BARANGAY OFFICIALS LEVEL OF READINESS IN IMPLEMENTING

QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS AT BARANGAY TIBANGA CHECKPOINTS

COLLEGE OF CRIMINOLOGY

ST. PETER’S COLLEGE

SABAYLE ST. ILIGAN CITY

Elma Jane V. Laurito

Mhelger C. Caliso

Michael G. Maghinay

July 2020
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

The world today had faced the biggest challenge in coping and fighting the

coronavirus pandemic. People around the world are adapting their daily lives and

fear lock-ins, shortages of food and other essential goods, as well as severe

illness and death. At the same time, some people do not appear at all to be

worried about getting infected and disregard official advice and policies.

What implications will this coronavirus pandemic have on the daily lives of

people around the world? How will it affect the mental health, consumption and

eating habits, social cohesion as well as expectations towards politics and public

administration? Politics, medicine, and academia do not have answers to these

new questions. However, scientifically-valid answers to these questions are of

critical importance for dealing with the pandemic for maintaining health, nutrition,

and social peace around the world. Only those measures that are accepted by

citizens will be followed.

On January 22, 2020, the first suspected case of Corona Virus Disease

(COVID-19) in the Philippines was reported (Edrada et al. 2020). After three

months, COVID-19 became a Public health emergency due to a sudden increase

in the number of infected individuals. Consequently, the Philippine government

thru the Proclamation 929 s.2020 declared a state of Public Health Emergency

throughout the Philippines due to COVID-19, and to encourage all government

and local government units to render full assistance and cooperation and
mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate

response and measures promptly to curtail and eliminate the threat of COVID-19

(Official gazette, n.d).

In Iligan City, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council

(CDRRMC) in coordination with the 44 barangays and support from both public

and private institutions established a decontamination chamber and foot bath and

thermal scanner for passengers entering the City as a sanitary measure to

prevent the spread of COVID-19. At the Brgy. Tibanga Iligan City, a quarantine

checkpoint was established in all identified entry and exit points to implement the

guidelines of quarantine protocol.

This research aims to study the level of readiness among Barangay

Officials in the implementation of quarantine protocols at Tibanga, Iligan

checkpoints in response to COVID-19.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

In this study, the following theories are anchored on the disease causation

include germ theory, epidemiological triangle, multifactorial causation theory, the

web of causation, and diverse epidemiological model.

Germ theory
According to this theory, each particular type of contagious disease is

caused by a specific kind of microorganisms, which are too small to be seen

without magnification. Microorganisms that cause disease are called pathogens.

Human pathogens include bacteria and viruses, among other microscopic

entities. When pathogens invade humans or other living hosts, they grow,

reproduce, and make their hosts sick. Diseases caused by germs are contagious

because the microorganisms that cause them can spread from person to person

making many people sick, through direct or indirect contact between individuals

(Wakim and Grewal, 2020).

Theory of epidemiological triangle

According to this theory, everyone exposed to the disease agent did not

contract the disease. This means it is not only the causative agent that is

responsible for the disease but there are other factors also, related to man and

environment which contribute to disease.

The theory of the epidemiologic triad or triangle is the traditional model for

infectious disease, which consists of an external agent, a susceptible host, and

an environment that brings the host and agent together. In this model, the

disease results from the interaction between the agent and the susceptible host

in an environment that supports the transmission of the agent from a source to

that host (Center for Disease Control, 2020).

Agent, host and environmental factors interrelate in a variety of complex

ways to produce disease. Different diseases require different balances and

interactions of these three components. The development of appropriate,

practical, and effective public health measures to control or prevent disease

usually requires an assessment of all three components and their interactions.

Agent originally referred to an infectious microorganism or pathogen: a

virus, bacterium, parasite, or another microbe. Generally, the agent must be

present for the disease to occur; however, the presence of that agent alone is not

always sufficient to cause disease. A variety of factors influence whether

exposure to an organism will result in disease, including the organism’s

pathogenicity (ability to cause disease) and dose.

Host refers to the human who can get the disease. A variety of factors

intrinsic to the host, sometimes called risk factors, can influence an individual’s

exposure, susceptibility, or response to a causative agent. Opportunities for

exposure are often influenced by behaviors such as sexual practices, hygiene,

and other personal choices as well as by age and sex.

Environment refers to extrinsic factors that affect the agent and the

opportunity for exposure. Environmental factors include physical factors such as

geology and climate, biologic factors such as insects that transmit the agent, and

socioeconomic factors such as crowding, sanitation, and the availability of health

services.

Multifactorial causation theory

This theory helps to understand that disease is caused by the interaction

of multiple causes, and unique constellations of causes produce unique

instances of the disease (Fuller, 2017). The cause may sometimes be present

without the disease or absent when the disease is present. Also, a multifactorial

theory consists of no positive assertions about disease causation and asserts no

restrictions on what causal structures are specific to disease (Broadbent, 2009).

Web of causation theory

According to this theory, the disease never depends upon single isolated

cause rather it develops from a chain of causation in which each link itself is a

result of a complex interaction of preceding events these chain of causation

which may be the fraction of the whole complex is known as a web of causation

(Gulani, 2009; Park, 2007). Moreover, Web of causation theory emphasizes the

biological determinants of disease amenable to intervention through the health

care system and considers social determinants of disease to be at best

secondary and views populations simply as the sum of individuals and population

patterns of disease as simply reflective of individual cases. Also, a disease in

populations is reduced to a question of disease in individuals, which in turn is

reduced to a question of biological malfunctioning. This biologic substrate,

divorced from its social context, thus becomes the optimal locale for

interventions, which chiefly are medical (Krieger, 1994).

The socio-environmental model

The socio-environmental approach is not so much concerned with the

causes of disease, rather it focuses to identify the main factors that make and

keep people healthy. This model considers the complex interplay between

individual, relationship, community, and societal factors. The model allows us to

understand the range of factors and suggests that to prevent violence, it is

necessary to act across multiple levels of the model at the same time. This

approach is more likely to sustain prevention efforts over time than any single

intervention (Dahlberg & Krug, 2002).

The first level identifies biological and personal history factors that

increase the likelihood of becoming a victim or perpetrator of violence. Some of

these factors are age, education, income, substance use, or history of abuse.

Prevention strategies at this level promote attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that

prevent violence. Specific approaches may include conflict resolution and life

skills training.

The second level examines close relationships that may increase the risk

of experiencing violence as a victim or perpetrator. A person’s closest social

circle-peers, partners and family members-influences their behavior and

contribute to their experience. Prevention strategies at this level may include

parenting or family-focused prevention programs and mentoring and peer

programs designed to strengthen problem-solving skills and promote healthy

relationships.

The third level explores the settings, such as schools, workplaces, and

neighborhoods, in which social relationships occur and seeks to identify the

characteristics of these settings that are associated with becoming victims or

perpetrators of violence. Prevention strategies at this level impact the social and

physical environment. For example, by reducing social isolation, improving

economic and housing opportunities in neighborhoods, as well as the processes,

policies, and social environment within the school and workplace settings.

The fourth level looks at the broad societal factors that help create a

climate in which violence is encouraged or inhibited. These factors include social

and cultural norms that support violence as an acceptable way to resolve

conflicts. Other large societal factors include the health, economic, educational,

and social policies that help to maintain economic or social inequalities between

groups in society.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

This study consists of Dependent and Independent variables that help the

research to be specific. It assesses the research to find out the level of readiness

of barangay officials in terms of age, sex, number of years of residency,

Level of
occupation, civil status, and religion.
Readiness of
Barangay Officials
Demographic profile The dependent variable will be the implementation of
in Implementing
Quarantine
of the respondents quarantine protocols in Tibanga, Iligan City checkpoints.
Protocols of
Tibanga, Iligan Action plan
Checkpoints

1. Age What is the level

of readiness
2. Sex among barangay
officials to
3. Number of COVID-19?

years of

Residency

4. Occupation

5. Civil Status

6. Religion
 Figure 1.Schematic Diagram

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study will be conducted to determine the level of readiness among barangay

officials in the implementation of quarantine protocols at checkpoints in barangay

Tibanga, Iligan City.

Specifically, the study aims the following:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1. Age;

1.2. Sex;
 1.3. Number of years of Residency;

1.4. Occupation;

1.5. Civil Status;

1.6. Religion;

2. What is the level of readiness for COVID-19 preparedness and response

among barangay officials?

3. Is there any significant difference between the level of readiness among

barangay officials in implementing quarantine protocols at Tibanga, Iligan

City and their demographic profile when they are grouped according to:

3.1 Age

3.2 Sex

3.3 Number of years of Residency

3.4 Occupation

3.5 Civil Status

3.6 Religion

HYPOTHESES

H1. The null hypothesis was formulated and empirically tested.

H2. There is no significant relationship between the levels of readiness and the socio-

economic profile of the residents, vulnerable populations, health services, human

resources, and budget requirements in the successful implementation of quarantine

protocols in checkpoints.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will provide baseline information on the level of readiness to COVID-

19 preparedness and response among barangay officials and successful

implementation of quarantine protocol in checkpoints and reduce the spread of

COVID-19 among the residents of Brgy. Tibanga, especially those vulnerable

individuals (e.g. elderly and people living with other diseases).

The findings of this study would be beneficial to the following:

Residents of Tibanga, Iligan City. This study will help to reduce the spread of

COVID-19 among the residents of Brgy. Tibanga, especially those vulnerable

individuals (e.g. elderly and people living with other diseases).

Barangay Officials of Tibanga, Iligan City. The barangay officials of

Tibanga, Iligan City will be given information on the level of readiness for COVID-

19 preparedness and response.

Local Government Unit. This study will be able to help them find ways to

help and sustain the needs of barangay officials in facing COVID019.

The researchers. This study will help them determine the level of COVID-19

preparedness and response among barangay officials and the successful

implementation of quarantine protocol in checkpoints

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

 This study will be conducted to assess the readiness to COVID-19 preparedness

and response among barangay officials in the implementation of quarantine protocols

in checkpoints in Brgy. Tibanga, Iligan City. The target participants of this study will be

the barangay officials and residents of Brgy. Tibanga. The study will focus only on the

residents and Brgy. Officials of Tibanga who are directly involved in the implementation

of COVID-19 precautionary measures.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Communicable disease - a disease that can pass from one person to

another. Also known as infectious disease.

Community Quarantine – refers to the restriction of movement within,

into, or out of the area of quarantine of individuals, large groups of people, or

communities, designed to reduce the likelihood of transmission of COVID-19

among persons in and to persons outside the affected area.

Disease - denotes disharmony and deviation from the normal functioning of

various body functioning system (WHO, 2020).

Health - a state of complete physical, mental, and social well being, and

not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (WHO, 2020).

Isolation - separates sick people with an infectious disease from people

who are not sick (Center for Disease Control, 2020).

 Non-communicable diseases - referred to as chronic diseases that occur

in one person and cannot be passed on to another (WHO, 2020).

 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This section shall present the studies and concepts related to the current

research. It is subdivided into four major sections: risk levels of infection,

quarantine checkpoints, enforcement of curfew ordinance, and operational

readiness or local capacities.

Risk Level of Infection

All are advised observing home-stay, particularly the senior citizens. The

risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with the elderly. For example,

people in their 50s are at higher risk for severe illness than people in their 40s.

Similarly, people in their 60s or 70s are, in general, at higher risk for severe

illness than people in their 50s. The greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-

19 is among those aged 85 or older (Center for Disease Control, 2020).

Quarantine Checkpoints

All Quarantine Control Points (QCP) established by the Local Government

Units were supervised by the Philippine National Police to ensure uniform

implementation and compliant with the guidelines setforth by the Joint Task Force

Covid Shield and the IATF-MEID to restrict movement of people while the

Enhanced Community Quarantine is in effect. All QCPs at the Barangay level

proper coordination with the Municipal Joint Task Group and the PNP Unit
Commander or Chief of Police. Among guidelines observed in QCPs is the safe

and unimpeded passage of food products, basic and essential commodities and

authorized personnel categorized in the medical, agricultural, industrial and

utilities sectors. (PNP-PIO, 2020)

Enforcement of Curfew Ordinance

LGUs are enjoined to enact the necessary ordinances to enforce curfew

only for non-workers in jurisdictions placed under MECQ, GCQ and MGCQ to

penalize, in a fair and humane manner, violations of the restrictions on the

movement of people as provided under these Omnibus Guidelines. Law

enforcement agencies, in implementing and enforcing said curfew ordinances,

are likewise strongly enjoined to observe fair and humane treatment of curfew

violators (Inter-Agency Task Force, 2020).

Operational Readiness or Local Capacities

In a study conducted by WHO (World Health Organization) they sought to

review the current levels of health security capacities to prevent, detect, respond,

and establish enabling functions for an effective response and operational

readiness against public health risks and events including infectious disease

outbreaks. According to the Nirmal Kandel (2020) countries vary widely in terms

of their capacity to prevent, detect and control outbreaks, which is underpinned

by global variances in the strength of health systems to manage health

emergencies. Half of all countries analysed in this study currently have in place
operational readiness capacities which should enable an effective response to

any potential health emergencies including 2019-nCoV. However, it is crucial to

integrate/triangulate findings from local risk assessments to fully understand

national readiness capacities in relation to 2019-nCoV. Some countries may

require external support if cases are identified and the infection spreads rapidly

within their borders. As part of the commitment to the IHR (2005) countries

should be implementing capacity building action to strengthen their ability to

effectively prevent and manage health emergencies and the application of data

analysis can support focused targeting of critical gaps that currently exist.

Commitment to IHR (2005) also involves collaboration between States Parties to

improve capacities for preventing and managing health emergencies which

should also be carried out to improve preparedness. This will strengthen global

readiness to contain existing outbreaks including the ongoing international

spread of 2019-nCoV.

Related Studies

On a research conducted by the WHO they evaluate health security

capacities, we used 18 indicators from the IHR State Party Annual Reporting

(SPAR) Tool and associated data from national SPAR reports to develop five

indices a) prevent, b) detect, c) respond, d) enabling function and e) operational

readiness. We used SPAR 2018 data exclusively for all of the indicators and

categorized countries into five levels across the indices, where level 1 indicates

the lowest level of national capacity and level 5 indicates the highest level of

national capacity. We present cumulative scoring data for the 182 State Parties
(countries) included in this study and present analysis at the regional level (using

the six geographical WHO regions).

Findings in their study that approximately 33% of the countries analysed have

limited prevent and response capacities, and many such countries are those that

are classified by the World Bank as low and lower-middle-income nations. In

addition, our study shows that approximately 40% of countries have level 4 or

level 5 prevent and response capacities. Findings also show that 75% of

countries analysed scored more highly in the detect index as compared to the

other indices applied. The analysis revealed that half of all countries included in

this study do not currently have an effective enabling function for public health

risks and events including infectious disease outbreaks (level 1 and level 2). 56%

of countries have level 4 or level 5 enabling function capacities in place. In terms

of operational readiness, approximately 17% of all countries have limited

operational readiness capacities (level 1 and level 2), while more than half of all

countries (57%) are currently operationally ready to prevent, detect and control

an outbreak of a novel infectious disease (36% at level 4 and 21% at level 5).
 Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODS

This chapter presents the research design, research environment,

respondents and sampling procedure, research instruments and its validity, data

gathering procedure, and statistical data analysis.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study entitled " Barangay Officials Level Of Readiness In Implementing

Quarantine Protocols At Barangay Tibanga Checkpoints" is descriptive research

that attempts to accumulate information and data regarding the preparedness

and response to COVID-19. The study relied primarily on the profile of the

respondents and the survey questionnaire as the main instrument in the

gathering of important facts and data from the respondents.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

The study will be conducted among the Barangay officials of Brgy. Tibanga,

Iligan City. The respondents will be interviewed either in their residence or in the

Brgy. Hall according to their convenient time and place.

RESPONDENTS AND SAMPLING PROCEDURE

All barangay officials of Brgy. Tibanga will be interviewed of this study. In

addition, secondary data will be secured from the barangay.

RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS AND ITS VALIDITY

A two-part researchers-formulated survey questionnaire that will be

validated by the adviser in data gathering.

Part I is to design general information about the socio-demographic profile of

the respondents that will include age, sex, number of years of residency,

occupation, Civil status, and religion.

Part II of the instrument is the level of readiness in implementing quarantine

protocols in Tibanga, Iligan City.

DATA GATHERING PROCEDURES

The respondent barangay officials of Brgy. Tibanga will be interviewed

based on the formulated survey questionnaires. Prior to interview, a Prior

Informed Consent (PIC) will be secured from each respondents.

STATISTICAL TREATMENT

The statistical tools will be used in the analysis of the data gathering are

followed:

Frequency and Percentage. This will be used in the demographic profile of

the respondents which applied to all barangay officials and residents of Barangay

Tibanga in terms of age, sex, number of years of residency, occupation, civil

status, and religion.

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). This was used for the respondents of the

study on the collection of statistical models to analyze the difference among

group means and their associated procedures such as “variation” among and

between groups.