Teachers' Competence, Utilization, and Difficulties in Marungko Approach for Beginning Readers in Filipino: Basis for an Enhancement Plan

Abstract: This study evaluates teachers' competence, utilization, and difficulties in implementing the Marungko Approach for beginning readers in Filipino. Utilizing a survey-based research design, data were collected to assess teachers' application of the approach, their instructional practices, band the difficulties they encountered. Findings reveal that teachers, predominantly older and with lower educational attainment, demonstrated high competence and strong utilization of the Marungko Approach. They effectively implemented practices such as resource creation, engaging teaching strategies, and student assessment, ensuring impactful literacy instruction. However, teachers experienced notable difficulties, including addressing diverse classroom needs, pacing for mixed-ability learners, designing assessments, and fostering parent involvement. These challenges were consistently observed across demographic groups, underscoring the need for broad-based support to overcome implementation barriers. The study proposes to intensify professional growth and development of teachers to enhance competence and utilization, such as workshops on differentiated instruction, small-group facilitation, and informal assessment techniques. Additional recommendations include integrating technology for resource development, employing multisensory strategies, and establishing recognition programs to celebrate student achievements. Strengthening parent-teacher collaboration through workshops and improved communication channels is also emphasized to address identified difficulties effectively. By evaluating competence, utilization, and difficulties, this research highlights actionable strategies to optimize the implementation of the Marungko Approach, ultimately supporting beginning readers in literacy development in Filipino. Keywords: Marungko ApproachTeachers’ Competence school-based practices, Literacy in Filipino