Preventive Maintenance Practices in Public Schools: Basis for Developing a Sustainable School Plant Management Program

This research assessed preventive maintenance practices at Tambacan Elementary School in Barangay 4, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, as a basis for developing a Sustainable School Plant Management Program. It focused on the implementation of preventive maintenance practices, the condition of school facilities, challenges encountered by school personnel, and resources needed to improve facility management. The study aimed to promote the efficient use of resources, extend the service life of school facilities, and maintain a safe and conducive learning environment. A descriptive research design was employed, involving 25 respondents composed of the school head, teachers, maintenance or utility personnel, and school governing council or parent representatives. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire covering regular inspection and monitoring, cleaning and routine maintenance, repair scheduling, safety and hazard prevention, maintenance documentation and reporting, and resource allocation and utilization. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze the quantitative data. The proposed management program was intended to be based on the assessment results and identified maintenance needs. The supplied results indicated that preventive maintenance practices were highly implemented, with an overall mean of 4.07 and a standard deviation of 0.62. Cleaning and routine maintenance obtained the highest category mean of 4.30, interpreted as very highly implemented, whereas maintenance documentation and reporting received the lowest category mean of 3.90. The assessment of school facilities yielded an overall mean of 4.15 and a standard deviation of 0.60, indicating satisfactory condition. Cleanliness received the highest category mean of 4.28, while physical maintenance obtained the lowest at 4.02. The findings support developing a Sustainable School Plant Management Program emphasizing systematic inspections, timely repairs, accurate documentation, resource planning, and stakeholder participation to strengthen facility sustainability and support effective teaching and learning.