Extent of Implementation and Level of Sustainability of YES-O Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) among Public Secondary Schools in Bula, Camarines Sur

The study focused on the identification of the different Youth for Environment in School – Organization (YES-O) programs, projects, and activities (PPAs), the extent of implementation and level of sustainability of YES-O PPAs, and the challenges and constraints in the implementation of YES-O PPAs among the 11 public secondary schools of Bula, Camarines Sur during the school year 2022 to 2023. 11 school heads, 46 science teachers, and 132 YES-O officers served as the respondents of this study. The study used descriptive methods - specifically the survey method, and a questionnaire was developed and distributed to the respondents to gather the data. The percentage was used to determine the different YES-O PPAs, while weighted mean and ranking were utilized both in determining the extent of implementation and level of sustainability and in finding the challenges encountered in the implementation among the 11 secondary schools of Bula District. The study revealed that different YES-O PPAs were implemented including greening programs, environmental information and education advocacy, conservation of resources, ecological management, Eco-Festival, and other activities such as clean-up drives. It was also revealed that conservation of resources (4.03) and ecological waste management are highly implemented (3.94) both interpreted as Much Evident. Greening program (3.26), environmental education and advocacy (3.17), and Eco-Festival (3.18) all interpreted as Evident are moderately implemented. Other YES-O activities such as clean-up drives and promoting eco-tourism are less implemented with a weighted mean of 2.59 interpreted as Less Evident. The main challenges in implementing YES-O PPAs are insufficient funds (4.09), lack of materials and other resources (3.78), too many tasks or designations (3.77), overlapping activities (3.62), and conflict with the school calendar of activities (3.53). This study recommends the assessment of current YES-O PPAs for improvement; strong partnership with stakeholders in implementing programs; and creation of a comprehensive plan to continuously implement the different YES-O PPAs. The action plan can serve as a guide in crafting a unique set of activities suited in the context of every school.