Enhanced Community Quarantine Research Articles

Exploring the alcohol consumption of students in a higher education institution during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A case study

Several studies in foreign literatures indicated an increase in health-related problems induced by alcohol use as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic accompanying limitations on mobility. However, there were a handful of previous research on alcohol usage in the Philippines, particularly in Higher Education Institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this current gap in mind, this study evaluated alcohol use among students at a Higher Education Institution in Metro Manila in order to offer evidence-based data for the formulation of alcohol-related health policy. Furthermore, this study is critical in developing an intervention program to assist students in diverting their focus away from alcohol intake. This study used an online survey form, with 564 students participated. The findings revealed that respondents have different preferences and patterns. Almost all of the respondents are aware of the dangers of excessive alcoholic beverage consumption; a large percentage determined that they do not have a drinking problem; a small percentage revealed that they have tried driving while under the influence of alcohol; and more than one-fourth of the respondents drank at least one glass of alcoholic beverages during enhanced community quarantine. The chi-squared test was also utilized to assess the difference between COVID-19 lockdowns and alcohol consumptions.

Public Response and Involvement to ECQ and Vaccination Amidst COVID-19 Crisis: An Analysis on Institutionalizing Post-Pandemic Community Behavior

The economic condition of a specific country has been defied amid the COVID-19 crisis. Yet, post-pandemic community behavior has not been analyzed for probable institutionalization to help gradually recover the economy. As a result, this paper aimed to address that gap by examining the public response to and involvement in the enhanced community quarantine and vaccination in the Bicol Region. This study used the quantitative research method through a causal-correlational research design. The findings indicate that institutionalization of post-pandemic community behavior is highly likely due to the Bicolanos’ active involvement in community activities during the implementation of the ECQ and vaccination in the region. Kurt Lewin’s change management model and the inclusive socio-economic and political institutions model can be used to execute policies that the government demands to implement pluralistically. However, the policymaking body may consider the age, average household monthly income, and level of awareness of local people when formulating post-pandemic community behavioral policies because these variables significantly influence their community involvement decisions.

An agent-based model of COVID-19 dynamics during enhanced community quarantine: Exploring the role of food relief system in the presence of two SARS-CoV-2 variants

IntroductionThe onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic alerted the Philippine government to impose the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as a means to hamper human mobility and interaction and eventually diminish transmission. Due to severe limitations in accessibility to basic needs due to ECQ, the government devised amelioration programs. A year after the declaration of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, variants of concern were detected locally. Consequently, there is a necessity to prepare reinstatement of strict non-pharmaceutical interventions while meeting the food-related basic needs of the population. Studies related to food distribution during a strict community quarantine have been lacking. The importance of allocating provisions during extreme pandemic measures should be properly analyzed, especially when attempts had been made by local government units.MethodsThis study devised an agent-based model (ABM) to observe the effects of the food relief system in mitigating the disease during Davao City ECQ when two variants are present in two adjacent villages. These relief distribution types are as follows: “regular and sufficient,” “regular but insufficient,” and “irregular” relief type. In total, three barangay scenarios were considered.Results and discussionFor the worst-case scenario, wherein a lot of infections are anticipated, the results show that the “irregular” relief type peaked at the highest number of cases, while the “regular and sufficient” relief type showed little to almost no new cases. The compromise-case scenario showed almost no difference between “regular but insufficient” and “regular and sufficient.” For the best-case scenario, the three relief types showed low average infected cases with almost small variance. The model was then compared, situationally, with Davao City barangays during ECQ and recommended which food relief type applies to the barangays. This could serve as a baseline on how food reliefs could be optimally distributed in cases where barangay conditions differently affect and transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus of different variants with varying transmission rates within a community. Further development of the model should potentially be useful for decision support not only during pandemics but also in contexts where resource allocation to a community is involved.

Restaurant Customer-Based Brand Equity Dimensions during COVID-19

Academia continues to make significant efforts to comprehend the factors affecting the growth of a brand and its durability in times of pressure. In the restaurant industry, companies place a high priority on developing and maintaining brand equity for brands are one of their most important assets. In 2020, COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions disrupted business norms across the globe, especially in the restaurant industry where the in-person dining experience plays a significant role in the overall business strategy. This research analyzed the four dimensions of customer-based brand equity (CBBE) of restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey questionnaires were distributed to 219 dine-in customers of ten different restaurants when Cebu, Philippines, a known booming ground for homegrown brands, was under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status. The study revealed that Brand Loyalty was the lowest among the four variables in all ten restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. No significant difference was noted among the four dimensions of all the restaurants included in this study.

Philippine Catholic Festivals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Performing Live in the ‘New’ Normal

On 16 March 2020, then Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte imposed the Enhanced Community Quarantine putting the main island of Luzon – where Manila, the National Capital Region, is located – on a total lockdown to protect the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown restricted mobility, social gatherings were prohibited, and everyone was mandated to stay inside their homes. Moreover, there was a temporary closure of what were considered as non-essential establishments, including religious institutions. Being a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, religious rituals and festivals were heavily affected by the lockdown. Many of its ritualistic and festive performances involve human contact, which serves as the faithful’s direct and intimate relationship to the heavens. This essay interrogates how cultural festivals in the Philippines, mostly organised by the Church, adapted to the global health crisis. It reflects how the adaptations challenged and recontextualised the understanding of the live vis-à-vis the context of the digital or the virtual. Finally, a preliminary speculation on the future of the religious festivals in the Philippines is provided as a concluding reflection.

Effect of Lockdown on Food Security during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines: Two Months after Implementation

The alarming presence of COVID-19 challenged the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 2 and made the World Health Organization (WHO) declare a public health emergency of international concern. Imposed lockdowns disrupted the supply and demand chain of the food systems, hence affecting food security. This research would like to know and assess the early effect (two months after the lockdown) of the enhanced community quarantine on food security in the Philippines. An online survey was employed participated by 331 household representatives using a survey instrument containing food security assessment, household socio- demographic characteristics, behavioral responses covering food purchase and consumption behavior, and emergency measure adoption. Statistical tests were applied: Mann-Whitney U test to know the behavioral response of the food secure vs. food insecure households, as well as the phi coefficient and Cramer’s V test to determine and assess the parameters that plays important role in food security during this period. Results showed that 73% of the respondents were food insecure. The early effect of the lockdown was seen in the behavioral responses, significant differences between food secure and insecure households were found in age, income, and food purchase behavior. Parameters associated with food security are age, income, food allocation, expectations on the livelihood impact and change in expenditure, and the adoption motivations in practicing backyard gardening. The stress evaluation revealed that while Filipinos tried to cope, an increased level of anxiety was experienced. The need for clear measures in terms of preparedness in any pandemic situation was heightened. These findings are significant in providing benchmark information on food security during a pandemic.

Keeping the Faith: Filipino Catholic Responses to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Since March 2020, Metro Manila and other places in the Philippines has been on lockdownbecause of the surge of Covid-19 cases in the country. Even churches and other places ofworship have been off-limits to church goers during strict lockdown measures called “EnhancedCommunity Quarantine.” This paper looks at how Filipino Catholics practice their religiousobligations during the pandemic. Since majority (81%) of Filipinos are Roman Catholics, thefocus of this paper is how Filipino Catholics view the Covid-19 pandemic and how they copewith it. The data for this study comes from two sources: 1) interviews with church leaders andlay members; and 2) online and offlne ethnographic observation of religious practices duringthe pandemic. Through an anthropological description of Filipino Catholic attitudes on andresponses to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have a better understanding about Filipino resiliencyin times of crises.

Teachers’ Issues and Concerns on the Use of Modular Learning Modality among High School Teachers

The implementation of enhanced community quarantine in the Philippines due to the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a lot in the economy and the educational system both in the country and worldwide. The study determined the specific issues and concerns among the teachers in the implementation of modular distance learning at Saint Michael College of Caraga. The study was conducted at Saint Michael College
 
 
 of Caraga, and the respondents were the high teachers, both Junior and Senior high school Teachers. To aid the reliability of the data gathered, statistical tools were used frequency and weighted mean. Based on the findings, the teachers have issues with the students’ learning and the Parents’/Guardians’ support on the delay in passing the Learning Modules in Saint Michael College of Caraga. Moreover, the teachers are aware that the parents and guardians cannot fully attain their students’ learning needs, which is one of the reasons why there are delays in submitting the learning modules. It was recommended that the administration and teachers strengthen the monitoring and tracking of students’ progress. Revive the home visitation, conduct parent-teacher- school counselor conferences, and the referral process should be practiced by doing some meetings with the students and parents and conducting a program to continuously engage the teachers in further training to more teaching strategies during this modular learning modalities.

Household Socio-economic Conditions During Covid-19 Community Quarantine Implementation in Caraga Region, Philippines

This study examines the socio-economic conditions of the households in the Caraga Region, Philippines, during the various community quarantine implementations. A total of 1607 households across the region's provinces participated in the survey. The study unveiled that the implementation of the most stringent restriction, which is the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), affects the socio-economic activities of the households. A decrease in the households' monthly income and expenditures were observed during the community quarantine period. Although the in-store or in-establishment type of transaction is dominant across quarantine classifications and economic activities such as selling, purchasing, and banking, it is undeniable that an increase in the use of online platforms is seen during the mentioned period. Moreover, households in the region understand that implementing community quarantines can protect them, their family, and their community; however, it also transformed their social practices and activities. The most commonly reported difficulty is not being able to go outside to socialize or do errands.

A Foucauldian discourse analysis of president Duterte’s constructions of community quarantine during COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) first hit the Philippines in January 2020 and by March, more suspected cases were reported, compelling the national government to create measures to secure public health and fight the pandemic. In order to mitigate the spread of the virus, a community quarantine in the Philippine’s National Capital Region began on March 15, 2020. This study utilized Foucauldian Discourse Analysis in understanding President Rodrigo Roa–Duterte’s discourses about community quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Two of his press conferences served as texts for discourse analysis: (1) on March 12, 2020 when he announced measures against COVID-19 threat, and (2) on March 16, 2020 when enhanced community quarantine was imposed. Results showed four wider discourses: (1) Community Quarantine as a Political Device, (2) Community Quarantine as a Protection of Public Health, (3) Community Quarantine as an Act against Resistance, and (4) Community Quarantine as an Opportunity for Bayanihan (spirit of Communal Unity) and an Expression of Damayan (Giving Compassion and Support). Results showed how the discourses transitioned from community quarantine to enhanced community quarantine. The results are discussed in relation to power and social change.

Radiation Therapy amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines: When Guidelines are Not Enough

Background. To respond to the pandemic, many societies, including the American Society for Radiation Therapy (ASTRO), the United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), and the Philippine Radiation Oncology Society (PROS), recommended guidelines to allow for continued safe delivery of oncologic services. Yet, the delivery of radiotherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic remains a challenge. Objective. To describe the situation of radiotherapy delivery in Metro Manila (NCR) during the COVID-19-related quarantine. Specifically, the objectives were to determine: (1) how the radiotherapy providers implemented the recommended changes, (2) if these implemented changes allowed the hospitals to operate with pre-COVID capacities, and (3) the causative factors of treatment interruptions if these were present. Additionally, in the face of treatment interruptions, the authors sought to put forth recommendations to decrease treatment interruptions. Methods. Investigators gathered data on the prevailing situation of RT services in their respective institutions during the strictest period of quarantine — Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). Patients aged 18-70 years old who missed at least one fraction during the ECQ from March 16 – April 15, 2020, were invited to participate in a phone survey to determine factors contributing to treatment interruptions. Results. All the institutions implemented global recommendations to adapt to the pandemic, including infection control measures, telemedicine, and modification of RT plans. Despite this, most institutions had increased treatment interruptions during ECQ. The percentage of patients with interruptions was also much higher during the ECQ (66.37%) than during the pre-COVID month (30.56%). Among 142 patients unable to continue treatment, there were no significant differences in demographic variable and oncologic profile rates. The majority were more worried about getting COVID-19 than missing RT. The most common factor for treatment interruptions was transportation, followed by fear of getting COVID-19. Conclusion. Compliance with global recommendations is not enough to ensure that the patients who require radiotherapy will receive it. Based on institutional and patient results, the causative factors of interruptions included suspension of services, lack of transportation, and anxiety of patients and staff. Especially in low-resource settings, recommendations are to use available resources as efficiently as possible by having an organized referral system, providing transportation or nearby accommodation for patients and staff, and communicating effectively to reassure patients that radiotherapy can be continued safely.

Socioeconomic and Political Dimensions of COVID-19 Dispersion

This study aims to provide understanding on how certain factors lead to the formation of clusters of areas of COVID-19 dispersion to guide policy decisions and government actions. It utilized an ecological study design which analyzes data at the population or group level. The units of observation are the barangays in Cebu City. These barangays are the nodes in the network and the edge considered is the presence of areas of convergence. In order to identify the nodes for this study, data mining was done to get the number of reported COVID-19 cases in Cebu City from the Cebu City Health Office as of May 23, 2020. Only thirty-nine (39) barangays with COVID-19 cases were included in the study. Results revealed that although public and private transportation is controlled during the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine, it is assumed that the spread started prior to implementation of strict prohibitions which led to the rise of cases later on. Even at the time of the strict community quarantine restrictions, economic activities related to basic necessities were still allowed. For instance, public markets were open with prohibitions related to schedules only. This implies that people are still mobile at certain times despite the presence of restrictions. People still converge in areas where economic activities are present.

Targeting ‘highly vulnerable’ households during strict lockdowns

In this brief article, we attempt to quantify the number of households in the country which are ‘highly vulnerable’ to hunger and poverty due to sudden and highly restrictive lockdowns, such as the enhanced community quarantine, and other social distancing measures, as well as estimate the budget that will be needed to address their vulnerability. ‘Highly vulnerable’ households are defined in this study as those unlikely to have incomes during strict lockdown periods because of the employment characteristics of their employed members and which likely have little or no savings to tide them over. Using nationally-representative household data, we define a job loss index to identify the employment characteristics that are most sensitive to the lockdown measures, and given these employment characteristics, identify the ‘highly vulnerable’ households. Depending on the pre-lockdown income threshold eligibility used, we estimate the number of ‘highly vulnerable’ households in the country at anywhere from 7.4 million to 11.3 million. At ₱5,000 per ‘highly vulnerable’ household, the estimated costs amount to ₱36.9 billion to ₱56.5 billion, again depending on the income threshold used. We also propose a way for the government to operationalize the process of identifying and helping ‘highly vulnerable’ households.

Mathematics in Nature: A Pedagogical Approach

Most knowledge that we can acquire through discovery and investigation has been already known by the nature around us. It has the secrets long before we discover patterns, rhythm and calculations. This study was intended in exploring the unique way of teaching Mathematics through nature. Five individuals from different discipline of study accepted the seven-day challenge of teaching pre-school learners on a one-on-one basis while observing Philippine Enhanced Community Quarantine in the fight against COVID-19. The lessons are nursery number sense which includes Counting 1-10, Days of the Week, Months of the Year, Ordinal Numbers, Counting 11-20, and The Time and Clock. Pre-and post-assessment of numeracy skills were recorded using observable competency tallied with literal descriptions – A for mastered, B for developing, and C for beginning. Alongside teaching, online conferencing was conducted for a qualitative interview with the teacher-participants. Questions revolved around teaching mathematics using nature as springboard. Responses were put into transcription, coded, thematically analyzed and discussed in the light of sound principles in teaching and learning. After the seven-day challenge, it was found out that teaching using naturalist approach led to the increase in numeracy skills of pre-school learners. Six themes were developed based on common experience of the teacher-participants. Teaching Mathematics through nature was capsuled in the concepts of familiarity, practicality and affectivity. Nature’s aid in understanding Mathematics is due to interaction, imagination and concrete notion. Learners’ response to nature discussion was characterized into expressiveness, attentiveness and inquisitiveness. The features of nature that makes it a feasible springboard are calming, universal fitting and awe inspiring. Nature’s similarities to Mathematics are complex sense, obedience and cadence, while the Mathematics of protecting nature can be observed in valuing, balancing and growing aspects. Recommendations to school heads, community and curriculum developers were laid down near the end of the study.

“Unforgotten” informal communities and the COVID-19 pandemic: Sitio San Roque under Metro Manila’s lockdown

PurposeThis paper aims to offer Sitio San Roque, an informal settlement in the Philippines as a case study to explore long-term "forgetful" urban development planning in the Philippines, and the renewed visibility of the urban poor under COVID-19 lockdown. It connects scholarship on informality to issues of housing and political rights in Metro Manila to further investigate how vulnerable communities in the Global South are faring in the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploration of Sitio San Roque, an informal settler community in Metropolitan "Metro" Manila, Philippines. This paper refers to recent journalistic reports pertaining to the community's ongoing evictions and arrests while under Metro Manila's "enhanced community quarantine." Furthermore, it converses with literature from disciplines including health-care policy, urban studies and recent studies on COVID-19 and vulnerable communities to critically discuss the plight of the urban poor in the pandemic-stricken Metro Manila.FindingsThe urban poor and members of informal communities such as Sitio San Roque are especially vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 because of precarious livelihoods and housing instability. The creation of informality in Metro Manila can be traced to political tensions, economic agendas and development planning since the time of Marcos' administration and also to global restructuring during the 1990s. However, also important to note is that under Metro Manila's lockdown, informal settlers are further disenfranchised and stigmatized via ongoing demolitions and evictions, as well as by processes of policing and criminalization by the state. The use of military and police personnel as a way to enforce lockdown in the metropolis further impedes on the rights of informal settlers and the urban poor.Originality/valueRecent scholarship and reports discuss the challenges for informal communities and the urban poor in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to their housing conditions and loss of economic stability. This paper contributes to a critical understanding of these issues by adding the dimensions of political and housing rights. It refers to the case study of members of Sitio San Roque, who have experienced continuous threats of demolitions and arrests by state police for protesting the lack of government aid under lockdown. Both military approaches of governance and housing informality work in tandem to expose the vulnerabilities of the urban poor in Metro Manila's pandemic. Finally, this paper extends on urban studies scholar Gavin Shatkin's concept of “forgetful planning” (2004) by applying his discussions to the current context. Informal settlers have long been “forgotten” by the state's development plans, but are now remembered and deemed more visible in Metro Manila's ECQ.

Dengue at the time of COVID-19 in the Philippines

Cases of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have been increasing since the virus emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. As of 13 March 2021, confirmed COVID-19 cases have exceeded 119 million infected individuals across 188 countries, with more than 2.6 million recorded deaths. National health systems have attempted to contain the pandemic through control measures such as community quarantine and isolation. In the Philippines, an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) took effect on 15 March 2020 in an effort to flatten the epidemic curve.2 ECQ involves placing stringent limitations on people’s mobility and strict regulations on various industry operations, all of which are enforced by uniformed personnel. In spite of the ECQ, active infections have been steadily increasing in the country, at 611 618 total cases and 12 694 deaths as of 13 March 2021.

<em>Hello, Ever After</em>

<em>Hello, Ever After</em>

Household and Community Gardens Surge in the Philippines and Senegal during COVID-19

Household and Community Gardens Surge in the Philippines and Senegal during COVID-19

Treatment of Osteosarcoma Patients in the Philippine General Hospital during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Objectives. The ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted healthcare systems worldwide. This study aimed to document the effect of COVID-19 on osteosarcoma treatment pathways in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and determine if there were any delays.
 Method. A retrospective review of osteosarcoma patients treated at the PGH from January 1, 2019 – January 1, 2020 (pre-COVID-19) was compared to those treated during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 1, 2020 – September 1, 2020. Rates of diagnosed osteosarcoma, admission for chemotherapy, admission for surgery, treatment abandonment, metastatic disease on presentation, 1-year mortality, and amputation were calculated and compared between the two groups.
 Results. From March to September 2020, 11 newly diagnosed osteosarcoma patients sought consult at the PGH. Only one patient sought consult during the initial 3-4 months of the study, suggesting that patients delayed seeking healthcare during the period of enhanced community quarantine. Patients seen during the pandemic had a higher rate of metastatic disease on presentation, reflecting the delay in diagnosis. Due to COVID-19 restrictions early in the pandemic, osteosarcoma patients were coordinated and referred to outside hospitals for intravenous chemotherapy and surgery. Normalization of services (hospital admissions, limb salvage surgeries) were seen at the later stages of the study, corresponding to the loosening of the quarantine.
 Conclusions. Osteosarcoma patients experienced delays in seeking consult, diagnosis, and treatment at the PGH due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Early indicators suggest worse outcomes for these patients due to the delays. Strategies employed during the pandemic, such as networking of care and telemedicine, may help in future outbreaks.

Prema-chandra Athukorala Comment on Rethinking “Economic Fundamentals” in an Era of Global Physical Shocks: Insights from the Philippines Experience with COVID-19

Prema-chandra Athukorala Comment on Rethinking “Economic Fundamentals” in an Era of Global Physical Shocks: Insights from the Philippines Experience with COVID-19