School Governance, Stakeholder Trust, and Institutional Sustainability in Banaybanay District, Division of Davao Oriental: Basis for Strategic Enhancement Program
Abstract
This study examined the relationships among school governance, stakeholder trust, and institutional sustainability in public elementary schools in Banaybanay District, Division of Davao Oriental, during School Year 2025-2026. Anchored in Public Value Governance Theory and the Integrative Model of Organizational Trust, the study employed a quantitative, non-experimental descriptive-correlational research design. Data were collected from 250 public elementary school teachers selected through proportionate stratified random sampling using a validated, researcher-adapted survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Teachers' assessments indicated high perceived levels of school governance (M = 3.43), stakeholder trust (M = 3.49), and institutional sustainability (M = 3.53). However, strategic leadership, transparency, reliability, organizational resilience, continuous quality improvement, and stakeholder engagement required further strengthening. A very strong positive relationship was established between school governance and stakeholder trust (r = 0.919, p < .001). Both variables significantly predicted institutional sustainability, explaining 87.7% of its variance (R² = 0.877), with stakeholder trust demonstrating the greater predictive contribution. The study concluded that effective governance and stakeholder confidence were strongly associated with institutional sustainability. Accordingly, the proposed S.T.R.I.V.E.-Banaybanay Enhancement Program was developed to strengthen leadership, transparency, collaboration, and continuous institutional improvement. The study supports Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education), 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Its sustainability implications emphasize accountable governance, stronger stakeholder partnerships, institutional resilience, and continuous improvement in educational services.