RESOURCE MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE LENS OF THE SCHOOL HEADS: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL INQUIRY

This qualitative phenomenological study investigates the lived experiences of school heads in managing limited school resources, with a focus on the challenges they face and the strategies they implement. Grounded in the principles of phenomenology, the study draws upon in-depth interviews with eight school heads from the districts of Laak North and Sta. Ana in the Divisions of Davao de Oro and Davao City, each possessing a minimum of five years of experience in school resource management. The study identifies six (6) central themes from the participants' experiences: faced challenges in budgeting and planning, juggled competing priorities, made personal sacrifices to sustain school operations, responded to unpredictable needs and emergencies, endured emotional and professional struggles, and encountered limitations due to insufficient funds. In response to these challenges, school heads adopt a range of strategies, including strategic planning, engaging teachers and parents, attending in leadership and professional development, optimizing available resources, organizing fundraising efforts, and seeking external support. The findings reveal that effective resource management leads to improved student outcomes, enhanced teacher morale, greater operational efficiency, and stronger trust and engagement from stakeholders. This study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among school leaders, teachers, parents, and the community in addressing resource-related issues. It also emphasizes the value of targeted professional development to strengthen the capacity of school heads in managing scarce resources. The insights gathered aim to inform future policy and practice in promoting sustainable and effective educational leadership amid ongoing resource constraints. Keywords: Education, School Heads, Resource Management, Limited resources, Resource constraints, Qualitative, Phenomenology, Thematic Analysis, Davao de Oro, Davao City