Health and Safety Protocols of Higher Education Institutions in Roxas City, Capiz amidst COVID 19

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted higher education institutions (HEIs), necessitating the implementation of health and safety protocols to ensure academic continuity while safeguarding stakeholders. This study assessed the implementation of these protocols in HEIs in Roxas City, analyzing compliance levels, challenges encountered, and differences between public and private institutions. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design, data were collected from administrative and security personnel across various HEIs through stratified random sampling. Findings indicate that public HEIs demonstrated a higher compliance rate (85%) compared to private HEIs (72%), suggesting stronger institutional support and better resource allocation. However, private HEIs faced greater challenges (55%) than their public counterparts (40%), reflecting gaps in policy enforcement, financial constraints, and logistical difficulties. The results align with existing literature emphasizing the role of governance, institutional preparedness, and stakeholder engagement in maintaining health protocols. Based on these findings, this study recommends strengthening institutional policies, increasing funding for safety measures, enhancing training and awareness campaigns, implementing systematic monitoring strategies, and fostering collaboration between public and private HEIs. These initiatives can enhance institutional resilience and readiness for future health crises, ensuring a safer learning environment. Future research may explore sustainable models for integrating long-term health and safety measures into higher education frameworks.