Group-7_Research-Paper (2)

Societal Hierarchy: A Correlational Study Between the Pandemic Response Made by the Local Government Unit and the Perception of Dumagueteños as Determined by their Social Status A Quantitative Research Paper in Senior High School Department submitted as partial fulfillment of the requirements in PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 Eunice Shaine B. Abellana Marlynne Guilianna B. Carreon Josh Nathaniel M. Gadiana Kiara Denise B. Nodado Liwayen R. Torres Blaire A. Sarande Adviser Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial – Dumaguete Science High School SY 2021 – 2022

ii Abstract The government’s response to a pandemic determines whether a country sinks or floats with the waves. Dumaguete, officially the City of Dumaguete, is a city in the Philippine province of Negros Oriental. It is the capital and principal seaport in the whole province, which means that the city plays a pivotal part in the economy of Negros Oriental. With 100 Dumagueteño respondents, this research is focused on identifying the relationship between social status and the perception of the Dumagueteños towards the local government's COVID-19 pandemic response. The response made by the local government of Dumaguete is classified into six: community lockdown, supply aid, patient care, vaccines, frontliner benefits, and information dissemination. Social status is then identified with the guidance of the Kuppuswamy and Udai Pareekh's scale. The researchers used the Likert Scale in the survey questionnaire and the Spearman Correlation to test the relationship. The researchers found out that out of the 30 statements mentioned in the questionnaire, only one statement showed a significance between the social status and the perception of the respondents to the local government's response that is mentioned in the statement. Overall, there is no significant relationship between the Dumagueteños’ social status and their perspective on the government's pandemic response. The data gathered shows that the Dumagueteños, regardless of their social status, answered with the choices on the scale that showed a negative perception on the local government's response. Keywords: social status, pandemic response, local government, Dumaguete, Dumagueteño, COVID-19 response, pandemic response

iii Acknowledgment The researchers would like to thank the following people for their contributions to this study. This paper was only made possible with their assistance and support. First and foremost, the researchers would like to thank the Almighty God for providing them with the gift of education and knowledge, as well as the protection, will, and guidance through every step on the way, and for giving them strength to continue persevering despite the hardships on their paths. The researchers are also grateful to their friends and families for their continuous and undying support and for sparking motivation inside the researchers’ hearts. Third, the researchers also give their heartfelt appreciation to all the respondents for patiently and honestly answering every single question in the survey. Last but not the least, the researchers thank Mrs. Blair A. Sarande, their research adviser, for guiding them and pushing them to the best of their abilities. This study would not have been possible without her guidance and encouragement, and her teachings that helped better their understanding of what being a good researcher is.

iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Page Title Page …………………………………………………………………….………… . i Abstract ……………………………………………………………………….……...….. ii Acknowledgment …………………………………………………..……….……...…… iii Table of Contents ………………………….…………………………………….……… iv CHAPTER I: THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE …………………………………….………….…. 1 Introduction ……………………………………………………….…………...… 1 Background of the Study ………………………………………….….………….. 2 Review of Related Literature and Studies …………….…………….………….... 3 Conceptual Framework ………………………………………….…….……….. 16 Statement of the Problem ………………………………………….….………... 18 Statement of Hypothesis ………………………………………….….……….... 22 Significance of the Study ……………………………...………….………….… 22 Scope and Delimitation of the Study …………………………….…...……..….. 23 Research Design …………………………………………..….……………..….. 23 Research Environment ……………………………………….…….……..……. 24 Research Instrument …………………………….………………………...…… 24 Research Procedure ……………………………………….………………..….. 24 Statistical Treatment of Data ………………………….…………..………….... 25 Operational Definition of Terms ………………………….….……..…………. 26

v CHAPTER II: PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA ………… 28 First Section: Demographic Profile ……………………………………………. 28 Second Section: Perception on the Government’s Pandemic Response ………. 33 CHAPTER III: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS ......… 100 Summary of Findings …………………………………………….………..…. 100 Conclusions ……………………………………………………………..….… 105 Recommendations ………………………………………………………….… 106 REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………..…….. 108 APPENDICES ………………………………………………………..……….…….. 116 Survey Questionnaire ……………………………………………….…......… 116 Curriculum Vitae ………………………………………….……………..…… 121

CHAPTER I THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE Introduction The pandemic, a terrible tragedy for which no one was prepared. Due to the sheer rapid growth in COVID-19 infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Corona Virus outbreak a pandemic in March 2020. Before the pandemic, the Philippines’ healthcare system was in poor shape and its shortcomings are now being exposed. As stated in a recent study (Amit et al., 2021), for every 10,000 inhabitants in the Philippines, there are ten hospital beds and six physicians, and only roughly 2,335 critical care beds available in the Philippines. The government has been slow to expand the healthcare system's ability to screen, track, and treat COVID-19 individuals as well as address the population's non-COVID-related health needs (Quintos, 2020). This has not only resulted in health issues around the world, but it has also had an impact on many aspects of life, including the livelihood of many families. In order to reduce the spread of the virus, the Philippine Government declared a community lockdown and informed the people on how to avoid illness transmission. However, the community lockdown was a double-edged sword. At higher levels of community lockdown, small stores and restaurants were strongly advised to stop business temporarily until the number of cases lower under a certain amount. According to ABS- CBN News (2020), the state statistics agent reported that there were 3.8 million adult Filipinos who were jobless as of October 2020, representing an unemployment rate of 8.7%.

2 Background of the Study On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic and is as widespread today as it was then. For everyone’s safety, regardless of status, multiple precautions were put in place in order to limit the spread and attempt at containing the virus. Gradually, nations around the world followed and adapted to the COVID-19 response advice for the public (WHO, 2020). The past two years have caused the Philippines to undergo multiple revisions to the COVID-19 preventive measures in order to react to the presented situations accordingly. The same goes true for Dumaguete City. Mandates and orders are continuously being brought out and enacted to ensure that whatever needs the residents, including passers-by, are met. However, different people have various circumstances and resources available. Although the measures are there for the general public, there is no assurance of how equal the treatment is for all. While seeing how efficient the local government in Dumaguete responded to the COVID-19 outbreak, it is also necessary to discover how well the operation is received by the citizens as classified by the citizens’ discerned social classes.

3 Review of Related Literature and Studies COVID-19 Pandemic Response The rapidly evolving nature of the COVID-19 virus makes it require rigorous surveillance and monitoring to accurately track and predict its prognosis. The Department of Health coordinates with the Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure public health categorically on local levels. LGUs were given the job of adopting, coordinating, and implementing measures that comply with the Department of Health's basic health standards that are necessary for public health in the event of a pandemic (Department of Health, 2021). Information dissemination on the nature of COVID-19, and preventive steps to avoid illness transmission are circulated in a variety of formats including infographics, films, and images, across multiple platforms on the internet, mostly on social media (Asuncion and Flores, 2020). Moreover, Local Government Units have developed their own solutions for dealing with the COVID-19 crisis in their communities. While the information itself has not been a problem, the Philippines' pandemic response has been hampered by inconsistencies in coordination and communication among subnational units (Felices, 2021). According to Asuncion and Flores (2020), the government's ability to jointly enable planned, systematic, and effective activities to assess and prepare for future dangers, as well as manage the country's current situation, is critical in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of response is greatly dependent on the speed and scope of government engagement, as well as how communities and the general public receive, comprehend, and become aware of the information presented (Hyland- Wood et al., 2021).

4 Community Lockdown In a bid to halt the spread of COVID-19, the Philippines began imposing stay-at- home orders last March 2020. However, there are no clear-cut policies to follow. The national government says one thing and local governments impose another (Gumban, 2020). Different levels of community quarantine are in place. Residents must stay indoors unless they have a pass that allows them to go out and obtain necessary supplies under the highest tier, the Enhanced Community Quarantine. Some businesses are allowed to open on the lower tiers, but certain people, such as the elderly and the very young, must remain indoors at all times. Due to the Philippines’ weak public health system, COVID-19 has presented a major challenge to the country. From the beginning of 2020 to March 13, 2021, The Philippines reported over 616,611 coronavirus cases and more than 12,750 fatalities (CSIS, 2021). Community lockdowns have, without a doubt, hindered the growing number of cases everyday. However, they also constitute what the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, described as a “highly militarized response” to the pandemic (CNN Philippines, 2020). According to See (2021), the armed police manning the checkpoints have also, at times, been encouraged by President Rodrigo Duterte to shoot lockdown violators dead. During another, he ordered police, military, and local officials to arrest unruly quarantine violators after hungry protesters demanded food. Supply Aid Faced with an unprecedented global health emergency unlike any experienced in the last few decades, countries around the world have reached out to one another in an

5 effort to contain the coronavirus pandemic. The Philippines received supplies and aid from other countries including Singapore, China, United States, France, UAE, Canada, and many more (Tomacruz, 2020). Aid was given either in cash or in kind, such as personal protective equipment for health workers, face masks, other medical supplies, and even medical experts and professionals. In addition, a total of three million US dollars have been mobilized through UNICEF, including donations by the Government of Japan, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the UN Foundations’ Solidarity Response Fund, and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) (UNICEF, 2020). In order to assist the less fortunate Filipino households, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) partnered up with the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and launched a food program called Bayan Bayanihan in coordination with the Philippine Army. The project’s objectives are to aid and deliver critical food supplies to as many as 140.000 vulnerable households in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. The project prioritizes families that are poor and marginalized, including people with disabilities and the elderly (ADB, 2020). Days before distribution, army personnel and DSWD officials visited target villages to verify poverty data and coordinate with village captains and social workers to ensure a seamless flow of supplies from army trucks to doorsteps. Despite the dangers they faced as frontline food program workers, Philippine Army and Navy soldiers worked almost every day to pack and deliver food supplies to communities.

6 Patient Care The government was unprepared for the outbreak. Before the pandemic, the Philippines' healthcare system was in poor shape. As the pandemic strikes in 2020, things only became worse. The government's ability to deal with a pandemic is limited. It is now exposing the country's healthcare shortcomings that have been present ever since. According to Collado (2019), to efficiently offer even the most basic level of quality health service, the government must move promptly on financing infrastructure, including expansion and training of health workers. There is still a significant gap in providing high-quality healthcare in the country. Therefore, it was no wonder that the government's reaction to COVID-19 was inadequate. As stated in a recent study (Amit et al., 2021), for every 10,000 inhabitants in the Philippines, there are ten hospital beds and six physicians and only roughly 2,335 critical care beds available in the Philippines. The available resources are condensed in urban areas. This leaves a ratio of one physician for every 20,000 people and one bed for a population of 1000 people in rural areas. The government has been slow to expand the healthcare system's ability to screen, track, and treat COVID-19 individuals as well as address the population's non-COVID-related health needs (Quintos, 2020). As of 2020, the government has reinforced the following action. The Department of Health has required hospitals nationwide to allot 20% of the hospital beds to patients affected by COVID-19 (Crisostomo, 2020). It was initially set at 30% but was later dropped to 20% when some hospitals admitted that they couldn't meet the 30% COVID ward requirement.

7 The privatization of healthcare in the Philippines has aroused inequality amongst the poor and the rich. As an example, Katherine Bulatao has been denied admission by six hospitals, one of which demanded P4,000 from her family for the medical personnel's protection equipment. Another example is Josefina Barros who was denied healthcare by nine institutions, one of which requested a P30,000 down payment from her family before she could be admitted (Cayabyab, 2020). These continuous acts have defined patient care in the Philippines. COVID-19 Vaccines The COVID-19 vaccine is crucial in combating this pandemic. Particularly in the Philippines, which has one of the highest infection rates. However, getting through this pandemic using vaccines will require the people's participation and willingness. Vaccines are nothing new to the Philippines. The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) has revised and expanded in 2010 to cover mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B, and H. influenza type B, through Republic Act No. 10152 – the “Mandatory Infants and Children Health Immunization Act of 2011” (Reyes, 2021). This act included healthcare employees' obligations and healthcare workers' continuing education programs. It required basic immunizations to be offered for free for newborns and children under the age of five at any government health institution. However, hesitations have started to rise during the Dengvaxia controversy. The high incidence of adverse reactions in children linked with Dengvaxia and the lack of social readiness and risk communication sparked a discussion fueled by media hysteria and political conflict (De Figueiredo et al., 2019).

8 In March 2021, more than 480,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines arrived in the Philippines from the COVAX Facility (\"Philippines welcomes the arrival,\" 2021). The government since then has started to distribute the vaccine to the A1 group or the healthcare workers and front liners. While it might seem that everything is in order, vaccination distribution has been slow. The Philippines then acquired 1.6 million doses of Johnson & Johnson's Janssen vaccine from the United States in July 2021 (\"Philippines receives over,\" 2021). This opportunity has widened the vaccine coverage to A2 (senior citizens). As of October 2021, the Department of Health has approved the distribution of vaccines for children aged 12-17 by November 3. They utilized brands such as Pfizer and Moderna for this age group. Readiness to accept COVID-19 vaccination was higher when the government was thought to be conducting the pandemic response effectively; willingness to take the vaccine was substantially lower when the government was believed to be handling the response poorly (Hartigan-Go et al., 2021). The government must assure the people of the efficacy of the vaccine. One element contributing to the decline of faith in vaccinations and immunization is politicians' abuse of the COVID-19 reaction to boost their political careers. Frontliner Benefits The Department of Health (DOH) released Php14.3 billion worth of benefits for the healthcare workers split between two periods of distribution. The distribution happened in the span of time between the 15th of September to the 19th December of 2020 being the first period and from December 20, 2020 to June 30, 2021 as the second period of distribution. The money serves as the healthcare workers’ hazard pay and

9 special risk allowance (SRA) for 306, 314 workers. The meals, accommodation, and transportation (MAT) allowances. Both public and private health facilities that cater to COVID-19 patients are subject to this benefit (2021). Furthermore, DOH updated in January that the provisions and benefits for health care workers (HCWs) will continue for the year 2022. Additionally, DOH reports that with President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s dictum that HCWs be given higher SRA, DOH will implement the One COVID-19 Allowance or OCA this year of 2022. Benefits will be edited to be more inclusive to workers instead of the past which is only enjoyed by a number of workers (DOH, 2022). Similarly, a bill is undergoing editing regarding the mandatory benefits to frontliners in the COVID-19 handling. The proposed law presently needs the approval of the President. Under the reconciled version, the bill seeks to grant a P3 000 to P9 000 monthly health emergency allowance for frontliners depending on the “risk exposure categorization” of each (Ramos, 2022). Information Dissemination Articles on COVID-19, spread throughout the world, are mostly posted on different social media accounts to transmit pandemic health information and updates. Due to the novelty and high transmission rate of COVID-19, immediate medical countermeasures are required. Strategic health communication channels which are widely used and trusted can help spread virus information more effectively (Gehrau, et al., 2021). Since the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affects every country, it is critical that everyone understand the necessary pandemic containment, eradication, and exclusion measures. This pandemic will require widespread public awareness and engagement, not

10 just health experts and high-level decision-makers (Killeen & Kiware, 2020). When faced with difficult choices, citizens belonging to all classes and working in different professions — policymakers, health professionals, and citizens or the general public must be accustomed in quickly assessing the situation and imposing immediate rules. According to Fineberg (2020), it is also critical that everyone understands why these policies must be implemented so early, so forcefully, and for so long. A research study conducted by Chukwuyere et al., (2020) pointed out the evidence of both rural and urban residents being unaware of the high rate of transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Their lack of literacy may have hindered their access to COVID- 19's social media tools. During the present time, social media has become a haven for fake news and conspiracy theories. This has led to conflicting views on the pandemic. Unhealthy practices such as ingesting harmful substances in hopes of counteracting COVID-19 have been fuelled by thousands of rumors, conspiracy theories, and media reports. These rumors undermine the pandemic response (Barber, 2020). In this information age, public health awareness is key to minimizing causalities; and every citizen, most especially the literate ones, can play a vital role to disseminate this information to health care workers, society, and communities by utilizing effective social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, among others, and TV and Radio programs, to educate people on maintaining preventive measures during a pandemic. A supplemental claim by Barber (2020) added that most importantly, people need to get information from reliable sources like the World Health Organization, academics, or local public health institutes. In these media environments, everyone has a responsibility to create a healthy and aware community.

11 Social Status The determination of positions an individual or a family occupies in the status structure of a society is referred to as social status. Social status is a multidimensional concept (Hollingshead, 2011). A supplementary claim by Hodge and Treiman (1968) conditions that the factors indicative of social status are occupation, educational attainment, sex, and marital status. These factors differ on each particular person thereby proving that the characteristic of social status involving different aspects displays the existence of unequal status in society. Traber et.al., (2021) argue that concerns from the high- and low-status individuals are treated differently. The affluent and less affluent citizens have different stands as to what issues should be promptly tackled by the government. However, due to social ties and the abundance of resources, the government tends to lean on the accomplishment of resolving issues concerning the affluent. Hence, the government perception of people belonging to different social classes differs depending on their knowledge, experience, and involvement in the administration. The societal segregation amongst individuals manifests a diversity of focuses (Mattan, 2017). The interactive nature of the person categorization process, based on social status, could potentially alter their perceptions towards any given circumstance in society. According to Bowler (2007), expectations of getting more involved in the administration are motivated by distrust towards the government and the belief that every citizen bears the duty of keeping the actions and decisions of the government under scrutiny. People who are satisfied by how democracy or any type of governance works, have little to no regard for the struggles of the underprivileged. The growing gap between the affluent and the rest who do not share the same position in the social class is seen in

12 the nature of disparities – from career paths to educational opportunities, health risks, and safety (Pazzanese, 2016). Almost every aspect of life is affected by the hierarchical separation of groups and individuals. Educational Attainment According to the sorting model of education, the impact of education on civic engagement is relative rather than absolute. Education facilitates citizens' more effective consumption of information and eloquently expressing their needs and preferences. In other words, education is critical in assisting individuals in overcoming various barriers to political participation, including structural or institutional barriers. (Teixiera, 1987, Macedo, 2005). Education does not only hold a difference in political perspective but also health and information and other public attitudes. According to a global survey tackling the potential acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine done by Lazarus et al. last 2021, higher levels of education are associated positively with vaccine acceptance. This survey result can also be supported by a study done by Akarsu et al. that observed that the level of educational attainment is directly proportional to the willingness to get vaccinated (2021). A cross-sectional study done by Rzymski et al. last 2021 highlighted that individuals with lower educational attainment are more potentially hesitant to believe in vaccine efficacy due to vaccine scares, thus emphasizing the need for continuous public information and safety explaining peculiarities related to vaccine safety and efficacy. Gender Gender plays a significant role in every individual’s personal life, social relations, and culture (Connell, 2009). The vast diversity of gender patterns reaches across the

13 premier and unique heritages throughout the whole of the world. According to Zambon (2020), gender refers to how an individual identifies themselves. Gender identification can only be determined by the personal sense of an individual’s own gender. A person could identify themselves as male, female, transgender, gender-neutral, non-binary, among others. Stereotypical images of gender groups have long been evident in society. However, stereotypical expectations are not only bounded by persisting differences. These also limit the extent of expression one could manifest. The nature of gender stereotypes significantly relates to the self-evident existence of gender differences. These differences impact the way individuals define themselves, especially those that belong to the discriminated groups. As a result, the way people address, interpret, and retain any information is significantly influenced by the way they are treated, with respect to their gender (Ellemers, 2018). According to Gebhard (2020), the gender disparities in COVID-19 vulnerability highlight the need to further understand the impact of gender on disease incidence and case fatality, as well as tailoring treatment. Gender-specific behavior may affect vulnerability against the virus, hence, definite treatments may be necessary depending on biological factors – a medical attention method that is not yet observed in the Philippine healthcare system. Although this observation is novel, it may affect the perception of individuals from different gender categories, thinking that their experience on patient care from government healthcare workers and institutions is not enough to get them through the healing process.

14 Providing fair access, treatment, and focus on all individuals must be a fundamental commitment of all countries. Gender-balanced public decisions help uplift those who are disregarded by the government. Any issue that involves the state, government, and citizens, should account for transparency and inclusivity (OECD, 2017). Failure to effectuate collective participation amongst individuals, no matter what position or gender, would lead to contrasts among perceptions, predominantly, to the government and its response. Religion According to Ferngnen, many people who live in modern secular societies are unaware of the relationship between medicine and religion. With this, associating religion with healing appears to be an anachronism incompatible with scientific medicine. However, religion, medicine, and healthcare have been inextricably linked in all population groups since the dawn of recorded history. (Koenig et al., 2012). Within the medical and scientific communities, interest in the effects of religion on health has grown in recent years. (Levin, 1996). Furthermore, numerous well-controlled studies have demonstrated unequivocally that religion-related variables have a significant effect on various health indices (Berkum et al., 2009, Nelson, 2009, Armento, 2011). In a study done by Rujis et al. last 2012, it has been discovered that in the Netherlands, an Orthodox Protestant minority has religious objections to vaccination, and 40% of them have never been immunized. In a similar study done in Malaysia, the majority of Muslim mothers answered: “I agree” to the question “childhood vaccine is banned in religion” (Balbir et al., 2019). Both religions believe that vaccination is primarily a means of preventing divine will and that their High Being will not allow

15 illness to occur in the human body. They use religious arguments to support their belief in the necessity of trust in divine will. Age There are different views and opinions on politics about age. Generally, there tends to be an age difference in political participation. This may be a by-product of the perception of politicians’ age or serves as the opposite as a variable that influences the people’s view on the relation of politics and age. A book by Smets (2021), speculates whether people’s political experiences and behaviors are affected by early experiences or overwritten by newer ones. It further dives into discussing how the behavior of younger individuals differ from older citizens. Owing to this study’s deliberations, a basis can be made that opinions on politics, age, for instance can be manipulated by an individual’s experiences and age group. Conversely, a study by Lau & Redlawsk in 2006 gives insight on how age can affect a citizen’s opinion on politics. It states that a voter’s age affects information processing. In other situations, Lau & Redlawsk claim that political knowledge can accumulate with greater experience as well as memories for actual presidential candidates. This extends to memories of political parties. Keeping that in mind, age is a factor that goes with time. An older citizen may have more exposure to political affairs than their younger counterparts thus causing a possible different opinion. While a political candidate may not necessarily be older in order to have more exposure to politics and thus making themselves more influential depending on how long they have been on the scene.

16 Conceptual Framework PROCESS OUTPUT INPUT 1) Finding of the 1) Pinpoint the response conceptual basis and made by Local 1) Demographic profile related literature. Government Units on of the respondents based different aspects (i.e., on: 2) Formulation, community lockdown, validation, and supply aid, patient care, a. age administration of the COVID-19 vaccines, b. gender research instruments. frontliner benefits, and c. religion information d. educational 3) Dissemination of dissemination). research survey- attainment questionnaire through 2) Determine the e. occupation Google Forms to 100 perception of the f. monthly income Dumagueteño Dumagueteños on the respondents (chosen Local Government 2) The COVID-19 randomly). Unit’s system of pandemic response (in pandemic response. terms of community lockdown, supply aid, 3) Determine the patient care, COVID-19 correlation between the vaccines, frontliner Local Government's benefits, and information response and the dissemination) made by Dumagueteños’ the Local Government perceptions based on Unit (LGU). social status using correlation statistical 3) The perception of the analysis. Dumagueteños on the response made by the Local Government Unit on different aspects a. community lockdown b. supply aid c. patient care d. COVID-19 vaccines e. frontliner benefits f. information dissemination as determined by their social status. Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study

17 This research uses the input-process-output model for the conceptual framework; the process of how the researchers will gather the data and information that will be used as the basis of the results and discussion of the study can be seen in this figure. As seen in Figure 1, the variables and processes that are involved in this study are divided into three stages. The first box labeled ‘input’ consists of 1) the demographic profile of the respondents based on: age, gender, religion, educational attainment, occupation, and monthly income; 2) the COVID-19 pandemic response made by the Local Government Unit (LGU); and 3) the perception of the Dumagueteños on the response made by the Local Government Unit on the aspects of community lockdown, supply aid, patient care, COVID-19 vaccines, frontliner benefits, and information dissemination as determined by their social status. In the box labeled ‘process’ are the steps and procedures that the researchers will take to acquire the data and information needed on the input, such as the finding of the conceptual basis, the related literature, and the formulation, validation, and administration of the research instruments. Dissemination of the research survey-questionnaire will be employed through Google Forms and it shall be distributed to 100 randomly chosen Dumagueteño respondents. The last box shows the ‘output’ of the framework, wherein the researchers pinpoint the response made by the Local Government Unit on different aspects (i.e., community lockdown, supply aid, patient care, COVID-19 vaccines, frontliner benefits, and information dissemination), determine the perception of the Dumagueteños on the Local Government Unit’s system of pandemic response, and finally, determine the correlation between the Local Government's response and the Dumagueteños’

18 perceptions based on social status using correlation statistical analysis with basis on the data gathered from the developed and disseminated survey-questionnaire. Statement of the Problem The Dumaguete Local Government Unit (LGU) has dedicated a movement to help the citizens of Dumaguete in the midst of facing problems caused by the pandemic. There are funds and mandates set by the LGU in order to quell the spread of COVID-19 as well as help those that need assistance with any problems related to the pandemic from health to transportation and accommodation. Furthermore, the availability of the Dumaguete Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) helps mitigate the impact of COVID-19 in the city (Talabis, 2021). Together, the Government and multiple private organizations cooperate conjointly to facilitate and deliver the proper response in order to attend to the required. Part of the main ideals of forming this joint effort to help the inhabitants is to equally provide support and guidance to whoever may need it. Unfortunately, equality may not always be present in treating the individuals that need help; as multiple variables are able to affect this. The state of the current system in response to COVID-19 may be influenced by factors such as social capability and standing. Additionally, the response and efficiency may also vary due to said variables. Seeking the flow of the current system may prove fruitful to provide an insight into the government’s management in the response to the COVID-caused consequences. Taking a more informed grasp on the situation could better improve the system in handling the needs of the people and thus resulting in a more efficient strategy.

19 This research strives to gauge the effectiveness of the Local Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of different social classes to see whether the responses are relatively the same all around or are varied in satisfaction. In order to do this, the researchers will deploy a survey for the inhabitants of Dumaguete City and use it to interpret an appropriate reading of the situation. Specifically, this research is designed to answer the following questions: General Questions: 1. How efficient and productive were the local government’s response and management amidst the COVID-19 pandemic? 2. How do people from different societal statuses perceive the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic? 3. In what aspects can the government improve? Specific Questions: Community Lockdown 1. Was the local government able to help tourists and passengers from one municipality to another cross borders immediately? 2. Was the government able to properly enforce the lockdown and social distancing? 3. Was the government able to prevent/minimize the local spread of the COVID- 19 virus through the establishment and reinforcement of community quarantine protocols and inspection procedures in checkpoints and borders? 4. Was equal treatment imposed for all travelers (local and/or foreign), both inbound and outbound, in terms of travel restrictions and requirements?

20 5. Were cross-border movements of essential goods put under restraints as a result of quarantine and lockdown measures? Supply Aid 1. Were supply aids/financial assistance/ayuda allocated fairly? 2. Were the people most affected by the financial discrepancies brought about by pandemic lockdowns prioritized in the distribution of ayuda? 3. Were the COVID-19 patients given enough supplies and aid (such as drinking water, medication, and food)? 4. Was the supply aid given by the government enough to keep a family going all day? 5. Were there any issues regarding the improper distribution or any act of corruption in the distribution of financial assistance? Patient Care 1. How well were the infected individuals treated? 2. How easy/smooth was accessing medical services in relation to COVID-19? 3. Did infected/isolating patients receive health support in their homes (e.i., daily monitoring of patients, provision of home isolation kit)? 4. Was the local government able to give out free and reliable access to testing kits when the Dumagueteños had symptoms? 5. Do the Dumagueteños feel assured that the government gave them access to healthcare during the pandemic? COVID-19 Vaccines 1. How well was the vaccination process carried out?

21 2. Was there enough vaccine supply for the whole population? 3. Was there no discrimination in inquiring to be vaccinated? 4. Was there any special treatment to a specific group compared to the majority? 5. Did the government give the Dumagueteños a chance to choose whether to be vaccinated or not without any payment or any act that can be considered as bribery? Frontliner Benefits 1. Was the local government able to provide special protection to vulnerable groups at higher risk during the pandemic? 2. Was the local government able to give out supplies and aid to individuals whose occupations/lifestyles were affected by the lockdown? 3. Was the government able to provide protective health gear needed by the healthcare workers to keep them safe from COVID-19? 4. In the event that a frontline worker acquires the virus because of work, are healthcare benefits and reimbursements provided immediately? 5. Are frontliners paid enough or are hazard pay compensations enough, considering the high risk they constantly have to deal with at work? Information Dissemination 1. Was the government able to inform the Dumagueteños about the implementation of a lockdown weeks before the lockdown itself? 2. Does the local government constantly update the public regarding the day-to- day report of the COVID-19 cases in the city?

22 3. Are the Dumagueteños informed immediately regarding any distribution of financial aid or any supply aid? 4. Are the Dumagueteños aware of the vaccination sites and schedules in the city? 5. Are the Dumagueteños aware of the plans that the government is about to take in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic? Statement of Hypothesis Hₐ: There is a significant correlation between the social status of the Dumagueteños and their perception towards the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. H₀: There is no significant correlation between the social status of the Dumagueteños and their perception towards the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significance of the Study Discovering the correlation between the local government's response and Dumagueteños’ view on it while considering the presence of social hierarchy reveals much regarding the interaction between two important sectors in the country: people and the state. The relationship between the citizens and the state continues to evolve. However, despite the years of evolution and drive to improve, the relationship between the two sectors is at constant risk. The government's crucial role creates a big question on how the locals of Dumaguete view their response during the pandemic. This research helps inform people about the Dumgueteneos' perspective on the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. Developing a quantitative result from the perception the

23 Dumagueteños formulated using their responses may urge the local government and national government to improve their approach and technique to combat this pandemic. The results could be of value to government decision-makers. Scope and Delimitation of the Study The scope of this study is to learn about the correlation between the local government's response and Dumaguete residents' perspectives on it while considering the influence of social hierarchy. This study also aims to find out how effective and efficient was the government's reaction and management amid the COVID-19 outbreak. This research examines the perception of Dumaguete residents from various socioeconomic classes regarding the government’s response. It also aims to know how Dumagueteños were treated by the government based on their social standing during this ongoing pandemic. The study is delimited only to the citizens of Dumaguete. This will be completed in a limited time with as little physical interaction as a coronavirus pandemic prevention measure. Research Design This study followed the correlational research design via the survey method which utilized an online survey questionnaire to collect the data. This is the design the researchers followed because it is ideal and efficient for the research study to be answered. Furthermore, this research design is more convenient for the study due to the restrictions of the current pandemic and allows data gathering for a large population. This study aims to look into the relationship between the pandemic response made by the local government unit and the perception of Dumagueteños as determined by their social

24 status. The survey was conducted using the random sampling design to reach a total of 100 respondents throughout the different barangays in Dumaguete City. Tables, graphs, and numbers are used to display all data gathered from the survey. Research Environment This research was conducted in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Respondents coming from various barangays of Dumaguete City were sent Google forms through various social media platforms. The researchers selected Dumaguete City for its large population and diverse social classes, which is exactly what the researchers needed. Research Instrument The researchers used a survey questionnaire to gather data for this research. In developing a survey questionnaire, the researchers reviewed and read different articles and conceptual frameworks related to the COVID-19 response of the Local Government Unit of Dumaguete City and different perceptions of people as influenced by their societal status. The researchers also consulted their research adviser to seek enhancements for the developed survey questionnaire and to ensure that the conditions and terms used are valid and related to the subject of the research. This procedure underwent a detailed process until it became appropriate and qualified for the research conducted. Research Procedure The researchers sought advice from their research adviser for the betterment of the developed survey questionnaire to make it suitable for the research study.

25 Consequently, the dissemination of the survey questionnaire to Dumagueteños, or people residing in Dumaguete, was done through the use of Google Forms, disseminated through various social media platforms. The sampling method used to select respondents for the research is random sampling. The data gathered was recorded and analyzed according to each category and the 4-point scale set of answer options. A correlation statistical treatment was employed to test whether or not there is a significant correlation among the social status and the perspective of the respondents on the different aspects of government pandemic response. The data gathered was presented through charts and graphs containing labels and percentages of each corresponding answer to make the data interpretations of each number more coherent. Through this, the results and interpretation of the data gathered was then organized and recorded accordingly. Statistical Treatment of Data Using Kuppuswamy and Udai Pareekh's scale as a basis, the researchers revised the measurements as recommended by the American National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics for the scale to work with the Philippine currency and inflation. After using the Kuppuswamy and Udai Pareekh's scale to determine whether a participant belongs to the lower class, middle class, upper middle class, or higher class— the researchers then used the value of 1-4, 1 for lower class and 4 for higher class, to identify these social statuses numerically. With a numerical face of the social statuses, holding the same value with the used Likert scale in the survey, the researchers further used the Spearman Correlation Test to

26 identify whether the Dumagueteños’ different social statuses holds a relationship with their perspective on the government’s response towards the pandemic. Operational Definition of Terms Below are the definitions for all relevant variables and concepts used in this study. These terms are defined so that they can be easier to understand. This would help the reader become fully guided and help broaden and improve their knowledge for the presentation and discussion of this research: Dumagueteños: People inhabiting in Dumaguete City. Social Hierarchy: The system of classification of society's people according to socioeconomic factors such as wealth, income, race, education, ethnic origin, gender, occupation, social status, or derived power (social and political). COVID-19: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It is believed to spread from person to person via droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, or via contact with a virus-infected surface and subsequent contact with the mouth, nose, or eyes. Pandemic: A disease outbreak that spread worldwide or over a wide geographical area with high prevalence, significantly affecting many people. Government: A political system consists of groups of people, sets of laws, and appointed officials who are charged with the responsibility of leading and governing, as well as exercising authoritative direction and control over the actions of citizens, communities, and a country.

27 Government Pandemic Response: The scope and depth of measures taken by a government in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. It refers to the administration's flexibility, participation, involvement, and accountability in response to COVID-19.

28 CHAPTER II PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA This chapter contains the presentation and analysis of data gathered through the use of survey questionnaires. Statistical-analytic interpretations are applied along with related studies to arrive at a conclusion. Demographic Profile Age 6% 2% 10% 8% 13% 29% 16% Under 12 years old 12-17 years old 16% 25-34 years old 35-44 years old 45-54 years old 65 years old and above 18-24 years old 55-64 years old Figure 2. Age of the Respondents Figure 2 shows the age groups each 100 respondents belong to. 29 of the respondents are aged 18-24 years old. There were 16 respondents each for age groups 25- 34 and 35-44 years old. 13 of the respondents were 45-54 years old. There were also 10 respondents aging from 12-17 years old, 8 respondents that were 55-64 years old, 6 respondents that were 65 years old and above, and 2 respondents that were only under 12 years old. Majority of the respondents come from the 18-24 year age group.

Gender 29 12% 40% 48% Male Female LGBTQIA+ Figure 3. Gender of the Respondents Figure 3 shows the gender chosen by the respondents. 48 of the respondents identify themselves as a female, meanwhile 40 of the respondents identify themselves as a male. The remaining 12 respondents identify themselves as part of the LGBTQIA+.

30 Religion 4% 1% 2% 4% 7% 3% 3% 3% 73% Roman Catholic Islam Evangelicals Iglesia ni Cristo Aglipayan Seventh-day Adventist Bible Baptist Church United Church of Christ in the Philippines Jehovah's Witness None Others Figure 4. Religion of the Respondents Figure 4 shows the religion of the respondents. Out of 100 respondents, 73 are Roman Catholic, which make up majority of the respondents. 7 of the respondents are Baptists or go to the Bible Baptist Church. 4 of the respondents are from the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP). The Aglipayan, Iglesia ni Cristo, and Evangelicals have respectively made up 3% percent of the respondents. 1 of the respondents is a Jehovah’s Witness. 4 of the respondents’ religion were not on the choices given thus they provided their religion under others and these are namely Bible Apostolic Church, Pentecostal, and Born Again. 2 of the respondents chose None indicating that they have no religion.

31 Highest Educational Attainment 6% 1% 1% 1% 3% 11% 16% 43% 9% No Grade Completed 9% Elementary Graduate Junior High School Completer High School Undergraduate College Undergraduate Elementary Undergraduate Post Baccalaureate None Senior High School Graduate College Graduate Others Figure 5. Highest Educational Attainment of the Respondents The graph above shows the highest educational attainment of the respondents. Most of the respondents are Junior High School completers which is 43% or 43 of the respondents. 16% of the respondents are Senior High School graduates. Like the High School Undergraduates, there are also 9% of College Undergraduates. 6% of the respondents are Post Baccalaureate, while Elementary Graduates and Elementary Undergraduates are 3% and 1% respectively. Lastly, both MaSped Graduates and those with No Grade Completed have 1%. This chart shows that the majority of the respondents of this study are Junior High Completers.

32 Occupation 12% 1% 1% 23% 4% 8% 39% 12% Employee Manager Self-employed Public Service Student Unemployed Government Employee CEO Figure 6. Occupation of the Respondents Figure 6, shows the occupation of the respondents. Out of 100 respondents, 39% are students which make up the majority of respondents. This is followed by employees which make up 23% then respondents who are in public service and are unemployed both at 12%. Self-employed individuals comprise 8% of the total while 4% are managers with government employees and CEO completing the rest with 1% each.

33 Family's Monthly Income 3% 2% 12% 19% 16% 25% Below ₱10,957 23% ₱43,829 to ₱76,668 ₱76,669 to ₱131,482 ₱10,957 to ₱21,914 ₱21,915 to ₱43,828 ₱131,483 to ₱219,139 ₱219,140 and above Figure 7. Monthly Income of the Family of the Respondents Figure 7 shows the different ranges of the Dumagueteños family’s monthly income. A quarter of the 100 respondents have a family income ranging from ₱10,957 to ₱21,914 monthly. While 23% of the respondents have a monthly family income ranging from ₱21,915 to ₱43,828. Only 3 out of a hundred respondents have a monthly family income of ₱131,483 to ₱219,139, and only 2 out of the hundred have a family income of ₱219,140 and above.

34 Community Lockdown Strict enforcement of the Community Lockdown Guidelines was observed. 56% 60% 50% 40% 24% 30% 20% 10% 10% 10% 0% Disagree Agree Strongly Agree Strongly Disagree Figure 8. Dumagueteños’ perspective on the statement, “Strict enforcement of the Community Lockdown Guidelines was observed.” Figure 8 shows the respondents’ perspective towards the statement, “Strict enforcement of the Community Lockdown Guidelines was observed.” 56 respondents answered “Agree”, 24 respondents answered “Strongly Agree”, 10 respondents answered “Disagree”, and lastly 10 respondents answered “Strongly Agree”. Majority of the respondents, 80, were on the affirmative side. To further analyze the data, a Spearman correlational test is done. Table 1 below shows the needed values to further analyze the data that can be seen in Figure 8.

35 Table 1. Results of the Spearman Correlation between Social Status and Figure 8 Parameter Value Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) P-value 0.001236 Covariance 0.9903 Sample Size (n) 0.8384 Statistic 100 0.01224 In order to further interpret the result, a line fit plot is done to visually determine whether there is a significance or not between the social statuses and the perspective towards the statement “Strict enforcement of the Community Lockdown Guidelines was observed”. Figure 9 is a line fit plot with X as the Dumagueteños’ social status and Y as the Dumagueteños’ perspective towards the mentioned statement above. Strict enforcement of the Community Lockdown 120 Guidelines was observed. 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 Figure 9. Line Fit Plot of the Spearman Correlation Results between Social Status and Figure 8

36 Results of the Spearman correlation indicated that there is a non-significant very small positive relationship between X and Y, (r(98) = .00124, p = .990). As shown in Figure 9, the line is completely horizontal, indicating that the diversity of social statuses does not affect the Dumagueteños’ perspective towards the statement “Strict enforcement of the Community Lockdown Guidelines was observed.” Community Lockdown was an effective way to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 46% 50% 39% 45% 40% 12% Agree Strongly Agree 35% Disagree 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 3% 5% 0% Strongly Disagree Figure 10. Dumagueteños’ perspective on the statement, “Community Lockdown was an effective way to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” Figure 10 shows the respondents’ perspective toward the statement, “Community Lockdown was an effective way to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” 46 respondents answered “Agree”, 39 respondents answered, “Strongly Agree”, 12 respondents answered “Disagree”, and lastly 3 respondents answered, “Strongly Disagree”. Only 15 of the respondents were on the negative side of the statement. To further analyze the data, a Spearman correlational test is done. Table 2 below shows the needed values to further analyze the data that can be seen in Figure 10.

37 Table 2. Results of the Spearman Correlation between Social Status and Figure 10 Parameter Value Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) P-value 0.09705 Covariance 0.3368 Sample Size (n) 67.1566 Statistic 100 0.9653 In order to further interpret the result, a line fit plot is done to visually determine whether there is a significance or not between the social statuses and the perspective towards the statement “Community Lockdown was an effective way to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus.” Figure 11 is a line fit plot with X as the Dumagueteños’ social status and Y as the Dumagueteños’ perspective towards the mentioned statement above. Community Lockdown was an effective way to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 Figure 11. Line Fit Plot of the Spearman Correlation Results between Social Status and Figure 10

38 Results of the Spearman correlation indicated that there is a non-significant very small positive relationship between X and Y, (r(98) = .0971, p = .337). It can be observed in Figure 11 that there is a slight tilt to the line, indicating that there is a small relationship between X and Y but not enough to be significant. The government was able to properly guide people who were crossing borders between municipalities. 40% 36% 35% Disagree 35% 18% 30% Agree Strongly Agree 25% 20% 11% 15% 10% 5% 0% Strongly Disagree Figure 12. Dumagueteños’ perspective on the statement, “The government was able to properly guide people who were crossing borders between municipalities.” Figure 12 shows the respondents’ perspective toward the statement, “The government was able to properly guide people who were crossing borders between municipalities.” 36 respondents answered “Disagree”, 35 respondents answered “Agree”, 18 respondents answered, “Strongly Agree”, and lastly 11 respondents answered, “Strongly Disagree”. The percentage difference between the choices “Disagree” and “Agree” is only 1%. To further analyze the data, a Spearman correlational test is done. Table 3 below shows the needed values to further analyze the data that can be seen in Figure 12.

39 Table 3. Results of the Spearman Correlation between Social Status and Figure 12 Parameter Value Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) P-value 0.0566 Covariance 0.576 Sample Size (n) 40.5732 Statistic 100 0.5612 In order to further interpret the result, a line fit plot is done to visually determine whether there is a significance or not between the social statuses and the perspective towards the statement “The government was able to properly guide people who were crossing borders between municipalities.” Figure 13 is a line fit plot with X as the Dumagueteños’ social status and Y as the Dumagueteños’ perspective towards the mentioned statement above. The government was able to properly guide people who 120 were crossing borders between municipalities. 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 Figure 13. Line Fit Plot of the Spearman Correlation Results between Social Status and Figure 12

40 In Figure 13, it can be seen that there is a slight but noticeable tilt, however, the results of the Spearman correlation indicated that there is a non-significant very small positive relationship between X and Y, (r(98) = .0566, p = .576). Every person (local and/or foreign), both inbound and outbound, were treated fairly and equally in terms of travel restrictions and requirements. 31% 35% 25% 18% 26% Disagree Agree Strongly Agree 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Strongly Disagree Figure 14. Dumagueteños’ perspective on the statement, “Every person (local and/or foreign), both inbound and outbound, were treated fairly and equally in terms of travel restrictions and requirements.” Figure 14 shows the respondents’ perspective toward the statement, “Every person (local and/or foreign), both inbound and outbound, were treated fairly and equally in terms of travel restrictions and requirements.” 31 respondents answered “Agree”, 26 respondents answered, “Strongly Disagree”, 25 respondents answered “Disagree”, and lastly 18 respondents answered, “Strongly Agree”. To further analyze the data, a Spearman correlational test is done. Table 4 below shows the needed values to further analyze the data that can be seen in Figure 14.

41 Table 4. Results of the Spearman Correlation between Social Status and Figure 14 Parameter Value Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) P-value 0.2142 Covariance 0.03238 Sample Size (n) 155.8914 Statistic 100 2.1706 In order to further interpret the result, a line fit plot is done to visually determine whether there is a significance or not between the social statuses and the perspective towards the statement “Every person (local and/or foreign), both inbound and outbound, were treated fairly and equally in terms of travel restrictions and requirements.” Figure 15 is a line fit plot with X as the Dumagueteños’ social status and Y as the Dumagueteños’ perspective towards the mentioned statement above. Every person (local and/or foreign), both inbound and outbound, were treated fairly and equally in terms of travel restrictions and requirements. 100 20 40 60 80 100 120 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 Figure 15. Line Fit Plot of the Spearman Correlation Results between Social Status and Figure 14

42 Results of the Spearman correlation indicated that there is a significant small positive relationship between X and Y, (r(98) = .214, p = .032). As shown in Figure 15, the line is tilted, indicating that the diversity of social statuses does have a small effect on the Dumagueteños’ perspective towards the statement “Every person (local and/or foreign), both inbound and outbound, were treated fairly and equally in terms of travel restrictions and requirements.” Cross-border movements of essential goods were put under restraints as a result of quarantine and lockdown measures. 52% 60% 28% 50% 40% 13% Agree Strongly Agree 30% Disagree 20% 7% 10% 0% Strongly Disagree Figure 16. Dumagueteños’ perspective on the statement, “Cross-border movements of essential goods were put under restraints as a result of quarantine and lockdown measures.” Figure 16 shows the respondents’ perspective toward the statement, “Cross-border movements of essential goods were put under restraints as a result of quarantine and lockdown measures.” 52 respondents answered “Agree”, 28 respondents answered, “Strongly Agree”, 13 respondents answered “Disagree”, and lastly 7 respondents

43 answered “Strongly Disagree”. Majority of the respondents, 80, were on the affirmative side. To further analyze the data, a Spearman correlational test is done. Table 5 below shows the needed values to further analyze the data that can be seen in Figure 16. Table 5. Results of the Spearman Correlation between Social Status and Figure 16 Parameter Value Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) P-value -0.02616 Covariance 0.7961 Sample Size (n) -18.0303 Statistic 100 -0.2591 In order to further interpret the result, a line fit plot is done to visually determine whether there is a significance or not between the social statuses and the perspective towards the statement “Cross-border movements of essential goods were put under restraints as a result of quarantine and lockdown measures.” Figure 17 is a line fit plot with X as the Dumagueteños’ social status and Y as the Dumagueteños’ perspective towards the mentioned statement above.

44 Cross-border movements of essential goods were put 120 under restraints as a result of quarantine and lockdown measures. 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 0 20 40 60 80 100 Figure 17. Line Fit Plot of the Spearman Correlation Results between Social Status and Figure 16 Results of the Spearman correlation indicated that there is a non-significant very small negative relationship between X and Y, (r(98) = .0262, p = .796). It can be observed in Figure 17 that there is a slight tilt to the line, indicating that there is a small relationship between X and Y but not enough to be significant.

45 Supply Aid Supply aids/financial assistance/ayudas were allocated fairly. 45% 41% 23% Disagree 40% 6% 30% Agree Strongly Agree 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Strongly Disagree Figure 18. Dumagueteños’ perspective on the statement, “Supply aids/financial assistance/ayudas were allocated fairly.” Figure 18 shows the respondents’ perspective toward the statement, “Supply aids/financial assistance/ayudas were allocated fairly.” 23 respondents ‘agree’ with this statement while 6 respondents ‘strongly agree’; on the other hand, 41 respondents ‘disagree’ and 30 respondents ‘strongly disagree’. Majority of the respondents, 30 and 41 or 71 out of 100, disagree and strongly disagree with the notion that supply aids were allocated fairly amongst Dumagueteños. To further analyze the data, a Spearman correlational test is done. Table 6 below shows the needed values to further analyze the data that can be seen in Figure 18.