A new study from the Research and Publications Office (RPO) at the University of Batangas (UB) has assessed the implementation of campus security measures, finding a “Very High” level of competence among security personnel and no reported security compromises during the April 2020 to April 2022 pandemic period.
The research, titled “Implementation of Campus Security Measures: An Assessment” , was submitted by the RPO under the direction of Dr. Romell A. Ramos. The study aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and aimed to assess security implementation and establish future coordination with law enforcement agencies.
The RPO study utilized a descriptive-quantitative method, gathering data from 773 respondents, including security personnel, students, and parents/guardians.
Key Findings from the RPO Study:
- No Security Compromises: The study found “no incidents or reports regarding security compromises” on the UB campus during the 24-month period. This was largely attributed to the shift to “online modality for learning or distance learning” during the pandemic.
- High Competence of Security Personnel: Parents and guardians rated the competence of security personnel as “Very high” (overall mean of 4.82), specifically noting their “specialized knowledge and technical skills” (4.99 mean). Security personnel also rated their own competence as “Very High” (4.18 mean).
- High Stakeholder Awareness: Both students and parents/guardians reported a “Very High” level of awareness and participation in campus security (4.49 and 4.40 overall means, respectively). Both groups rated “being furnished with emergency hotlines” as a high point.
- Strong Agency Harmonization: The research determined a “very high (4.63) level of harmonization with law enforcement agencies” regarding campus security measures.
Despite the positive findings, the study identified areas for improvement, such as parents’ lower rating for required attendance at crisis management seminars.
Based on its findings, the RPO study proposed a new “intra-organizational framework”. This framework aims to optimize campus security by combining administrative concern, stakeholder education on security measures and crisis management, and improved personnel competence, all supported by strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies.