May Josefa S. Buslig
The management of sports programs among State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) was assessed using a descriptive-quantitative survey design involving 111 coach respondents. Data were collected through a researcher-developed, expert-validated questionnaire rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics summarized coach profiles and domain ratings, and a one-way analysis of variance examined differences in perceptions across coach profile variables. The results indicated that most coaches were early-career practitioners: 64.60% reported 1 to 3 years of coaching experience, and 66.37% participated in only 1 to 5 competitions. More than half lacked formal coach training (58.41%) and accreditation (58.41%). Overall, sports program management was perceived as evident (M = 3.04). The strongest domains were organizational structure and leadership (M = 3.31) and community and stakeholder engagement (M = 3.29). Conversely, athlete development and support (M = 2.78) and coaching and staff development (M = 2.84) were rated lowest. ANOVA revealed no significant difference by years of coaching experience (p = .200), but significant differences were found by competition exposure (p = .003), awards received (p = .017), training level (p = .001), and accreditation level (p = .016). These findings suggest that while CARASUC sports programs demonstrate visible governance, leadership, and partnership foundations, there is a need for greater investment in athlete support, coach development, facility modernization, and systematic monitoring. A regional sports development framework is recommended to enhance policy alignment, funding, athlete welfare, coach accreditation, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous improvement across member institutions.