Author

Jubie Ann L. Chalajchaj*
Northeastern College, Santiago City, Philippines

Abstract

This study determined the level of community participation through the Parents–Teachers Association and its contribution to learners’ nutrition programs in Mayoyao District public elementary schools. Specifically, it described the respondents’ profile, assessed the level of community participation, determined the contribution of PTA participation to learners’ nutrition programs, identified the challenges encountered by PTA members, and examined the significant relationship between community participation and learners’ nutrition programs. The study employed a descriptive-correlational research design involving thirty-eight PTA members from selected public elementary schools in Mayoyao District, Ifugao. A researcher-made questionnaire, validated by education and research experts, served as the primary data-gathering instrument. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that most respondents were within the young and middle adulthood age groups, had attained college-level education or were college graduates, and had been active PTA members for three to four years. The respondents demonstrated a very high level of community participation through the PTA, particularly in school gardening, volunteer work during feeding activities, cooperation with teachers, and participation in nutrition-related programs. They likewise perceived that PTA participation made a very high contribution to sustaining school feeding programs, increasing nutrition awareness, improving learners’ eating habits, promoting healthier food choices, and supporting learners’ overall health. However, respondents also encountered challenges related to limited time, inadequate resources, insufficient gardening tools and materials, and varying levels of parental involvement. The correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between community participation and contribution to learners’ nutrition programs, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis. The study concludes that while PTA members actively support school nutrition initiatives, strengthening institutional support, resource mobilization, and stakeholder collaboration remains essential for sustaining effective nutrition programs and improving learners’ health outcomes.

Keywords: Community participation, parents–teachers association, learners’ nutrition programs, school gardening, school feeding program, Mayoyao District.

*Corresponding author / Email: jubielagahe@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21379530

Recommended citation:
Chalajchaj, J. A. (2026). Challenges encountered by SSLG officers in school governance: Inputs for organizational enhancement. Pantao (International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (3), 1239-1246. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21379530

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