ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS TO ENHANCE ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION AND PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Abstract

This study examined the organization and management of Physical Education (PE) programs in selected private universities and colleges in Batangas Province and their contribution to students’ perceived access to quality education and the promotion of health and well-being. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was employed, beginning with a quantitative phase and followed by a qualitative phase intended to explain and contextualize the numerical results. The quantitative respondents comprised 13 PE teachers and 787 students from the University of Batangas Lipa Campus, FAITH Colleges, and STI College Balayan. Data were gathered through a validated questionnaire, interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, independent-samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation. Qualitative responses were examined thematically, and the two strands were integrated through triangulation. Teachers generally assessed PE program organization and management as effective, while students rated the programs highly effective. Students also reported a high level of perceived access to quality PE across inclusivity and equity, curriculum relevance, and learning outcomes related to health and well-being. Significant differences appeared in selected dimensions when respondents were grouped according to demographic characteristics. The study also reported a significant positive relationship between the perceived effectiveness of program management and students’ perceived access to quality PE. Qualitative findings described the programs as structured and relevant, while identifying continuing concerns about facilities, equipment, time allocation, professional development, and policy support. Taken together, the results suggest that curriculum implementation, competent teaching, student engagement, resource planning, and administrative coordination should be considered jointly when improving PE provision. A management enhancement framework and action plan are proposed to support more inclusive, sustainable, and health-promoting PE programs. The findings are limited to the selected institutions and should not be generalized automatically to all higher education institutions.