Navigating Conflicts in the New Normal: Learnings and Insights of Primary School Heads in Davao de Oro, Philippines

Conflict management has been a critical responsibility of school heads especially in the new normal, where educational institutions faced unprecedented challenges. This study explored the learnings and insights of primary school heads in Davao de Oro regarding conflict management in the evolving educational landscape. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with selected school heads to examine their experiences, strategies, and challenges in handling conflicts. The findings revealed four key themes: fostering transparent and collaborative communication, cultivating a culture of passion, resilience, and mutual appreciation, nurturing spiritual, mental, and collaborative resilience, and institutionalizing structured conflict management for accountability and fair resolution. While participants affirmed the importance of open dialogue and emotional intelligence in resolving disputes, they also encountered resistance to change and emotional strain in conflict situations. The synthesis of findings highlighted the need for structured policies, continuous leadership training, and institutional support to enhance conflict management practices in schools. Practical implications emphasized the integration of conflict resolution frameworks into professional development programs, while policy recommendations called for the formalization of structured conflict management mechanisms at the institutional level. Future research should explore the long-term impact of these strategies on school governance and leadership effectiveness, particularly in crisis and post-crisis settings.