Extent of Utilization, Challenges, and Facilitating Strategies of Schools in Managing MOOE

Abstract

Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) plays a vital role in school-based management. This study can provide a snapshot on the extent MOOE utilization of the schools and an assessment of whether these primary financial resources are equitably utilized. The primary goal of this study was to determine the extent and trend of utilization of MOOE including the problems encountered and facilitating strategies of the school heads of the public secondary schools in the Municipality of Baggao. It was conducted using mixed methods of sequential explanatory design. Specifically, the data was gathered through documentary analysis and an in-depth interview with the school heads through focus group discussion. The result revealed that MOOE budget of all public secondary schools in the municipality of Baggao were highly utilized. Moreover, it was found out that the biggest chunk of the MOOE is usually allocated to finance expenses related to the day-to-day operations of the schools such as facility maintenance, rental and repair of equipment, travel expenses and school supplies and consumable. On the other hand, no prioritization happened in allocating funds for items with direct impact to students and teachers’ development such as reproduction of teaching materials, training of teachers, special curricular programs. The findings suggest that school heads should encourage participatory governance, and teachers should be oriented on the guidelines on the use of MOOE and be vigilant on its utilization. Furthermore, DepEd officials should conduct upskilling of school heads’ competence as financial managers.