<p>RATIONALE</p><p> School heads, as stewards of schools, play a crucial role in ensuring an enabling and supportive environment for effective teaching and learning to happen. Through their quality leadership and management, the Department of Education (DepEd) can develop quality teachers and "holistic learners who are steeped in values, equipped with 21st century skills, and able to propel the country to development and progress" (DepEd Order No. 42, s. 2017, p.3). This is in consonance with the DepEd's vision of producing "Filipinos who passionately love their country and whose values and competencies enable them to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to building the nation" (DepEd Order No. 36, s. 2013).</p>