The study explores the research competence and engagement of teachers in the Schools Division of El Salvador City for the school year 2023–2024. It aims to assess the level of research competence and engagement among teachers, identify factors influencing these aspects, and design a research development plan to enhance their skills. The study surveyed 391 teachers across two districts using a universal sampling method. Data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews, and analyzed using statistical tools such as means, frequency, standard deviation, Pearson's r, and triangulations. The findings indicate a positive correlation between teachers' research competence and engagement. A significant relationship was identified between engagement and moderating variables such as related training and position. Despite the teachers being competent and engaged, their research work was hindered by the number of coordinatorships they handled. The study emphasizes the importance of research competence and engagement for educational improvement as it illuminates the current state of teachers' research skills and lays the groundwork for a targeted Research Development Plan. The study also highlights the need for targeted training and development initiatives to enhance teachers' motivation and competence in conducting research. The results suggest that teachers' research competence and engagement are crucial for advancing educational practices and improving the quality of education. The study recommends the development of interventions to improve involvement, extrinsic motivation, mentoring, networking, resources, and leadership domains to enhance teachers' research capabilities. The findings also indicate that teachers' research competence and engagement are influenced by factors such as their educational background, related trainings, and positions. The study underscores the importance of fostering a research-oriented culture in education to maximize the benefits of research. The study concludes that a well-organized research development plan can inspire teachers to recommit to research, which will help to progress education in the Philippines. The study also highlights the need for continuous professional development and support for teachers to enhance their research skills and contribute to the improvement of educational practices. The study recommends the implementation of policies and programs that promote research and development among teachers to ensure the delivery of effective and innovative teaching practices. The study also emphasizes the importance of maintaining research integrity and ethical standards in educational research to ensure the reliability and validity of research findings. The study concludes that the research development plan should be tailored to the specific needs and contexts of teachers in the Philippines to enhance their research competence and engagement. The study also highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by teachers in conducting research, such as the analysis of qualitative data, structuring and articulating research findings, analyzing quantitative data, and effectively crafting presentations and research articles for publication. The study recommends the provision of targeted training and development initiatives to enhance teachers' skills in these areas. The study also emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment for research and development among teachers to ensure the continuous improvement of educational practices. The study concludes that the research development plan should be designed to address the specific needs and challenges of teachers in the Philippines to enhance their research competence and engagement. TheThe study explores the research competence and engagement of teachers in the Schools Division of El Salvador City for the school year 2023–2024. It aims to assess the level of research competence and engagement among teachers, identify factors influencing these aspects, and design a research development plan to enhance their skills. The study surveyed 391 teachers across two districts using a universal sampling method. Data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews, and analyzed using statistical tools such as means, frequency, standard deviation, Pearson's r, and triangulations. The findings indicate a positive correlation between teachers' research competence and engagement. A significant relationship was identified between engagement and moderating variables such as related training and position. Despite the teachers being competent and engaged, their research work was hindered by the number of coordinatorships they handled. The study emphasizes the importance of research competence and engagement for educational improvement as it illuminates the current state of teachers' research skills and lays the groundwork for a targeted Research Development Plan. The study also highlights the need for targeted training and development initiatives to enhance teachers' motivation and competence in conducting research. The results suggest that teachers' research competence and engagement are crucial for advancing educational practices and improving the quality of education. The study recommends the development of interventions to improve involvement, extrinsic motivation, mentoring, networking, resources, and leadership domains to enhance teachers' research capabilities. The findings also indicate that teachers' research competence and engagement are influenced by factors such as their educational background, related trainings, and positions. The study underscores the importance of fostering a research-oriented culture in education to maximize the benefits of research. The study concludes that a well-organized research development plan can inspire teachers to recommit to research, which will help to progress education in the Philippines. The study also highlights the need for continuous professional development and support for teachers to enhance their research skills and contribute to the improvement of educational practices. The study recommends the implementation of policies and programs that promote research and development among teachers to ensure the delivery of effective and innovative teaching practices. The study also emphasizes the importance of maintaining research integrity and ethical standards in educational research to ensure the reliability and validity of research findings. The study concludes that the research development plan should be tailored to the specific needs and contexts of teachers in the Philippines to enhance their research competence and engagement. The study also highlights the importance of addressing the challenges faced by teachers in conducting research, such as the analysis of qualitative data, structuring and articulating research findings, analyzing quantitative data, and effectively crafting presentations and research articles for publication. The study recommends the provision of targeted training and development initiatives to enhance teachers' skills in these areas. The study also emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive environment for research and development among teachers to ensure the continuous improvement of educational practices. The study concludes that the research development plan should be designed to address the specific needs and challenges of teachers in the Philippines to enhance their research competence and engagement. The