Redefining the Disaster Framework: An Analysis of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response of Calapan City during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The first case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) entered the Philippines in March 2020. Calapan City shelters the largest population in Oriental Mindoro as of May 2020 with 74 active cases as of November 13, 2021. The study aims to answer the question of how prepared Calapan City is in responding and preparing for public health emergencies and how it affects the citizens. The paper analyzed the Department Memorandum 2020-0034 to assess whether the first policy enacted by the DOH was effective and efficient. Key Informant Interviews were also done to assess the public health emergency preparedness and response of Calapan City. The paper finds that Calapan City was not prepared for a public health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic, although the response showed resilience in overcoming the pandemic challenge. A pre-pandemic and post-pandemic framework was also suggested upon the completion of the study.