both policy documents identify OSH policy and programs as key components.

Objective. This study aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of health and safety policies and programs in a state university in the Philippines.

Methods. A case study design was used with a state university as its study site. Investigators conducted 14 key informant interviews and nine focus group discussions which were participated by system officials, campus officials, academic teaching staff, academic non-teaching Staff, support staff, and students. Thematic analysis was used to identify and understand emerging patterns and themes.

Results. The results generated seven themes consisting of Policy and Committee, Dedicated Personnel and Unit,Budget and Technology, Collaboration, Programs and Services, Working and Learning Environment, and Role Models. The identified challenges in the implementation of health and safety programs in the university were: (1) limited budget to implement initiatives, (2) lack of collaboration among its offices, and (3) absence of a dedicated unit and staff. There were also opportunities to improve implementation: (1) strong implementation of certain policies and programs, (2) presence of a good working and learning environment, and (3) existence of role models.

Conclusion. The identified challenges and opportunities correspond to the elements of the system and infrastructure considered as principal determinants of a healthy university. There is a need to recognize the interrelatedness of such elements to ensure effective implementation of health and safety programs in the university. It also underscores the relevance of the HUF in promoting OSH within a university context.

Downloads

Published

2025-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Implementation of Health and Safety Policies and Programs in a State University in the Philippines. Acta Med Philipp [Internet]. 2025 Mar. 31 [cited 2025 Apr. 4];59(4). Available from: https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/8866

Most read articles by the same author(s)