In pursuing their chosen professional career, students attend college in certain institutions that best suit their educational needs. Some of these students desire to broaden their knowledge and competence so they can wisely choose their lifework in the future. Others hope to build a firm foundation for whatever career path they choose. [1]
Students, particularly those from provinces and remote locations, find it time-consuming to travel from their residences to their respective schools. Some have struggles in traveling due to heavy traffics and limited rides. The expenses of land transportation can cost additional expenses especially with those from distant places.
Due to these and for convenience purposes, some students often resort to staying in boarding houses, dormitories, hostels, or other temporary dwellings just to lessen their expenses as well as to save time. Certain considerations have to be taken by students in choosing a temporary place to reside. These include the affordability, location, and the security of the structure. The environment of the structure should also be taken into consideration for this can affect the well-being of the student.
Despite the benefits of these temporary dwellings, staying in boarding houses, dormitories and hostels are likely to cause bad habits among the students due to the lack of guidance that are typically given by the parents or the guardians. Students may resort to drinking alcohol, smoking, drug abuse, sexual encounters, or a combination of these.
Dorms and off-campus houses each offer social opportunities. These typically house hundreds of residents, providing access to more people. Dorms also commonly hold social events for residents to get together. Students looking for the ” traditional” party opportunities might prefer off-campus housing [2].
In boarding houses, owners or operators employ rules and regulations to establish restrictions among the boarders, as well as to avoid conflicts and ensure the safety of the occupants inside the boarding house. Strict implementations of curfews, prohibition of visitors inside the structure and banning of alcohol, smoke, narcotics and dangerous weapons are some of the common regulations when inhabiting boarder houses. Certain provisions are made before owners or operators begin accepting boarders. These owners should have a mayor’s permit from their respective towns or cities, a fire safety inspection permit, a sanitary permit, and other necessary permits and fees [3].
Failure to present some of the important documents and permits can cause suspicion of illegal boarding during occasional inspections. Having Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras can also be of use in monitoring the condition of the boarding house. Precautionary measures should be done in the event of a calamity or a disaster such as fires, earthquakes and flooding. These structures should be equipped with fire extinguishers and accessible fire exits. Boarders should be well-informed by the owners of the procedures if ever these types of calamities occur.
Statement of the Problem This study focuses on the assessment of the safety and security of the BSME students availing in boarding houses. Moreover, this study aims to seek answers to the following questions: 1. What is the profile of the students availing in private boarding houses? a.) Year Levelb.) Sex c.) Residency 2. What is the state of the cleanliness and sanitation inside the boarding house? 3. Are the legal aspects of the operations of room rentals met by the operator/owners of the boarding house? 4. Are the rules and regulations properly implemented by the operators/owners? 5. How often are the student-boarders evaluated by the operators/owners and the institution by which the student is enrolled in?
Objectives of the Study This study aims to assess the safety and security of the students in the BSME classes availing to boarding houses. This also aims to determine whether operators or owners abide to certain requirements when maintaining or operating boarding houses.
Scope and Delimitations of the Study The study focuses on the assessment of the safety and security of boarding students enrolled for the 2nd semester, S/Y 2013-2014, from the Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) in the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST). The list of the BSME students residing in boarding houses and hostels were gathered during the time frame, from December 9 to December 13, 2013. The survey for the assessment of the students and the operators will be conducted on January 2014.
The varying schedules of the subjects in the BSME classes can cause difficulties in conducting the surveys. “ Nonresponse” of the owners or operators, whether they refuse to respond or cannot be contacted, can interfere with the results.
Significance of the Study The findings of this study points out to the current state of the boarders and boarding house and in terms of safety. This can call out to the awareness of the owners and operators to have a good maintenance of the structure. Boarders, particularly students, will likely benefit from this, improving their state of security as well as their well-being.
Thesis Statement Presence of safety provisions, rules and regulations, health and sanitation guidelines, and the current living conditions of the boarders can affect the security of the boarders.
