The External Stakeholders’ Participation in School-Based Management Initiatives: Basis for the Development of a Transformative Plan

This study determined the extent of external stakeholders’ participation in School-Based Management (SBM) initiatives in selected public elementary schools in Tuba District, Benguet Division during the School Year 2025–2026. Specifically, the study focused on stakeholder participation in terms of planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization. It also identified the challenges encountered by external stakeholders in participating in SBM initiatives and proposed a transformative plan based on the findings of the study. The study utilized the descriptive research design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Survey questionnaires were administered to sixty (60) external stakeholders composed of parents, alumni representatives, and community representatives. Interview guides were also utilized to gather in-depth information regarding the experiences and challenges encountered by the informants. Frequency count, percentage, weighted mean, and thematic analysis were used in analyzing and interpreting the gathered data. The findings revealed that external stakeholders demonstrated active participation in implementation and resource mobilization activities, particularly during Brigada Eskwela, outreach programs, volunteer work, and fundraising activities. However, participation in planning and monitoring and evaluation activities remained limited because decision-making and evaluation processes were still largely school-centered. The major challenges encountered by stakeholders included time constraints due to work and family responsibilities, poor communication and delayed dissemination of information, limited involvement in governance activities, and financial limitations affecting their participation and support. The study concluded that external stakeholders play a significant role in supporting School-Based Management initiatives, especially in implementation and resource mobilization activities. However, strengthening participatory governance, inclusive decision-making, communication systems, and stakeholder engagement mechanisms is necessary to improve stakeholder participation in planning and evaluation activities. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, a transformative plan was proposed to strengthen stakeholder participation, improve school-community partnerships, enhance communication mechanisms, promote collaborative governance, and sustain stakeholder involvement in School-Based Management initiatives.