ENSURING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM: EXAMINING PRACTICES AND POLICIES

This study aimed to determine the experienced practices and observed existing policies that support the sustainability of the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) program in one of the private higher education institutions in Sariaya, Quezon, amid challenges such as declining enrollment and policy implementation gaps. Guided by Experiential Learning Theory and Rational Choice Theory, the study explored curriculum implementation, student engagement, and professional preparation, as well as institutional policies on facilities and equipment, faculty qualifications, and the standardized program curriculum. Using a descriptive research design, total population sampling was employed, involving 79 BPEd students as respondents through a self-made questionnaire. Findings revealed ‎for the experienced practices in terms of curriculum implementation (WAM=3.53), student engagement (WAM=3.49), and professional preparation (WAM=3.37), while in the observed existing policies in terms of facilities and equipment (WAM=3.47), faculty qualifications (WAM=3.53), and standardized program curriculum (WAM=3.51). The experienced practices and observed policies support the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd) program in a selected locale. Findings revealed that among experienced practices, curriculum implementation ranked highest, while professional ‎preparation got the lowest WAM. Additionally, in terms of observed existing policies, faculty qualifications obtained the highest rating, while the facilities and equipment got the lowest rating. These results suggest that while strengths exist in curricular delivery and faculty credentials, there remain areas needing enhancement, particularly in professional preparation and facilities and equipment. Based on these findings, policy recommendations and strategic interventions are proposed, entitled “Sustaining Physical Education Program: Policy Recommendations and Strategic Interventions for Long-Term Viability”, to sustain the BPEd program in the chosen locale.