2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 2
Available Online: 22 February 2026
Author/s:
Pantalion, Larry
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Tagudin Campus, Philippines (cherry.pantalion001@deped.go.ph)
Abstract:
This study assessed the status of sports programs in the Schools Division of Ilocos Sur to address gaps in holistic evaluations of school-based sports initiatives in the Philippines. It examined the profiles of coaches and athletes, the multidimensional status of programs in terms of coaching, resources, facilities, and support systems, as well as coping strategies employed by sports coordinators. Differences in perceptions between coaches and athletes and the relationships among profile variables, program status, and coping strategies were also analyzed. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered through validated survey instruments. Findings revealed that coaches are predominantly mid-career professionals with adequate qualifications and contextualized training, while athletes are mostly adolescents from low-income households. Overall, sports programs were rated high, with coaching as the strongest dimension and support systems as the weakest, though still within the high range. Coping strategies were implemented at a very high level across all dimensions. No significant differences were found between coaches’ and athletes’ perceptions, indicating strong alignment. Correlational analysis showed mostly weak relationships between profile variables and program status, except for academic position and geographic location. Social and economic factors, particularly gender and parental income, significantly influenced coping strategies. Based on these findings, a sports development plan was proposed and found highly acceptable, underscoring stakeholder confidence and readiness for implementation.
Keywords: coping strategies, coaches and athletes, Ilocos Sur, sports development plan, sports programs
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26052
Cite this article:
Pantalion, L. (2026). Sports programs in the schools division of Ilocos Sur: Basis for sports development plan. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(2), 249-267. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26052