Babae Ka, Hindi Babae Lang: Exploring the Crisis Leadership Strategies of Female Barangay Captains in Metro Manila

Abstract

This study explored the crisis leadership strategies of female barangay captains in Metro Manila, focusing on how they navigated complex emergencies and fostered community resilience at the grassroots level. Grounded in the Meta-Leadership Model of Marcus et al. (2006), the research employed a qualitative approach using transcendental phenomenology to capture the lived experiences of ten purposefully selected female barangay captains. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Moustakas' (1994) phenomenological method, which involved bracketing, horizonalization, and thematic clustering to distill the essence of their crisis leadership practices. The findings highlighted the vital roles these female barangay captains played during a range of crises, including societal problems, natural disasters, emergencies, and public turmoil. They revealed how they employed collaborative, inclusive, and people-centered strategies despite navigating systemic challenges and patriarchal constraints. By illuminating their distinct approaches and leadership challenges, this study contributes to the broader discourse on gender, leadership, and local governance, offering valuable insights into how women leaders strengthen crisis response and promote community well-being in the Philippine context.