Business skills and performance of Grade 12 ABM students in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija: Basis for finance learning activity plan

This study assessed the business skills and performance of Grade 12 ABM students in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija, focusing on competencies in financial planning, financial analysis, decision-making, financial instruments, and budgeting, and examining their relationship to academic performance. Using the descriptive method of research, data were collected from 105 respondents composed of twenty-eight teachers and seventy-seven Grade 12 ABM learners from Magpapalayok National High School, Mallorca National High School, and San Anton National High School. A survey questionnaire with a 5-point Likert-type scale was administered, and the data were analyzed through percentage, weighted mean, t-test, and Pearson correlation. Findings revealed that the overall assessment of learners’ business skills was moderate, with a composite mean of 3.55. Statistical analysis showed significance as the computed t-value of 3.8203 exceeded the critical value, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Learners’ academic performance was rated Very Satisfactory in school year 2021–2022 with a mean of 85.33 but dropped to Satisfactory in school year 2022–2023 with a mean of 83.33. The computed t-value of 7.2327 confirmed a significant difference between the two school years, emphasizing the close connection between business skills and academic performance. In light of these findings, a finance learning activity plan was developed to address gaps and enhance students’ competencies in the identified skill domains. This plan offers structured objectives, strategies, and activities aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, equipping ABM learners for higher education, entrepreneurship, and future careers.