Abstract

The study assessed the extent of the implementation of the school canteen best practices and innovations in delivering quality service, sustaining income, and ensuring efficient operations at Baras-Pinugay Integrated High School during School Year 2023–2024. Grounded on the standards set by DepEd Order No. 13, s. 2017 and DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2007, the study assessed the canteen practices and innovations such as compliance to food safety standards, daily operations and financial management, 7s embedded canteen, data-based inventory system, VOC-based system, reward and incentive system, recognition system, canteen gift certificate, loyalty and discount cards, satellite canteen system, and Project Online Canteen Report System (OCRS). Using a descriptive research design, data were gathered from 400 respondents consisting of 300 students, 70 teachers, and 30 parents who were selected through purposive sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire checklist was used, consisting of a five-point Likert scale to determine the extent to which best practices and innovations were implemented. The composite results revealed that the school canteen’s best practices and innovations were implemented to a very high extent, as reflected by the overall mean of 4.84 (“Very Much Practice”). Key areas such as compliance with food safety standards, data-based inventory system, reward and incentive system, and satellite canteen system obtained the highest ratings, indicating strong adherence to quality service and efficient operations. Likewise, daily operations, financial management, and the implementation of the 7S embedded canteen and Project OCRS further demonstrate effective and organized management practices. However, systems such as the VOC-based system, recognition system, and loyalty programs received slightly lower ratings, interpreted as “Much Practice,” suggesting areas for further enhancement. The study concluded that the Baras Pinugay Integrated High School Canteen has successfully institutionalized best practices and innovations, resulting in high-quality service and sustainable income and operations. Several recommendations were proposed to further enhance the effectiveness of the best practices and innovations implemented in the Baras Pinugay Integrated High School (BPIHS) canteen. These include continuous monitoring and strengthening of compliance with DepEd Orders, as well as the regular assessment of innovations to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. It is also recommended that canteen staff undergo regular training on food safety and customer service to maintain high service standards. Furthermore, customer feedback mechanisms such as surveys and suggestion boxes should be strengthened to better address the needs and concerns of stakeholders.