Digital Leadership in Basic Education: Administrative Strategies for Implementing Enriched Digital-based Literacy Instruction

This study determined the administrative strategies employed by school leaders in implementing enhanced digital-based literacy instruction in selected public elementary schools in the City of Naga, Cebu (Region VII), and Calubian, Leyte (Region VIII), during School Year 2025–2026. It examined the respondents’ demographic and professional profiles; the level of implementation of digital-based literacy instruction in terms of curriculum integration, technological infrastructure and resources, and teacher pedagogical competence; the administrative strategies employed in resource allocation and maintenance, capacity building and professional development, and instructional supervision and monitoring; and the issues and concerns encountered. The study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational and descriptive-comparative research design. The respondents comprised 110 school heads and teachers from six public elementary schools, consisting of six school heads (5.45%) and 104 teachers (94.55%). Data were gathered using a researcher-made structured questionnaire anchored on the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and the Philippine Professional Standards for School Heads (PPSSH). Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and standard deviation were used for descriptive analysis, while an independent-samples t-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were proposed for examining differences and relationships. The findings revealed that digital-based literacy instruction was implemented to a great extent (overall weighted mean = 3.45, SD = 0.42), while administrative strategies were employed to a great extent (overall weighted mean = 3.51, SD = 0.39). Instructional supervision and monitoring were revealed to be the most frequently implemented administrative strategy, whereas technological infrastructure and resources were revealed to be the area requiring the greatest improvement. A significant positive relationship was revealed between administrative strategies and the level of implementation (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Limited internet connectivity, insufficient digital equipment, and the need for continuous teacher training were revealed to be the major implementation concerns. These findings suggest the value of an enhanced digital-based literacy instruction framework emphasizing strategic resource allocation, sustained professional development, reliable technological infrastructure, and consistent instructional supervision.