An IT Governance Framework for Blockchain-Enabled Information Integrity in Philippine Private Higher Education Institutions

Information integrity is a critical priority for private higher education institutions (PHEIs) as it supports institutional credibility, graduate employability, and compliance with accrediting and regulatory bodies. Academic recordkeeping in Philippine PHEIs continues to evolve as part of broader digital transformation initiatives. Although blockchain technology offers features such as immutability, decentralization, and verifiability, its adoption should not be approached solely as a technical undertaking. Effective implementation requires IT governance mechanisms that align technological initiatives with institutional goals, ensure responsible resource allocation, manage organizational and security risks, and facilitate coordination among key stakeholders. This study proposes an adaptable IT Governance Framework for blockchain-enabled information integrity in Philippine private higher education institutions. Developed from the perspectives of stakeholders within a PHEI context, the framework highlights the coordinating role of the IT Department while integrating the responsibilities of the Registrar, Finance Office, Accreditation or Quality Assurance Unit, and Senior Management. The framework combines blockchain capabilities with governance practices involving strategic alignment, resource and investment management, risk management and security, roles and accountability, and performance and compliance monitoring. Using a mixed-method approach involving surveys and interviews with key institutional stakeholders, the findings provide empirical support for governance-driven blockchain adoption characterized by clear policies, phased implementation, stakeholder collaboration, and adequate resource allocation. The proposed framework offers a practical roadmap for institutional leaders seeking to strengthen information integrity while advancing digital transformation in a manner that promotes trust, accountability, and regulatory compliance. The study concludes that blockchain adoption should be regarded not merely as a technology upgrade but as an IT governance initiative that can be adapted by Philippine PHEIs operating within similar governance and regulatory environments.