ANALYZING THE IMPACT OF SUSTAINABLE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ON PUBLIC HEALTH RESILIENCE IN BARANGAY SAN MANUEL, PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN

Aims: This study investigates the impact of sustainable wastewater management strategies on public health resilience in Barangay San Manuel, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The aim is to evaluate the relationship between the level of implementation of wastewater management systems and the community’s ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from sanitation-related health challenges. Study design: A quantitative, descriptive-correlational research design was employed. Methodology: Data were collected through a structured survey involving 100 respondents from the community. The study examined key wastewater management strategies, including wastewater treatment systems, greywater recycling, pollution control measures, water resource protection, and monitoring and regulation. Results: The implementation of sustainable wastewater management strategies in Barangay San Manuel is high, particularly in wastewater treatment systems and greywater recycling. Public health resilience, as measured by indicators such as waterborne disease incidence, hygiene practices, and community awareness, is also high. Regression analysis revealed that wastewater treatment systems, monitoring and regulation, and greywater recycling are significant predictors of public health resilience, with wastewater treatment systems being the strongest predictor. Conclusion: The study concludes that sustainable wastewater management plays a crucial role in enhancing public health resilience by improving disease prevention, hygiene behavior, and environmental health. The findings underscore the importance of infrastructure development, policy enforcement, and community education in fostering a healthy and resilient community. Recommendations include strengthening wastewater treatment infrastructure, enhancing monitoring, promoting greywater recycling, and supporting water resource protection initiatives.