This study is anchored on the Resilience Theory propounded by Longstaff et.al,
(2010) and The Efficiency Theory propounded by Akindele and Adeyemo (1997).
Resiliency is define as the capacity ) of a system to absorb disruption, change, and
retain its core functions, structure, identity, and feedbacks. In this study, resiliency is how
a local government unit, particularly the Municipality of Panglao, Bohol, can help empower
their local communities and limit, or eradicate, dependency on institutions. It means being
able to provide a strategy that will help citizens confront or address emergencies without
relying on established institutions that come and go. This theory also emphasized the
unpredictable nature of the dangers confronting local planners and emphasizes the
involvement of the people on the ground, both as to policies and implementation. With
increasing connectivity, response to pandemics may seem easy, albeit all forces can take
a look at its possibilities. It is easier to learn about trends to address issues and
challenges, making it easier to get answers. However, while there is much to share, the
situation on the ground is quite different, across countries and populations. Some dangers
may appear familiar but unpredictable and relative. Not one solution may be applicable,
thus the element of uncertainty. (Longstaff, 2005).
Longstaff used the concept of ‘‘surprise’’ to capture the difference between what
is expected and what is experienced. These surprises are quite impossible to predict or
prepare for and call for better and doable resilience strategies (Allenby and Fink 2005).
Thus, local leaders must be efficient since local government units are consensually
regarded as institutions closest to the people or, generally, the grassroots. They serve as
actual service providers, mobilizers of both people and material resources, and
organizers of local projects in response to a wide range of variety of local wants and
needs. (Abubakar, 1993). (Akindele, 1990).
The idea of Resiliency will link to the Efficiency theory, one of the theories that
locate the basis for Local Governments in the efficient provision of services world politics.
The latter theory argues that the closeness of local governments to the grassroots
undoubtedly make them far more efficient than the central government in the provision
providing of certain services (Adeyemo, 2010).
The Efficiency theory believes that the local governments' ability and capability to
offer services effectively and efficiently that satisfy national standards is vital and
important. Furthermore, if local governments did not exist, something else would be
created to ensure that these services were operated efficiently. (Jim Sharpe, 2015)
Finally, the Efficiency ensures that local government exists largely to enhance
effective service delivery, which is intended to preoccupy the ways and manners in which
their power, money, and time are directed. This principle is significant and relevant to this
research because individuals want political leaders to offer them with satisfactory, timely,
adequate, and productive service, especially during a pandemic. (Kafle and Karkee,
2003)
The concept of the resilience and efficiency principles are terms that
both cross-cut and stress sustainability in assessing of Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). (Carpenter et al., 2011). The primary mechanism of the SDGs, sustainability,
assesses the biosphere's and civilizations' ability to endure indefinitely, allowing new
growth to meet current demands without harming future generations' ability. Thus, to
deliver services effectively and efficiently in the face of problems, plans must address
current realities and future possibilities, (Marchese et al., 2018; Redman, 2014).
Accordingly, increasing resilience is significant to making progress towards both
the healthcare priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (WHO, 2017).
The SDGs, or the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030, “were
created and accepted by the United Nations in 2015 as a worldwide call to action to
achieve a better and more sustainable future.” (Morton 2017). Sustainable development
requires ensuring healthy lifestyles and well-being at all levels and ages. According to the
United Nations, significant progress has been accomplished in extending and promoting
life expectancy and reducing the number of deaths and contagious diseases. However, it
needs strong and efficient efforts to completely eradicate a wide range of diseases and
solve many destructive persistent and rising health problems. The current framework is
being tested for the Covid-19 pandemic. The framework believes that focusing on
providing efficient support of the health system can be helpful in mitigating the spread of
the disease (UN, 2015). Covid-19 is classified as a “natural disaster.” According to a
Pennsylvania court, “The COVID-19 pandemic is undeniably a disaster that "results in
hardship, suffering, or the potential for loss of life," and so qualifies as a "natural disaster"
for the emergency declaration purposes.
On the other hand, R.A. 10121, or most commonly known as the
Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, deems it important to
develop, promote, and implement a comprehensive National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Plan (NDRRMP) that seeks to enhance the capability of the national
government and local governments (LGUs), in collaboration with partner stakeholders. It
encourages agencies to institutionalize disaster risk reduction policies, structures,
coordination mechanisms, and programs through ongoing budget appropriation at the
national, state, and local levels towards building a disaster-resilient nation and
communities, and recognize and strengthen the capacities of local governments and
communities must work together to prepare for, respond to, and recover from
catastrophes. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) that
seeks to enhance the capability of the national government and local governments
(LGUs), in collaboration with partner stakeholders. It encourages agencies to
institutionalize disaster risk reduction policies, structures, coordination mechanisms, and
programs through ongoing budget appropriation at the national, state, and local levels
towards building a disaster-resilient nation and communities, and recognize and
strengthen the capacities of local governments and communities must work together to
prepare for, respond to, and recover from catastrophes, (RA 10121, Section 2, e.).
Further, the law requires the formation of Local Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Offices (LDRRMOs) in each province, city, and municipality,
with the sole task of determining, developing, executing, and coordinating their local
disaster risk management programs within their territorial jurisdiction. It also provides that
the provincial, city, and municipal disaster management offices ensure that these plans
and initiatives are all following the National Council's standards and guidelines. The
section also highlights the responsibility of LDRRMO which requires them to develop and
implement a complete and integrated local disaster plan and program following the
national, regional, and provincial framework. (RA 10121, Section 12, a )
The law emphasizes that local governments were designed to create
policies and directives to formulate a comprehensive and integrated response in times of
any disaster, natural and otherwise, including the COVID 19 pandemic, that will ensure
the safety and welfare of the general public at all times.
The framework has demonstrated the relative merits of two theories and three legal
bases to frame the overall research questions and recommend solutions on achieving the
program's core goal: a more efficient and resilient COVID 19 response, both in terms of
policy and implementation.
Granting that, the literature covered in this chapter is taken from many fields and
disciplines. Therefore, it is important to highlight the theories and legal bases anchored
in this study that will strengthen and help fully understand the overarching research
questions.