Name: Eduardo Mananquil .

Jr
Applied economics
G-12 ABM – E-MUSK
Teacher: R.R.Ligson

How COVID-19 impacted vulnerable communities in the Philippines.

By: Ditte Fallesen

Source: Wordlbank.org November 10 2021.
When the people around the world started to bear the brunt of Covid-19 pandemic in
mid-2020,the World Bank launched COVID-19 survey to monitor the social and
economic impact of the pandemic on communities.In the Philippines, the community
survey conducted in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), provided important insights on how best to deliver pandemic
response and recovery programs aimed at supporting the poorest and most vulnerable
rural communities. Respondents included community volunteers and barangay (village)
officials from some of the poorest communities identified through the country’s existing
national community-driven development project.

In August 2020, the first round of the community survey had 180 respondents
representing 101 barangays. The second round in April 2021 had 200 respondents from
135 barangays across the three main group of islands—Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao.Using a standard questionnaire developed to capture the community’s socio-
economic conditions, respondents were asked to share their views on the situation in
their communities. These results reflect the general observations of community leaders
based on their perception and knowledge of their respective communities. Economic
impact on communities COVID-19 has taken a heavy toll on rural livelihoods. Loss of
income and job opportunities were overarching challenges in poor communities in the
Philippines. Disaster-prone communities experienced more difficulties in coping with
COVID-19 restrictions and its severe economic impact. Results show the most pressing
problems before and during COVID-19 were.Lack of income opportunities and reduction
of pay were pre-existing challenges but had worsened significantly due to the
pandemic.During the pandemic, communities reported continued insufficient food
supply and health, sanitation, and nutrition issues. The economic impact of COVID-19
is particularly worrisome as the surveyed communities are already a subset of the
poorest and most vulnerable communities in the Philippines. Following significant job
and income losses, communities are at risk of further increases in poverty. In August
2020, job losses were particularly severe in the construction sector (56%) and public
transportation (52%) while cumulative job losses were seen among informal workers
such as laundry women, hairdressers, and workers in small canteens; and in informal
retail like “sari-sari” stores, street vendors, and markets. The farming sector also saw
significant job losses reportedly in 70% of communities in formal agriculture and 61% in
small-scale farming.

The situation had somewhat improved by the second round of the survey in April 2021.
The sector that saw the biggest improvements was retail, where reported incidence of
job losses decreased by 13%. However, construction workers and public transport
drivers continued to be most affected by job cuts (56% and 52% respectively).

Social cohesion -Seventy-four percent (74%) of communities did not observe any peace
and order problems such as theft, crime, arguments, and community-level conflict
because of COVID-19. However, there was an increase in peace and order problems
when the second round of the survey was carried out. This seemed to be mainly caused
by loss of employment. While cases of COVID-related discrimination similarly
increased, there was no increase in sexual harassment, rape, and domestic violence
according to respondents. However, findings from an independent conflict monitoring
system (Conflict Alert) covering a smaller area of the Philippines, the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao suggests there may be more vulnerable
communities. The Conflict Alert data, based on police and media reports, reveals a
significant increase in gender-based violence during the periods of strict COVID
lockdown. Gender and women’s roles. Half of the respondents found that women and
men were equally affected by job and income losses, while 29% found that women were
more affected. Women were also identified as one of the groups most in need of
assistance because of COVID-19.

Health and vaccine concerns- In the Philippines, access to health care during the
pandemic remained consistent, though a main challenge was the lack of medical
supplies and PPEs, especially in the early phase.
The survey finds that there was significant concern about vaccine safety (86%) and
effectiveness (60%). Vaccine hesitancy was hampering the rollout of the vaccines in the
country. Communities mainly trust doctors and health practitioners for information on
vaccines. Though the respondents knew vaccines could prevent COVID-19, they were
aware that health and risk mitigation protocols were still needed. While respondents
generally found the government-issued rules and restrictions appropriate, they
suggested that local governments should be more stringent and consistent in the
enforcement of these health-related protocols. Vaccine hesitancy continues to be a
challenge in the Philippines, and further analysis is being initiated to identify key
incentives and constructive messaging. The results of the community survey, along with
the firm and household surveys, were shared with the Philippine government and other
stakeholders. Future rounds will strengthen the validity of results and will provide an
opportunity for focusing on additional sub-themes, including gender and coping
strategies, or new themes that emerge as relevant.

The survey clearly highlights how poor and vulnerable rural communities are affected by
the economic impacts of COVID-19. Going forward, we hope that the valuable insights
into the situation and perceptions of the communities can help inform target policies as
well as response and recovery programs. Firm Surveys

Following an initial survey by the Department of Finance in April 2020, the World Bank
conducted a follow-up survey in July 2020 to assess the various channels of impact of
COVID-19 on firms, their adjustment strategies, and public policy responses. Three
additional rounds of firm surveys are planned to gather information about operational
status, impacts on sales, adjustments in workforce and working conditions, changes in
demand and supply, competition, and access to finance, government support received
and desired, and adaptation to the new normal.The survey findings from April and July
2020 have been reflected in the government’s strategy to reopen the economy and
deliver support to firms in need. Succeeding rounds of surveys will further inform the
government on how firms have adapted to the gradual reopening of the economy and
what support they need to recover and grow again.
Household Surveys, The real impacts on the economy can be seen at the level of
families or households. Impacts on businesses are felt in the households as job losses,
dramatic declines in incomes, restrictions in movements, which lead to reduced
consumption of basic goods and services such as food and health care.To monitor
socio-economic impact over time, a series of four household surveys is planned to
monitor welfare changes, including questions that will allow better understanding of
family access to basic services, employment, education, health, social support, and
government support. One survey round has been completed, and the other rounds are
planned for the succeeding quarters of 2202.Therterly surveys consist of self-
administered online surveys sent to household and firm respondents through text blasts
and social media ads, and phone surveys of targeted lower income households taken
from the partner survey firm’s database. Guided by the World Bank’s COVID-19 survey
methodology and measurement task force, the surveys are designed and analyzed
using complex weight calculations and procedures that meet global best practices.
Results are thus representative of the Philippine population and firms.

Community Surveys, The community-level qualitative surveys aim to better understand

the local context and identify the poorest and most vulnerable rural communities
affected by COVID-19. Among the information gathered in the survey are access to
information and services, community practices and behaviours, community’s priorities
for government support, coping mechanisms and economic impacts, and social conflict
and cohesion. In collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD), the World Bank identified respondents from the network of barangay officials
and community volunteers organized under the DSWD-implemented National
Community Driven Development Project (NCDDP).

The first round of the survey gathered baseline data. It was conducted through phone
interviews with 180 NCDDP respondents and representing 101 barangays all over the
country. The results complement the firms and household surveys, and they reflect the
key informants’ general observations, rather than the situation in their own households.
Future rounds of the surveys, scheduled through April 2021, will interview the same set
of respondents but include new questions to capture changes over time.
My reaction about this article.

The Philippines, like many countries, faced significant COVID-19 impacts. The
government implemented strict lockdowns to curb the virus, causing economic
challenges, especially for the vulnerable population. Healthcare systems were strained,
leading to shortages in medical supplies. Education was disrupted, with schools shifting
to online learning. Tourism, a key industry, suffered as travel restrictions were enforced.
Despite these challenges, the Philippines initiated vaccination campaigns to boost
immunity. Communities came together through mutual aid efforts. Lessons were learned
about the importance of pandemic preparedness and healthcare infrastructure. The
nation’s resilience was tested, highlighting the need for ongoing public health measures
and socio-economic support.