International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume V, Issue VIII, August 2021 | ISSN 2454–6186

Practices and Challenges of Barangay Nanyo, Panabo City in Responding to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study

Zaynab Aylani¹, Reziel Cuizon², Shella Mae Bohol³, Victor Caranzo⁴, Jamelo Veroy⁵, Ronel Dagohoy^6
1–⁵Students, Bachelor of Public Administration, Davao del Norte State College,
⁶Program Chairperson, Bachelor of Public Administration at Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship
and Good Governance, Davao del Norte State College

Abstract – This study explored the practices and challenges in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic of a barangay government unit. The study used a qualitative case study method of research. This study was conducted at Barangay Nanyo, Panabo City Davao del Norte, Philippines. There were six participants responded in this research through a validated interview-guide questions. The results have shown that the practices and challenges of Barangay Nanyo in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic were focused on the implementation of safety and security protocols, communication among members of the society, and the availability of resources needed in times of lockdown. The study also revealed that to cope up with those challenges, the barangay has the initiative to come up with solutions with the help of the people’s cooperation and participation that became a big part of the success of the unit is having a zero active case since the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The result of the study may be used as a basis for higher- authorities in crafting recommendations for other barangay government units. This will also assist other barangays officials in managing the pandemic situations in their community.

Keywords – COVID-19 Pandemic, Local Government Unit, Barangay Governance, Case Study, Philippines

I. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is responsible for more fatalities than the SARS coronavirus, despite being in the initial stage of a global pandemic. The first suspected cases in the Philippines were investigated on January 22, 2020. Both patients were previously healthy Chinese nationals on vacation in the Philippines, traveling as a couple during January 2020. Patient 1, a 39-year-old female, had a cough and sore throat symptoms and was admitted to San Lazaro Hospital in Manila on January 25. Since then, the national government of the Philippines was doing ways to control the spread and transmission of the COVID-19 virus. As of today, April 8, 2021, according to the Department of Health, 813,000 cases are reported, of which 646,000 have recovered, and 13,178 deaths happened. Of the said cases, 22,670 were from the Davao region [1].
Here in our locality, according to the City Health Office of Panabo City, there are 913 confirmed cases, 841 of those have recovered, and 50 deaths happened. From the data provided last April 7, out of 40 barangays of the city, Barangay Nanyo has zero cases of covid-19 related cases and deaths [2]. There are significant concerns about operative pandemic response and awareness in fragile health systems and the rifeness of misinformation. Their study determined that there is essential for targeted health education as a response strategy to COVID-19 in low-income settings, and it is vital that strategies are contextually relevant. Understanding among populations experiencing extreme poverty will be important as tailored guidance for public health response, and communication strategies are developed for low and middle-income countries [3].