2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 10
Divine Word College of San Jose Special Issue
Available Online: 29 April 2026
Author/s:
Javillonar Jr., Dominador V.*
Divine Word College of San Jose, Philippines (domindor.javillonar@deped.gov.ph)
Gante Jr., Luis I.
Divine Word College of San Jose, Philippines (luisgantejr@gmail.com)
Galay-Limos, Jenny A.
Divine Word College of San Jose, Philippines (jennygalay05@gmail.com)
Abstract:
This study investigates the relationship between financial literacy and financial management practices among public elementary school heads in the Schools Division Office of Occidental Mindoro. Recognizing the increasing importance of financial literacy in educational leadership, the research aims to assess school heads’ competencies in financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors and how these influence their budgeting, borrowing, saving, investing, spending, and debt management practices. Using a descriptive-correlational design, the study surveyed 31 school heads across urban and rural districts. Results revealed that school heads possess a high overall level of financial literacy, with very high proficiency in financial knowledge and high ratings in skills, attitudes, and behaviors. Thus, school heads exhibit strong financial management practices in planning, spending, and debt control, while showing moderate engagement in asset-building activities. Enhancing their financial literacy through structured education and access to financial tools will empower them to lead financially stable and forward-looking educational institutions. By strengthening competencies in saving and investment, school heads can expand their role from financial managers to financial innovators. This will not only secure institutional resources but also model responsible financial behavior for teachers and students. Regression analysis confirmed a strong and significant relationship between financial literacy and financial management practices, particularly in budgeting and debt management. However, borrowing behavior showed no significant correlation with financial literacy, suggesting that external factors, such as income constraints, may influence borrowing decisions. Thus, this study proposes a financial literacy seminar that includes modules on advanced budgeting, responsible borrowing, smart saving, investment literacy, spending discipline, debt management, digital financial tools, and ethical compliance. The initiative aims to empower school heads with practical financial competencies to enhance institutional governance and personal financial resilience.
Keywords: financial literacy, financial management practices, educational leadership, budgeting, spending
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26702
Cite this article:
Javillonar Jr., D. V., Gante Jr., L. I., & Galay-Limos, J. A. (2026). Financial literacy and financial management practices of school heads in Occidental Mindoro. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(10), 15-30. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26702
* Corresponding Author