Evaluation of the implementation of urban and rural Local Government Unit (LGU) responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in selected communities in Luzon.

Carlos Primero D GUNDRAN; Teodoro J HERBOSA; Alfredo Mahar Francisco A LAGMAY; Emerito Jose A FARAON; Genaro A CUARESMA; Donnabel TUBERA-PANES; Adrian C ALEJANDRO; Miraclene C MOLTIO; Gabriel Jay B CAOENG; Jacel Mae Z APARRI; Dorothy Mae FORNELOZA

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Evaluation of the implementation of urban and rural Local Government Unit (LGU) responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in selected communities in Luzon.

Author: Carlos Primero D. GUNDRAN ¹ ; Teodoro J. HERBOSA ² ; Alfredo Mahar Francisco A. LAGMAY ³ ; Emerito Jose A. FARAON ⁴ ; Genaro A. CUARESMA ⁵ ; Donnabel TUBERA-PANES ⁶ ; Adrian C. ALEJANDRO ⁷ ; Miraclene C. MOLTIO ¹ ; Gabriel Jay B. CAOENG ¹ ; Jacel Mae Z. APARRI ¹ ; Dorothy Mae FORNELOZA ¹
Author Information

1. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health Office, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, NCR, Philippines
2. Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, NCR, Philippines
3. Project NOAH, University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, NCR, Philippines
4. Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Public Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, NCR, Philippines
5. Project NOAH, University of the Philippines Resilience Institute, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, NCR, Philippines;Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Laguna, Region 04-A, Philippines
6. Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Baguio, Benguet, CAR, Philippines
7. University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Metro Manila, NCR, Philippines
Publication Type:Journal Article, Original
Keywords: Lgu Response; Non-uniform Implementations; Protocols; Disaster Risk Management
MeSH: Human; Covid-19; Pandemics
From: Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(14):75-88
CountryPhilippines
Abstract: OBJECTIVES
The study aims to identify the gaps and document the best practices in the response during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also compared how urban and rural sites of local government units (LGUs) implement measures. Hence, the study was conducted to probe into the non-uniform implementation of COVID-19 protocols in two (2) rural and two (2) urban local government units (LGUs), and the best practices that can be done to remedy this gap in disaster risk management.
METHODS
A case study design was employed and analyzed using a triangulation approach to determine the gaps and best practices of the selected urban and rural LGUs in implementing COVID-19 protocols. The study adopted the WHO COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (COVID-19) M&E Framework) in monitoring and tracking situations, containment efforts, and the response during the pandemic around the world. The study was tailored for both urban and rural LGUs in the Philippines to identify their approach in implementing their COVID-19 protocols.
RESULTS
Findings showed that best practices include strict border controls and granular lockdowns, conversion of existing buildings into isolation facilities, and extensive information dissemination. The gaps in implementation identified were the lack of human resources and necessary facilities to treat patients, no purpose-built isolation facilities, “inapplicability” of national protocols and ordinances in local settings, misinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and uncooperative behavior of the people.
CONCLUSION
Urban and rural communities are recommended to build risk communication and scenarios, establishing “Botika” and mobile vaccination, and extensive information dissemination as remedy to the misinformation regarding the virus, vaccine, and other pandemic-related information. Additionally, penalizing people who spread false information regarding the pandemic also be implemented. Finally, preventive health assistance should be provided to the first responders such as barangay hall personnel.