Tales from the Frontliners: Heroic Act Amid the Pandemic - Volume 3

Enterprising residents set up a social media account to sell food and non-food items, the deliveries of which were facilitated by the barangay. BPSO personnel made roving information drives to update all residents on quarantine guidelines and rolling market schedules. BPSO and Eco Center Boys played a key role in the distribution of relief goods and in providing shuttle services to residents. Implementing safety protocols was difficult at first because of some resistance from residents. Nonetheless, the Barangay Philam Council chose to work hard and emphasized the need for cooperation within the community. Everyday posed a different challenge, but everyone worked together with confidence that things would get better. Truly, the unsung heroes of Barangay Philam quietly did their jobs to make sure everyone stayed at home safe and sound. Their sacrifices were not futile as community transmission in Philam did not happen and the increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases was under control. Notwithstanding the hardships and health risks, the Barangay Philam Council and PHAI were unstoppable to restrain the spread of COVID-19 in the community. These quiet heroes of Barangay Philam are true champions in the fight against the virus. # 101

Keeping Barangay Saint Ignatius COVID-free Contributor: LGOO III Phoebe-Jem P. Tamondong (DILG Quezon City) Quezon City Despite the confirmed COVID-19 cases in its neighbouring barangays, Barangay Saint Ignatius remains to be COVID-free (as of July). This was made possible by the barangay officials’ early planning on the measures they would need to take to prevent the virus from reaching their community. In an emergency meeting, they laid down the strategy to ensure that their residents would not catch the coronavirus. All mass gatherings were prohibited; barangay-owned facilities such as social hall, gym, and basketball court were closed to the public. 102

The Barangay is inspired by a bible verse in carrying out their mission as leaders in their community: \"Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established\" (Proverbs 16:3). Entry and exit of residents within the barangay was limited—only a single gate could be used, while the other two were closed. All residents, visitors, and essential workers were required to undergo temperature scanning prior to entering the barangay; in case a person registered an above normal temperature, security guards manning the entry point would know the necessary steps to take. To prevent residents from going out of the barangay, a community market has been made open twice a week to offer essential goods. Further, barangay officials have been using a COVID-19 status and visual map to easily monitor all areas within the barangay. They also made sure to keep their residents updated. Through daily public announcements, residents would be reminded to observe physical distancing measures, proper hygiene, and wearing of face masks to protect not only themselves, but the community as a whole. As preventive measures of the barangay, decontamination area has been designated; disinfection is regularly conducted; and PPEs and disinfectants are made readily available. Moving forward, the creation of an ID system, putting up an isolation facility with negative pressure, and promoting sustainable food production through urban farming are in the works, thanks to the proactive leadership of the officials of Barangay Saint Ignatius. As the pandemic is not yet over, PB Edwin Tansingco and the members of the Sanggunian know that a lot of work has yet to be done to keep the barangay from being afflicted by the virus. They are inspired by a bible verse in carrying out their mission as leaders in their community: \"Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established\" (Proverbs 16:3). 103

Trike Pasa-buy Rolls Out for Senior Citizens of Barangay Socorro Contributors: LGOO III Phoebe-Jem P. Tamodong (DILG Quezon City) Quezon City It was on a Sunday dawn of March 20, 2020 when a senior citizen was stranded in one of the busy alleys in Quezon City looking for a way to buy her medicine. The old lady wandered into the waiting area where the usual loading and unloading zone of public transportation was located. That was three days after the entire island of Luzon was placed under ECQ due to the threat of COVID-19. This story prompted Punong Barangay Teodulo Santos of Barangay Socorro to initiate an ingenious program that would benefit her constituents. “Juan Socorro Trike Pasa-buy” is the barangay’s solution to assist residents in buying essential goods since the ECQ had suspended public transportation and restricted the movement of people. PB Teodulo is the brain behind the idea of employing eight (8) displaced tricycle drivers to do delivery services for the residents of the barangay. Residents can contact the riders through text or call and provide the latter with the list of items that they want to buy. The rider then goes to the market, grocery, or drugstore to purchase the goods and deliver these right at their doorstep. Payments are done via cash on delivery without service fee charges, and it is up to the residents whether they will give a service tip to the riders. Trike Pasa-Buy is open from ten in the morning to five in the afternoon and is only limited to essential goods. 104

The project mainly targets senior citizens who cannot go out to buy their medicines, leaving them with no choice but to endure their sickness and pain. The barangay believes that the elderly must be given help in securing their medicines, particularly those with comorbidities as they are more susceptible in contracting the virus. Riders get regular incentives from the barangay as appreciation for their hard work in helping the community, despite the dangers posed by the virus. Their earnings ease the burden of their families during this difficult time. The COVID-19 pandemic indeed brings the best in people in the worst situations. Lucky for the people of Barangay Socorro, they have a leader who is more than willing to think of ways to deliver services to the people amid the crisis. # 105

Barangay Tagumpay and Its Win against COVID-19 Contributors: Barangay Secretary Joanna Marie Pinongcos, LGOO VI Bernadette E. Demillo, and LGOO VII/CH Marianne B. Anceno (DILG Quezon City ) Quezon City The imposition of strict community quarantine measures may be seen as an ideal way to stop the spread of Covid-19, but for some congested facilities and communities, the risk of transmission remains to be high. This is the difficulty that Barangay Tagumpay has been experiencing since the onset of the pandemic, as a large percent of its population belongs to the informal sector. These residents dwell in crowded shanties where social distancing is more difficult to observe. 106

Despite this reality, the Sangguniang Barangay, led by Punong Barangay Ventura Ferreras, Jr. together with the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT), see this as an opportunity to bring their A game in beating the unseen enemy . Since the start of the lockdown, they have been serving their constituents 24/7, without days off even during weekends and holidays. This is to ensure the continuous delivery of basic services and emergency response to all its people. The stringent measures implemented by the barangay in the fight against COVID-19 are intensified information and education campaign, strict monitoring of the movement of constituents, firm implementation of curfew, efficient distribution of relief goods with the help of partner organizations, and regular disinfection and sanitation schedules all around the barangay. On top of these, the barangay has devised a unique scheme where teams composed of officials and staff have been created; each team is assigned with a certain number of households to care for and regularly monitor as to needs and situation. This covers about 7,000 people or 900 households in the area. Responsibilities of the organized teams include regular health or symptom monitoring of families under their care, surveillance of people who just arrived in the area, and checking if basic supplies are still adequate for the families. All concerns are then immediately relayed to the barangay for appropriate action. The interventions helped Barangay Tagumpay to be Covid-19 free until the easing of the ECQ. And because of their selfless public servants, the community believes that it is winning in the war against the coronavirus. # 107

Barangay Talayan Heroes: Frontliners Leading the Fight against COVID-19 Contributors: LGOO VII /CH Marianne B. Anceno , LGOO V Jovette F. Genona (DILG Quezon City) and Punong Barangay Jerry Ongtauco Quezon City Not all superheroes wear capes. In Barangay Talayan of Quezon City, these superheroes are clad in coverall suits, armed with thermal guns, and their superpowers come from food packs and disinfection implements. These courageous community heroes are in the person of Punong Barangay Jerry Ongtauco, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, Sangguniang Kabataan, barangay staff, and barangay public safety officers. There are also volunteer frontliners who religiously man checkpoints, and deliver food packs and other essential goods to residents to ensure that they are safe while staying at home. While these safety protocols and other government services may be regarded as standard practices and thus expected from the barangay government, what makes Barangay Talayan extraordinary is that it has managed to maintain zero COVID-19 confirmed cases in the locality from Day 1 until June 5, 2020 of community quarantine, based on the data from the Department of Health and the QC Epidemiology Surveillance Unit. Such success may be attributed to the careful planning and aggressive actions led by barangay authorities in coordination with the city government and other concerned agencies. 108

Following government pronouncements, mobility mechanisms were immediately put in place; important information bits were disseminated to residents; disinfection activities were conducted; and food packs were distributed in an efficient manner. Going beyond their way to save others, Barangay Talayan’s team also went on a mission to Morong, Rizal to help former Quezon City residents who have relocated there in 2018. Upon knowing their struggles during the crisis, PB Ongtauco did not hesitate to deliver relief packs to over fifty two (52) informal settler families in the area. Also, stranded construction workers in Barangay Talayan were given assistance. While some are dreaming of superheroes to fight and end the Covid-19 crisis, there are people like PB Ongtauco and the Barangay Talayan team who are putting their lives at risk to perform extraordinary deeds to help and save their constituents. For that, each of them deserve our respect, support, and appreciation. # 109

To Serve and To Protect: Service in the Time of COVID-19 Contributors: LGOO VII/CH Imelda D. Basilio and LGOO III Marda Alina R. Dumaoang-Acoba (DILG Caloocan) City of Caloocan Enforcement of the law is a means to ensure that the rights of the people are promoted and claimed. During this pandemic, strict observance of the law is essential in containing the spread of the COVID-19 and in mitigating its socioeconomic impact on the people. PNP-Caloocan, through the leadership of PCol. Dario N. Menor, has initiated various actions to contribute to the national goal of flattening the curve. Despite the risk of infection involved, PNP-Caloocan personnel have been untiring in conducting patrols to ensure strict implementation of community quarantines in the barangays and proper observance of social distancing and health protocols. They have also been instrumental in the distribution of the city’s relief goods and the national government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash assistance to qualified families, as well as in the enforcement of total lockdowns in critical barangays. All these are being undertaken in addition to their regular activities in enforcing national laws such as Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and in keeping communities crime-free. 110

PNP-Caloocan stepped up its game when city ordinances on curfew hours, wearing of face masks, social distancing and liquor ban were implemented. As a penalty, violators of the ordinance were apprehended and detained for eight hours at the open space/designated custodial facility unit. A total of 137 violators were detained at the height of the apprehension efforts. Despite their socially irresponsible behaviors, they were asked immediately after detention to undergo RT- PCR swab tests for free at the People’s Park, New Caloocan City Hall. PNP-Caloocan continues to use its Facebook account to disseminate information to the public on community quarantine and other important activities. The dedication of its women and men in carrying out their duties as frontliners has been vital in combatting the coronavirus threat in the city. 111

Malabon Police Goes Beyond Peacekeeping during the Pandemic Contributor: CD Emmanuel D. Borromeo, CESO V (formerly assigned at DILG Malabon) City of Malabon The officers of Malabon City Police Station (MCPS) showcased exceptional public service that goes beyond the call of duty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the duration of the imposed community quarantine in Metro Manila, PNP Malabon has been a forerunner of advocacy activities, a source of reliable information on policies, and a champion of community compliance to quarantine protocols. The MCPS has been a solid partner of the City of Malabon in the battle against the pandemic. With the help of barangay officials and volunteers, police officers of Malabon reached out to 112 the most affected sectors by providing relief assistance. Food packs and hot meals were regularly distributed, along with quarantine passes issued to residents. These women and men in uniform also lent their services in implementing the national government’s cash subsidy program.

The MCPS has been providing credible information on COVID-19 related policies and guidelines, including curfew ordinances and liquor ban implementation. The team constantly reminded all residents that cooperation is vital in curbing the spread of the virus within the locality. As to peacekeeping measures, MCPS maintained and operated five boundary checkpoints and ten areas of mobile checkpoint due to the General Community Quarantine order in the whole region. MCPS checkpoints are converted into Oplan Sita areas to ensure that motorists adhere to quarantine protocols. These police officers continue to monitor Malabonians’ compliance to physical distancing measures, proper wearing of face masks, and other minimum health standards. The Malabon PNP is one with the country in strengthening the bayanihan spirit in our communities. Indeed, going beyond the bounds of our sworn duties and obligations, as shown by the women and men of MCPS, will tide us over this crisis. 113

From Putting Out Fire to Saving People’s Lives: The BFP San Juan’s COVID-19 Response Contributor: LGOO V Marlon Clyde S. Camilon (DILG San Juan) City of San Juan The month of March is the country’s Fire Prevention Month. Last March, the brave firefighters of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in San Juan were then busy raising awareness about the causes, hazards, and dangers of fire. Coincidentally, the first cases of COVID-19 in the region first hit the city in the same period while everyone was busy fulfilling their duties. But it was the personnel of BFP San Juan who were among the first responders in addressing the immediate concerns of the pandemic. Following the rise of alert status to Code Red, the City Fire Marshal issued an order directing all personnel to render 24-hour duty straight for 14 days and crafted localized standard operating procedures for them to follow. The station’s first action was to streamline its practices and strategize on the next steps to take while awaiting orders from the higher ups and the city government. 114

One initial technique the station thought would be of help was using a checklist for every emergency medical services (EMS) call to identify whether it was COVID-19 related. Since then, its EMS has been tasked to transport patients coordinated by the City Health Office (CHO). BFP San Juan also spearheads disinfection drives in cooperation with the LGU to sanitize roads and other public surfaces using trucks loaded with disinfectant solution. The station roams around the city in frequently visited locations such as grocery stores and banks during night-time. Select personnel have also been trained to lead the decontamination activities for individuals and vehicles. Beyond these efforts, BFP San Juan City Personnel are continuously involved to assist in various programs of the LGU such as the relief operations for all affected families, the implementation of the Emergency Subsidy Program of the CSWDO, and the mass swab testing campaign under the CHO, in which eight BFP personnel were trained to do swab testing. 115

More than a hundred days since the first case was recorded in the city, the firefighters remain to be COVID-19 free, despite the high risk of being exposed to the virus. This is a direct result of the best practices the station has innovated such as the designation of decontamination areas for each substation where all vehicles and responders are thoroughly disinfected, and the use of a washing machine at the central fire station to ensure that clothes are sanitized. Information materials on safety and mental health care are also posted in all stations. All on- duty personnel undergo daily vital signs monitoring, while all off-duty personnel are monitored by their immediate superiors. Keeping the firefighters COVID-19 free helps ensure that the community is safe, especially because BFP San Juan City personnel respond to other emergencies, too. The quick and early efforts of BFP San Juan City got them the upper hand in this pandemic. Innovative solutions and the proactive approach to the unprecedented crisis have resulted in accomplishments on the part of the station, but more importantly on the lives of the people they serve. # 116

To Serve and to Protect: The San Juan City Police Station in Action Contributor: LGOO V Marlon Clyde S. Camilon (DILG San Juan) City of San Juan A man in his 60s who would frequent a Muslim prayer hall in the City of San Juan and without recent travel history, was recorded as the first case of local transmission. With this, the city geared up for the possibility of community transmission. In the battle against the threat of the deadly virus, local police officers have been working hand in hand with the city government. First, the San Juan City Police Station immediately established more than twenty quarantine control points and more than a handful of checkpoints around the city, all of which were manned by deployed police officers. 117

Second, its Quick Reaction Team provides a hand to the City Government’s Health Office (CHO) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), in assisting confirmed cases who are receiving treatment at the Kalinga Center and the city’s Science High School. Third, they regularly patrol essential commercial establishments such as banks, convenient stores, and markets, to name a few, to check whether physical distancing is being observed in those frequently visited areas. Fourth, they have provided free transportation for the city’s frontliners, as well as to those in need of transportation services in the adjacent cities of San Juan. Lastly, they assisted in the distribution of relief goods from the city government, as well as cash aide to the beneficiaries of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP). As for its own efforts within its ranks, the members of the San Juan CPS showed their support to the PNP Bayanihan Challenge by donating around nine hundred thousand pesos—the Chief of Police has foregone half of his salary for a month; Police Commissioned Officers gave one fourth of their monthly salary, while hundreds of policemen donated a thousand peso each from their own pockets. They also provided relief goods to select families in dire need of assistance, for five times, through the “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” program. With all the assistance provided by the members of the San Juan CPS amid the COVID-19 crisis, several of them have tested positive for the virus. Despite the high risk of contamination because of the nature of their job, the local police of the City of San Juan continues to live by the motto, “To serve and to protect.” 118