Barangay Sports Program Involvement, Community Engagement, and Youth Social Skills: A Predictive-Correlational Study in Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philippines

This research examined the relationship between barangay sports program involvement, community engagement, and youth social skills development in selected barangays of Pangantucan, Bukidnon, Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to determine whether participation in barangay sports programs and levels of community engagement significantly predict the development of youth social skills. A predictive-correlational research design was employed. Data were collected from youth participants using a structured survey questionnaire. Statistical analyses included weighted mean to describe the levels of the variables, Pearson product–moment correlation to determine relationships, and multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of social skills development. Results indicated that respondents demonstrated a high level of involvement in barangay sports programs, particularly in competitive and organizational/administrative involvement, while recreational involvement also remained high. Community engagement was rated very high, with emotional engagement obtaining the highest mean, followed by physical and cognitive engagement. Youth social skills development was likewise very high, particularly in conflict resolution, teamwork and collaboration, and communication skills. Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between barangay sports program involvement and youth social skills development. Community engagement was also significantly related to social skills development. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis showed that competitive involvement and organizational/administrative involvement significantly predicted youth social skills development while recreational involvement demonstrated a weaker predictive influence. The findings suggest that barangay sports programs function as effective platforms for promoting youth social interaction, cooperation, leadership, and civic participation. Strengthening and diversifying sports programs at the barangay level may therefore enhance youth empowerment and community engagement.