Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of solid waste management (SWM) in public secondary schools within the Municipality of Matnog, Sorsogon, during the school year 2021–2022. The research focused on four key aspects of SWM: waste minimization, waste segregation, waste storage and collection, and waste disposal, as perceived by students, teachers, and school administrators. Additionally, the study sought to identify significant differences in perceptions among these groups and to propose an intensified action plan based on the findings. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing a questionnaire adapted from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) manual. The study involved 213 respondents, including school principals, assistant principals, head teachers, and students from four public secondary schools. Data were analyzed using weighted mean and ANOVA to determine the level of implementation and the significance of differences in perceptions among respondents. The results revealed varying levels of SWM implementation across the four domains. School administrators generally perceived the implementation as highly implemented, while teachers and students perceived it as moderately to slightly implemented. Significant differences were found between the perceptions of students, teachers, and administrators in waste minimization, storage, collection, and disposal, but not in waste segregation. The study underscores the need for an intensified SWM action plan to address the disparities in implementation and to enhance waste management practices in the schools and the broader community. These findings provide valuable insights for the Department of Education, local government units, and other stakeholders to strengthen SWM efforts in public secondary schools in Matnog.
