Challenges, Solutions, and Political Influences in Academic Policymaking in Local Colleges of Davao De Oro, Philippines

Amid resource constraints and shifting local politics, this qualitative single‑case study examined the challenges, adaptive solutions, and political influences that shape academic policymaking in three local colleges of Davao de Oro, Philippines. Guided by Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework, nine in‑depth interviews with vice‑presidents, deans, and program heads were thematically analysed. Findings reveal five interlocking constraint domains—funding shortfalls, capacity gaps, weak stakeholder engagement, politicised governance, and operational instability—each impeding policy implementation. Colleges respond through external‑grant mobilisation, workforce professionalisation, participatory communication drives, formalised LGU compacts, and streamlined workflows. Political currents—mayoral control, discretionary budgets, patronage pressures, and electoral volatility—permeate every stage, alternately accelerating and stalling reforms. Together, these insights demonstrate how evidence‑based ambition is continuously recalibrated by resource realities and local politics, offering actionable lessons for similarly situated Local Universities and Colleges.