THESIS ABSTRACT

Title: Environmental Conditions of Balumbato Elementary School

And Their Perceived Effects on the Health

Researcher: Mari Glenn P. Aguilar

Adviser: Mrs. Carolina Navoa

School: Baliuag University

Baliuag, Bulacan

School Year: 2001-2002

Degree Conferred: Master of Arts in Education Administration

Rationale/Background

Educational institutions play vital roles in the growth and development of every

learner’s integrated and holistic being for him/her to become a worthy and useful citizen

in this multidimensional society.

A multitude of factors contributes to the success of the person. Apart from the

effective teachers who provide the essentials of teaching learning process, the learner’s

environment also influences the learning process.

Pollution of varied kinds is among the factors that if remained unabated would

continually add up to the deteriorating environment affecting the health of the pupils.

This descriptive study aimed at analyzing the effects of the environmental

condition surrounding Balumbato Elementary School on the health of the pupils during

the school year 2001-2002. This was participated in by 200 pupils, 200 parents and 21

teachers.

This study focused on the causes of the apparent pollution problems in the

identified locale and the perceived effects of the existing environmental conditions
 Specifically, the following questions were answered:

Problem 1. What is the situation of the environment existing within the vicinity

of Balumbato Elementary School with regard to noise pollution, air pollution, water

pollution and soil pollution?

1.1 It is interesting to note that there existed noise pollution in the

vicinity of Balumbato Elementary School as reflected by the series

of sound measurements conducted, since the computed arithmetic

medians on eight counts during daytime exceeded the maximum

allowable noise level at the given time interval of 50 decibel. The

computed average arithmetic median of 57.07 was way above the

standard noise level in Class AA area, which is 50 db.

1.2 The air around the locale was considered polluted based on the

report “Stations General Air Pollution Assessment 2000-2001”. The

mean of the pollution index reached 336, the highest mean from

among the twelve (12) stations in Metro Manila.

1.3 Of the three water samples taken from three different sections of

Balumbato Elementary School, the sample from the faucet near the

toilet was contaminated with coliform; hence the water was not

considered safe for drinking proposes.

1.4 Worthy of note is the result of the soil analysis. The findings showed

that generally the soil in the vicinity was still favorable.

Problem 2. What are the causes of these existing environmental problems?

 The following are ranked as first five factors contributing to the existing

environmental problems at Balumbato Elementary School and its vicinity: (1) smoke

emitted from nearby factories, (2) foul odor from toilets (3) unpleasant/foul odor from

factories; (4) temperate weather and (5) foul odor from garbage.

Problem 3. How do the pupils, parents, and teacher respondents perceive the

effects of the environmental problems?

Predominant effects of the environmental problems were eye irritations,

absenteeism, headaches, and inattentiveness in class, languishes and lack of

concentration during class hours.

The pupil and the teacher respondents considered the effects of the

environmental constraints as “alarming,” whereas the parents perceived the affects as

“disturbing”.

Problem 4. What are the diseases commonly contracted by the pupils?

The respondent underscored colds, cough, fever and headaches as the leading

diseases that mostly affected them. Anemia was apparently the disease that was least

contracted.

Conclusions:

Based on the salient findings the following conclusions were drawn.

1. Prevalent pollution problems around Balumbato Elementary School and its

proximate neighborhood were air and noise pollution.

Water samples from MWSS Tap from Balumbato Elementary School

canteen and new Bldg. were analyzed as safe for drinking purpose.
 The fertility rating of the soil was generally adequate/favorable.

2. Predominant factors that contributed to the existing environmental problem were the

smoke and foul odor from the nearby factories and temperate weather.

3. Majority of the consequential effects caused by the various pollutants in the locals

affecting the pupils were perceived as alarming.

4. Common diseases related to the pollution problems were brought into the body by

way of the respiratory system.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions, the researcher proposed the following

recommendations.

1. Lessons pertaining to ecological values must be integrated in the different content

areas. The government should strictly implement measures to curb pollution in the

area, particularly in the factories. Stringent rules regarding the use of pollution

control devices and techniques be followed and monitored by government agencies.

2. The Clean and Green Program as well as Zero Waste Management should really be

intensified through the collaborative efforts of the citizens and the local government

of Quezon City. Trees and plants are natural anti-pollutant sources. School personnel

should initiate all efforts to serve as models in helping to combat pollution. The

researcher also recommends that the management of the nearby factories should be

invited as guest speakers in the PTCA meetings to discuss what possible solution to

minimize the problems (such as smoke, odor and noise emissions) caused by their

machineries and operations, so that harmonious relationship will be developed

between them and the community.

3. Partnership between the home and school should be strengthened through the

Parent-Teachers-Community Association. Cleanliness must be one of the salient

activities to be included in their program. Sustenance of similar activities should be

undertaken consciously and conscientiously through the leadership of school

authorities.

4. Health rules and policies of the school must be properly and well disseminated to

the pupils and parents as well. Seminars relative to health should be given to the

parents. All efforts should be exerted to minimize health problems particularly those

that are respiratory borne illnesses during temperate weather.

5. Teachers should find ways to motivate their pupils even in the presence of noise and

temperate weather.

A follow-up and more in-depth research be undertaken to verify the findings of this

study.