Covid 19 Pandemic Response of the Local Governments in Kalinga

— This descriptive research aimed to is to assess the responses of Provincial LGU with the DILG issuance on Covid 19 to aid in the proposal of a multidimensional revitalization plan which the local government of Kalinga may utilize in its continues fight against Covid 19. The assessment of both the implementers and beneficiaries of the two Memorandum Circulars issued by DILG relating to Covid 19 implies that the Provincial Government of Kalinga as the implementer was able to comply at a rate that is acceptable to the beneficiaries. However, the assessment of both types of participants on the Support of LGUs to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ Or ganizations (ARBOs) amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic and Community Quarantine Period were not fully complied with or were not properly executed by the implementers. The major problem or challenge encountered by the Provincial Local Government Unit is the lack of localized guideline in the implementation of Covid policies because no assessment in the local setting was made. It is therefore recommended that a Multidimensional Revitalization Plan may be adopted to enhance the effectiveness of the Provincial LGU in its response to Covid 19. The plan includes the following proposals: Increasing Inclusivity in Public Access to Government Information about Covid 19, Enhanced Covid 19 Prevention Strategies, and the Implementation of the Sagip Saka Act in Kalinga.


INTRODUCTION
The world is currently facing an uphill battle against the novel coronavirus pandemic, most commonly known as COVID-19.In January 2020, coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the cause of an outbreak of severe pneumonia, now known to be a complication of the coronavirus disease 2019 .
The World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020 and as a pandemic due to the rapid cases of infection throughout the entire world on March 11, 2020.There were various responses from the public across countries.In Asia, particularly in South Korea and Japan, the use of facemask has been regarded as mandatory.Countries and territories have imposed several forms of travel restriction against China, these restrictions include, border closures, entry or exit bans, visa restrictions and flight suspensions.Kiernan & DeVita (2020).
The Philippine response to COVID-19 has been described as being one of the longest and strictest lockdowns in the world.Hapal, (2021).
On January 28, 2020, Travel restrictions in the Philippines were imposed before the first confirmed case was reported on 30 January.No (2019) Contact tracing and additional travel restrictions were also put in place after covid 19 related cases and deaths were identified.
Under Presidential Proclamation No.929, series of 2020, the entire country was placed in a State of Calamity for a period of six months.
National risk communication plans were strengthened by the government in order to furnish the people with the proper information on the new disease.This was implemented through the conduct of daily announcements via press briefings, multimedia advertisements and the use of social media platforms.
Aggressive Contact tracing is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to control the COVID-19 pandemic.Koetter et. al.(2020), however it was done in a small scale in the Philippines.
IJELS-2022, 7 (6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 575 As the virus spreads, policy responses will need to shift from focusing on surveillance and mitigation to recovery and prevention.Local governments, with their histories of mutual aid and familiarity with local communities, are capable of meeting these challenges.However, federal policies and funding must flow soon, and in a flexible enough fashion for local government authorities to tailor their efforts to preserve vital services and rebuild local economies.
The Covid-19 pandemic challenges not only the health sectors in countries worldwide but also their public administration systems.Schomaker, (2020).
Local government managers and elected officials know their communities and needs best.There is already evidence that local governments are making a variety of temporary moves to address the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on disadvantaged communities.
The Kalinga State University (KSU) Research and Development Services is mandated to conduct research and development programs in priority disciplines and key areas for improving instructional programs and to promote the development of rural and urban indigenous communities.
KSU also includes in its mandate social researches geared towards development of social measures that support economic progress and maintenance of public safety and security and through its extension advisory services, is committed to transform the countryside into self-reliant and progressive modern communities by establishing linkages and working closely with the Government Organizations, Non-Government Organizations, Peoples Organization, and Local Government Units, towards the improvement of the general welfare and quality of life of its clientele.Present investigations on government responses to COVID-19 have centered on such factors as accountable leadership, policy implements, or cultural settlements on an international or national level.However, seldom have considered how local governments responded, examine how efficient these responses seem to be, and what lessons we can extract from them.
The researcher' motivation of this study as a member of the academe, a researcher, an extension worker in Kalinga State University and a frequent resource speaker of the Department of Interior and Local Government, is to assess the responses of Provincial LGU with the DILG issuance on Covid 19 to aid in the proposal of a multidimensional revitalization plan which the local government of Kalinga may utilize in its continues fight against Covid 19.

Conceptual Framework
Policy instruments are more inclined to work when subsisting institutional foundation aids their execution and implementation (An and Tang, 2020).Throughout pandemic, authorities need to respond to crises by establishing speedy responses and assembling sources.Efficient governance needs capabilities and skills for both readiness and resilience (Drechsler and Kattel, 2020).The research is anchored upon the concept stated by Kettl (2020) that the solution to the crisis (Covid 19) will require policy change and flexible funding for local governments on the front lines.Through the inputs in the study, the author may determine extent of compliance to the issuances, and the DILG representatives and the various beneficiaries' perceived extent of compliance to these issuances by the Local Chief Executive.
The expected output of the study is a Multidimensional Revitalization Plan Proposal that will lead the Provincial Local Government to an enhanced governance strategy, improvement in overall performance in service delivery, and resilience against long term risks.
Local Government Units.The study may serve as assessment to provide a plan for LGUs on forming policies that are inclusive and equitable and can help its constituents to become resilient to the present health emergency.
Future Researchers.This will serve as future reference and basis for other investigations to be conducted by future researchers concerning compliance of LGU with the DILG issuances on Covid 19.
Researcher.The study is significant to the researcher as a member of the academe, a researcher, an extension worker in Kalinga State University and a frequent resource speaker of the Department of Interior and Local Government, to enable him assess the responses of Provincial LGU with the DILG issuance on Covid 19 and subsequently to aid in the proposal of a multidimensional revitalization plan which the local government of Kalinga may utilize in its continues fight against Covid 19.

Scope and Limitation of the Study
This study primarily focuses on formulating a revitalized plan for the Provincial Government of Kalinga on forming policies to enhance its response to Covid 19.The study was conducted in the province of Kalinga covering the Local Chief Executive, DILG representative and the beneficiaries of the Memorandum Circulars issued by DILG specifically, the community beneficiaries, Non-Governmental Organization Representatives, ARBO beneficiaries and Telecommunication Sector Representatives.

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE COVID 19
The epicenter of the new Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid 19) originated in Wuhan city, Hubei Province, China (Fauzi & Paiman, 2020).Wuhan city is a major transportation hub with a population of more than 11 million people (Lu et al, 2020), where SARS-CoV-2 evidently ensued in starting its transition from animals to humans on the Huanan seafood market (Velavan & Meyer, 2020).
An academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Dr Jianguo Xu declared that this newly detected Coronavirus is different from known human Coronavirus species (Liu & Saif, 2020).From the 2019-nCoV to severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2, it has been renamed to (SARS-CoV-2) (Gorbalenya et al, 2020).Findings in the study of Cahn et al. (2020) showed a consistent person-to-person transmission of this Covid 19 in hospital and family settings and the reports of infected travelers in other geographical regions.Patients who are above 60 years old and are immunocompromised are more vulnerable than children with milder symptoms (Li et al, 2020).On January 30, 2020, the WHO declared COVID -19 as the sixth public health emergency of international concern (Lai et al., 2020).

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
An unusual outbreak of pneumonia of unexplored etiology in Wuhan City, Hubei province in China appeared in December 2019.A novel Coronavirus was distinguished as the cause and was consequently labelled as COVID -19 by the World Health Organization (WHO) (Sohrabi, 2020).
The World Health Organization has been fully engaged with the global community since the identification of this emerging virus and continues to provide guidance to countries, health care workers, and the general public regarding measures to prevent and control the outbreak (Al-Mandhari,2020).

WORLDWIDE COVID 19 RESPONSES
Some Southeast Asian countries were swift to react to large-scale tracking of infections and the imposition of travel bans due to its recent experience with the SARS (Leadbeater et al., 2020)which was subsequently emulated by some Eastern European countries (Shotter and Jones, 2020).
According to Klingler-Vidra et al., (2020),the government of Vietnam was quick to acknowledge the complication and as a response, closed its boarders on the onset and accelerated the generation of inexpensive test kits.
Since 2013, risk analysis for pandemics and operational emergency plans are readily available in Germany as a result of the two decades of influenza management.
Iran started medical and hygienic measures with the establishment of a National Committee for fighting Corona Virus, and Telephone screening through 4030" that is a hotline for COVID -19 detection and provision of relevant health information (Pourghaznein & Salati, 2020).
The government of Ethiopia has responded to the pandemic by adopting various actions like the closing of borders, educational facilities, entertainment outlets and mandated social distancing rules (Asnakew,2020).

PHILIPPINES COVID 19 RESPONSES
The Novel Corona virus (COVID - Since then, the Government immediately formed Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases chaired by the Department of Health Secretary Franscisco Duque III.They have the goal to create measures to contain and mitigate the disease's impact to the citizen.On March 7, 2020, the first case of local transmission has been declared (Mendez & Crisostomo, 2020) and President Rodrigo Duterte announced the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon on March 15, 2020 though Presidential Proclamation Nos.922 and 929 s. 2020 (Pawilen, 2020).This laid down broad strategies and guidelines governing the imposition of the Enhanced Community quarantine (ECQ) over the entire Luzon and stringent social distancing measures throughout the country.In Enhanced Community Quarantine, all citizens were ordered to stay at home and had been restricted to travel to other cities.All mode of transportations were halted as everyone must stay at home.Work suspensions and creation of an alternative work arrangement such as work from home were put into place to not cripple the business operation.In buying necessities, people are being restricted to not hoard essential items such as water and alcohol.This pandemic really puts a long pause in the life of the Filipino and also around the world.
After 45 days, on May 1, 2020, President Duterte introduced General Community Quarantine (GCQ) to those municipalities and cities that don't have an active case.This allows businesses to open again but with the policy of maintaining social distancing, strictly wearing face masks, having a sanitizer or alcohol after every transaction, undergoing thermal scanning to check temperature, and having only 50% percent of the regular customer capacity.
Since then, the spread of Covid -19 has increased exponentially, with the World Health Organization declaring a pandemic on March 11 and has become a severe public health problem globally (Xie & Zhu, 2020).
The rise of COVID -19 infection cases in the Philippines forced the economy to a near halt in the latter part of March due to severe disruptions in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, construction, and trade (World Bank, 2020).

PROVINCIAL ORDINANCES ON COVID 19
In order to give time for taxpayers to recover from lost income and opportunities as an offshoot of the ECQ and the effects brought about by the CODID-19 pandemic, the deadline on the availment of the tax discount for prompt payment of the real property tax and the availment on the Tax Amnesty where extended thorough PROVINCIAL ORDINANCE No. 2020-007 or also known as An Ordinance Extending the Availment Period On Prompt Payment Of Real Property Tax For The Current Year 2020.
On the 21 st day of April 2020, An Ordinance Requiring The Use Of Face Mask Or Face Cover In Public Places, And Imposing Penalties For Violations Thereof was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Of Kalinga.This ordinance is based on Section 16 of the Local Government Code where every local government unit has the implied power to do all things necessary, appropriate, or incidental to govern efficiently and effectively, promote general welfare, promote health and safety, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.
The rapid increase of COVID -19 cases has struck fear and paranoia in people so much so that it has brought forth biases and prejudices against persons who are confirmed COVID -19 cases.These have resulted in unwarranted actual and virtual vilification, discrimination, and violence towards these covered individuals.Therefore,An Ordinance Prohibiting The Harassment, Violence, and/or any form of discrimination against persons who have recovered from Covid -19, Persons Under Investigation (PUI) and Persons Under Monitoring (PUM), and Against Health Workers, Frontliners, or Persons whose Employment has called them to report for duty during this time of National Health Emergency, and Imposing Penalties Thereforwas approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga.Under this ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to make utterances to cause the Covered Individuals' discrimination, stigma, disagree, shame, insult, or harassment, including the unauthorized disclosure of their names and/or place of residence to other people.

ROLE OF DILG IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID -19
The Department of Interior and Local Government is the executive department responsible for promoting peace and order, ensuring public safety, and strengthening the capability of local government units to effectively deliver basic services to the citizenry. The

DEFINITION OF TERMS
The following terms are hereby defined in a manner they are used in the study for clarity: Assessment.The evaluation or estimation of the nature, quality, or ability of someone or something.

COVID -19.
A disease caused by a new strain of Coronavirus.'CO' stands for corona, 'VI' for virus, and 'D' for disease.Formerly, this disease was referred to as '2019 novel Coronavirus' or '2019-nCoV.
Local government units.These are institutional units whose fiscal, legislative and executive authority extends over the smallest geographical areas distinguished for administrative and political purposes.
Pandemic.Defined as "an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people".The classical definition includes nothing about population immunity, virology or disease severity.
Policy.A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, party, business, or individual.
Corona Virus.Any of a family (Coronaviridae) of large single-stranded RNA viruses that have a lipid envelope studded with club-shaped spike proteins, infect birds and many mammals including humans, and include the causative agents of MERS, SARS, and COVID -19.
Multidimensional.Having or relating to multiple dimensions or aspects.
Revitalization.To give new life or vigor to.
Plan.An orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective.
Response.A reaction to something that has happened.
Memorandum Circulars."Acts of the President on matters relating to internal administration, which the President desires to bring to the attention of all or some of the departments, agencies, bureaus or offices of the Government, for information or compliance and shall be embodied in memorandum circulars." Executive Issuances.Acts of the Chief Executive of the Philippines, whether in the exercise of the executive power or broader powers conferred by emergency or at particular periods.
Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.It is also known as the Bayanihan Act and officially designated as Republic Act No. 11469, which is a law in the Philippines that was enacted in March 2020 granting the President additional authority to combat the COVID -19 pandemic in the Philippines IJELS-2022, 7 (6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 580

III. METHODOLOGY The locale of the Study
The study was conducted in the province of Kalinga.

Research Design
The research method of this study utilized the explanatory sequential design which consists of first collecting quantitative data and then collecting qualitative data to help explain or elaborate on the quantitative results.(Creswell, 2011).The findings were presented in the form of tables to communicate a discernment of reliable and unbiased research (Denscombe, 2003) and it also involved interviews with participants.This used the sequential explanatory mixed-method design.The method involves two phases: the quantitative followed by the qualitative.First, the quantitative data is gathered and analyzed.After which, the qualitative data collection and analysis followed to further expound the quantitative in the first phase (Creswell, 2013).

Respondents/informants/research participants
The study was conducted in the different cities and municipalities in the Province of Kalinga.The participants of the study are the following: The Slovin's formula with a five percent margin of error at 95% confidence level is used to determine the sample size for the community beneficiary.Under the national population count conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), as of May 2010, Kalinga registered a total population of 201,613.The City of Tabuk has the highest population count which has 103,912 persons.This is because Tabuk City is the capital of the province and is the center of commerce, trade and industry making the city an immigration area.The least populated town is Tanudan with only 8,119 population count.
Purposive sampling was used to determine the participants for the Local Chief Executive, DILG representative, Non-Governmental Organization Representative and ARBO beneficiaries.

Table 2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria INCLUSION CRITERIA EXCLUSION CRITERIA Participants who are assigned as implementer in the DILG issuances who took part in the implementation of DILF issuances.
Participants who are assigned as implementer in the DILG issuances but did not play a role in the implementation of any of the DILG issuances.Active member of the NGOs, preferably the president of the organization.

Inactive member of the NGOs preferably the president of the organization. Active ARBO beneficiaries member preferably the president of the organization
Inactive ARBO beneficiaries member preferably the president of the 0rganization NGO/ARBO members who are in the vicinity of the Province of Kalinga during the lockdown.NGO/ARBO members who are not in the vicinity of the Province of Kalinga during the lockdown.The 4 Non-Governmental Organization are from different NGOs that are based in Kalinga.There are 2 from the International Association for Transformation (IAT) , 1 from Rotary Club of Tabuk and 1 from Heifer International Philippines (HIP).
The four ARBO beneficiaries represented 4 different municipalities/ city in Kalinga which are comprised of one from the city of Tabuk, one from Municipality of Rizal, one from Pinukpuk and one from Tanudan.
The implementer-participants are the DILG Regional Director, 5 Mayors, the Provincial Governor, 43 Punong Barangays, 25 Sangguniang Bayan Members, 9 Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, and 7 Sangguniang Panglungsod Members who are purposively sampled to rate the extent of their compliance to various DILG issuances.This study was conducted on the onset of Covid 19 where community quarantine is in place and some of the municipalities in Kalinga are on frequent lockdown, so the researcher was not able to collect data from all the implementers of the province.However, according to Bernard (2002), There is no cap on how many informants should make up a purposive sample, as long as the needed information is obtained.

Data Gathering Tools
A validated researcher-made questionnaire using the General Guidelines set forth in the Memorandum Circulars and a semi-structured interview were utilized to gather data.To establish the face validity of the questionnaire, the researcher, asked the DILG Provincial Director to read through the questionnaires and carefully evaluate the questions.The questionnaire has questions focused on the extent of compliance

Data Analysis
All the data gathered from the participants were collected and systematically tabulated.Quantifiable data were translated into descriptive statistical values, which served as the basis in drawing interpretations and conclusions.
The following statistical methods were employed: 1) Frequency and percentage-This was used to describe the participants' profile.

2) Mean-This was used to determine the extent of compliance of
LGUs of Kalinga with the DILG issuances on Covid 19. 3) T-test/ANOVA-This was used to address the inferential questions in the study.4) Explanatory-Sequential Approach -This was used to follow up the quantitative results with qualitative data.Thus, the qualitative data is used in the subsequent interpretation and clarification of the results from the quantitative data analysis 5) Thematic Analysis-This was used in organizing participants' responses in the interview to identify the problems/challenges in the implementation of the various DILG issuances.

Summary of Findings
The results of the study are summarized as follows: I.

Profile of Participants
IJELS-2022, 7( 6  The beneficiaries accorded a rating of partially complied with an overall mean of 2.20 to the implementation of the general guidelines of the above cited memorandum.
It is important to note that although the beneficiaries rated all the guidelines of Memorandum Circular No. 020-062 as partially complied, they rated the presence of the Governor of Kalinga in his area of jurisdiction as fully complied.
The rating of partial compliance to the taking charge of the promotion of health and safety of the PLGU within its jurisdiction was brought about by the belated dissemination of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials regarding the Covid 19 pandemic.
The beneficiaries commented during the interview that most of their knowledge on the virus was obtained through the internet, radio, and television but none came from the local government which would have been more reliable than the unofficial and sometimes fake posts on Social media.This is evident in the following conversation: Researcher: Did the PLGU take charge of the promotion of health and safety during the lockdown?If yes how so?Beneficiary 1: "Awan garud, ta basta idi lockdown ket inparit da lattan nga rumuar kami, Haan mi met ammu nu anya talaga ti pakaalan na ti Covid " (There was actually none, because they implemented the lockdown but no information as to how the Covid is contacted was given to us) Beneficiary 2: " Ti pagapwan ti information idi ket diay GMA wenu diay TV5, nu maminsan ket diay Facebook ngem agsasabali met ibagbaga da kasla han nga umumnu" ( The source of information was mostly GMA or TV5, or sometimes from Facebook but there were different information which are sometimes not true.) Researcher: Were there no public announcements?
Beneficiary 1: "Awan uray kuma diay umaykuma nga ag megaphone ta ibaga na kuma ti kuen mi" (There was none, not even those that use a megaphone to make an announcement) The beneficiaries believed that the close coordination of the PLGU with the PNP in terms of the establishments of checkpoints was partially complied because the checkpoints were mostly manned by police and some municipal/ city health workers and barangay officials.
One of the beneficiaries confirmed that the checkpoint in their barangay at Naneng Tabuk, City, Kalinga was manned by 2 Barangay Tanods, 1 healthcare worker, 1 barangay official and some volunteers to secure the flow of food and basic necessities in and out of the barangay.
Beneficiary 2 said "Awan met nakitak nga taga capitol, ti adu nga makita idi ket police ken tanod" (I did IJELS-2022, 7( 6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 585 not see anyone from the capitol; instead, there were police and tanods.)Uncollected garbage was one of the problems during the lockdown due to the suspension of work in the city and municipal government.Thus, the people resorted to either burning their garbage or throwing it to the river for disposal.
Participants described their situation during the lockdown as: Beneficiary 1: " Ammu mi nga maiparit ti ag puur ti basura ngem mabungtut met ti basura min ta pasaray makalawas da nga haan agkolekta isu nga puuran mi" (We are aware that burning of garbage is prohibited but sometimes it takes the garbage collectors more than a week to collect our garbages so we had to resort to burning) Beneficiary 2: " Dituy ayan mi tuy market Dagupan, awan idi mapmapan nga ag kolekta isu nga dia dudduma ibelleng da diay karayan buris" (Here in Dagupan Market, there were no garbage collectors coming, so some throws their garbages to the river.) It is also of the perception of the beneficiaries that PLGU of Kalinga only partially complied as to the monitoring of prices of medicine, protective gears and other basic necessities because there was a noticeable increase in the prices of masks, alcohols and other medical necessities on the onset of the community quarantine.This indicates that the prices were not properly regulated.
One typical statement included this exchange: Researcher: Why do you think the prices of medicine, protective gears and other basic necessities were not properly regulated?
Beneficiary 1: "Haan ta nu madlaw mu tatta ket 9.00 lang ti mask, idi lockdown ket 40-50 pesos iti maysa.Ti alcohol ket maysa lang nga bote ti mabalin mu gatangen nu apanka botika" (I don't think it was properly regulated because the price of mask now is only 9.00 as compared during the lockdown which is 40-50 pesos each.Alcohols were also sold with 1 bottle per customer in the pharmacy.) Beneficiary 2: "Haan lang nga alcohol ken mask ti nangina, madlaw ku uray vitamins ket nangingina idi" (It is not only the alcohol and mask but also the vitamins that increased in price.) Partial compliance was also given in the compliance of the guideline that LGUs should refrain from using schools as quarantine or isolation areas, because various schools including the Tabuk City National High School and Dilag Integrated School served as facilities for Covid 19 person under quarantine.Aside from schools, the Tabuk City gymnasium and the Agbannawag Evacuation Center were also used as Isolation facilities.

Implementers
It is revealed that the implementers in the study appraised that the Province of Kalinga took lead in the prevention and control of the spread of Covid 19.
The PLGU of Kalinga also used the guidelines and advisories as pillars in implementing local programs and activities relative to the State of Calamity.Provisions of the Memorandum Circulars issued by DILG were used as basis in the issuance of executive orders and resolutions by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
In response to the memorandum circular, on August 12, 2020, Executive Order No. 40 was issued mandating the wearing of Face Shields for Passengers using Public Transportation in the Province of Kalinga in compliance to Department of Transportation Memorandum Circular 2020-014 and Cordillera Regional Task Force advisory to reduce the risk of transmitting the corona disease (COVID 19).
The findings also show that the participants, overall, believe that the Provincial Local Government Unit of Kalinga was successful in implementing local programs and activities relative to the State of Calamity and has kept close coordination with the Philippine National police as evidenced by the participation of the PNP in conducting checkpoints during the lockdown to prevent people from going out of their houses.In line with this, Resolution No. 2021-009 was passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga requesting the PNP to strictly implement all rules/policies relative to Covid 19 in the Province of Kalinga.
The findings show that the implementers, overall, believe that the Provincial Local Government Unit of Kalinga fully complied with the provisions of the foregoing Memorandum Circular as evidenced by a mean range of 2.47.
According to Implementer 1 (Barangay Captain), they were the first barangay to implement lockdown in the City.Villages organized groups of volunteers to organize and guard physical blockades on entry and in order for the community to fully understand the nature, implications, signs and symptoms of Covid 19, meetings were held in native dialect.Constant reminders were made thru public announcement by barangay officials roaming around.They posted safety measures, posted tarpaulins on the Barangay main gate, stores, and nearby gasoline stations.
The full compliance on monitoring of the prices of medicine, protective gears and other basic necessities, as well as and filed charges against hoarding and overpricing were also reflected on Table 5.According to the governor, this was made possible through proper coordination with the Provincial Department of Trade and Industry who went around to monitor prices of basic commodities sold by groceries and sari sari stores during IJELS-2022, 7( 6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 586 the lockdown.On the other hand, the beneficiaries also said that there was no drastic change in the process of essential needs, medicines, and other protective gears during the lockdown.The participants rated the continuous implementation of Environmental laws ensuring that the garbage are properly disposed, as well as the enforcement of sanitation and cleanliness are properly carried out as fully complied.
The provision of PPEs to all medical staffs including local health workers such as the Barangay Health Workers and the PNP personnel's was also deemed fully complied.
It was also assessed that there is full compliance in the deterrence of mass gatherings such as meetings, parties, and religious activities, as well as in the enforcement of social distancing.Also, schools as much as possible, were not used as isolation areas.Resolution No. 2020 was passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on April 7, 2020 requiring the mandatory wearing of face mask especially in public places.
A rating of full compliance was also given in the reconstitution and reactivation of Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils of every municipality/ city and on the full assistance and cooperation with other LGUs not only within the province but with neighboring provinces like Isabela and Cagayan.In addition, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga passed resolution No. 2020-019 Mandating the Implementation of Preemptive and Forced Evacuation as a resort when a Disaster or Emergency has been declared in the Province.

Both Beneficiaries and Implementers
Overall, the rating of the participants is "Fully Complied" with a mean rating of 2.40.As derived from an overall mean score of 2.22, the beneficiaries assessed the compliance of PLGU to the aforesaid specific guidelines of the Memorandum Circular as partially complied.
The beneficiaries rated the compliance of the provincial government of Kalinga in ensuring the continuous suspension of classes to both private and public schools including Technical/Vocational classes because some private schools were reported to have suspended classes belatedly and despite the Executive order issued by the chief local executive.The public schools and SUCs were prompt in complying with the aforementioned executive order.The work-from-home arrangement schedule was not immediately implemented with the Provincial Government employees according to some of its employees because of the nature of their worklike those in the personnel and accounting the department who are in charge of the employees' payroll.
Partial compliance was also given to the utilization of the Provincial Local Government's Quick Response Fund to purchase food packs for identified indigent families because there were some who were not given food packs during the lockdown.
The strict implementation of home quarantine by the PLGU was also rated as partially complied because there were reported cases of violations during the IJELS-2022, 7 (6) There was also a partial compliance as to the PLGU of Kalinga's provision of transportation to persons stranded in ports, airports and other terminals within their areas of jurisdiction.It is because the initiative to do so was initiated by a group of volunteer individuals through "Oplan Padatong" which was, however, coordinated with the PLGU.
More than 300 locally stranded individuals (LSI) were brought home to Kalinga through Victory Liner Sweeper trips which were arranged by Kalinga students and other volunteers in Manila and Baguio City.Implementers Table 7 also shows the extent of compliance of the Provincial Government of Kalinga with MC No.2020-07 or the Establishment of a Local Government Unit Task Force Against Covid 19 as assessed by the Implementers.
The data collected conveys a full compliance to the Memorandum Circular as evidenced by a 2.29 overall mean.
The Implementers believed that the PLGU of Kalinga has fully complied in ensuring the continuous suspension of classes to both private and public schools including Technical/Vocational classes.
It is revealed that the participants deem the continuous suspension of classes as fully complied.Executive Order 20 was issued on March 14, 2020 to order suspension of classes from March 16, 2020 to April 14, 2020 in all levels of Public and Private Schools in the Province of Kalinga subject to further guidelines and directives that may be issued by the National Government in order to prevent community transmission, minimize the movement of individuals, and contain the spread of Covid 19.The said proclamation capacitated the Local Government Unit to immediately act to prevent loss of life, utilize appropriate resources to implement urgent and critical measures to contain or prevent the spread of Covid -19, mitigated its effect and impact to the community and prevent serious disruption of the functioning of the Government and Community.This proclamation further provided for the duties of school officials, administrators, parents, and guardians.The school administrators are instructed to immediately sanitize and disinfect their classrooms and facilities to prevent the transmission of Covid 19.Furthermore, the school administrators are also mandated not to allow any student/pupil to enter school premises during the suspension period and to adopt measures to complete academic courses without convening students.The parents and guardians are directed to monitor their children and make sure that they are confined within their residence.
On March 12,2020, the Municipal Mayor of Pinukpuk ordered the cancellation and suspension of classes within the Municipality of Pinukpuk relative to the outbreak of Covid 19(Corona Virus) at the same time banning the incoming tourist, or any group of individuals visiting the municipality.
The PLGU of Kalinga holds that they are in compliance with allowing and authorizing unrestricted movement of DOH staff, LGU health personnels, WHO core staff and all medical professionals.Due to the alarming rise of reported crimes such as the unauthorized publication of their names in social media, unlawful eviction from their homes, prohibition from their return to their residences, refusal of services in eateries or transportation, an ordinance prohibiting the harassment, violence, and/or any form of discrimination against persons who have recovered from Covid 19, Persons under investigation (PUI) and persons under monitoring (PUM) and against health workers, Frontliners, or Persons whose employment has called them to report for duty during this time of National Health Emergency and Imposing Penalties therefore was adopted and signed on April 21, 2020.Under this ordinance, it is prohibited to make utterance which tend to cause the covered individuals discrimination including the unauthorized disclosure of their names and/or place of residence to social media.It is also unlawful to prohibit their return to their respective residences after getting clearance from proper health officials.
IJELS-2022, 7( 6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 589 The PLGU of Kalinga stated that they ensured the closure of public establishment, except those providing/manufacturing basic necessities such as food, medicine, water, banking and remittance centers, power, energy, telecommunication and the like.Executive Order No. 60 was issued on August 18 2020 by the mayor of Tabuk City suspending all tourism activities and events and the temporary closure of all tourism sites except Tourism accommodation establishments in the city that have secured a Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Department of Tourism.
Executive Order No. 22 was also issued on March 16, 2020 pursuant to a DILG issuance regarding the Ban on Cock Fighting or "Sabong" in light of the Covid 19 causing unnecessary unprotected contact to farm animals.The said EO prohibited organizing and participating in cock fighting in the City of Tabuk.
The PLGU of Kalinga feels that they fully complied in providing for work-from-home arrangements to their employees except for frontline services on health and emergency, waste collection, border control, and other critical service providers.On March 17 2020, Executive Order No. 24 was issued Setting the Guidelines for the Work-from-Home arrangements and support mechanisms for city government workers for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine over the entire Luzon.In compliance to an unnumbered Memorandum regarding the Community quarantine over the entire Luzon.As per the said memorandum, a work-from-home arrangement shall be implemented in the Executive Branch except the PNP, AFP, PCG and health and emergency frontline services, border control, and other critical services which shall ensure skeletal workforce.The said Executive order also included a provision on support mechanism stating that employees providing essential services such as health workers, first responders, frontline service providers and the like shall be provided support mechanisms such as health interventions, stress debriefing and appropriate technologies to minimize face to face contact.
The PLGU of Kalinga also believes that they enforced the prohibition of mass gatherings.The Governor of the province of Kalinga issued Executive order no.19 to declare the postponement of all the remaining scheduled activities in the celebration of the 25 th Kalinga Founding Anniversary of the province on February 14, 2020.This is also in compliance to the Memorandum Circular No. 2023 issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government dated February 6, 2020 enjoining all Local Government Units to effectively intensify the information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign on nCOV ARD and implement programs, projects, and services that will promote the general welfare, public health, and wellbeing of every Filipino.
The Mayor of Tabuk City issued Executive Order No.76 ordering the closure of public and private cemeteries in Tabuk City Kalinga from October 29 to November 4, 2020in order to prevent mass gatherings as they will undermine the health and safety of the constituents due to the threat of Covid 19.The Mayor encouraged the people to visit the graves of their loved ones outside the said dates.

Both Beneficiaries and Implementers
It can be discerned from the table that overall, the participants rate the compliance of PLGU as "Fully Complied" with a mean rating of 2.42.The data collected conveys a partial compliance to the Memorandum Circular as evidenced by a 2.24 overall mean.Despite the establishment of the Provincial Interagency Task Force, the beneficiaries perceive that there was only partial compliance in the establishment of Local Task Force because regardless of its existence, the presence of Emergency operation centers were not properly communicated to the public.The protocols provided for by the Memorandum Circular were also not properly followed according to some of the beneficiaries surveyed and interviewed who were infected by Covid 19 and has experienced being brought to isolation facilities.This was supported by statements like: Beneficiary 1: " Naggapu nak Manila idi ta sinambot ko diay lockdown, ngem kunada nga ma isolate nak.Inpan da syak isolation after 3 days pinaruar da syak ngem haanda met syak nga in swab" ( I came from Manila and went home because of the lockdown.While it is true that I was put in Isolation at the Agbannawag checkpoint, I was released after 3 days without getting swabbed) IJELS-2022, 7( 6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 591 Beneficiary 2: " Adda met dagidiay nagawid nga diretso da balbalay da nga saan na isolate"(There were some who went straight to their houses without being isolated.)Beneficiary 3: "Ammuk nga ada IATF ngem madik ammu nu anya kukuen da ta adu met protocols nga kunada da nga han masursurut" (I am aware that there is IATF but I don't know their function because some protocols are not being followed.)Implementers Table 8

Both Beneficiaries and Implementers
Table 8 indicates the extent of compliance of the Provincial Local Government of Kalinga with MC No.2020-077 also known as the Establishment of a Local Government Unit Task Force Against Covid 19 which was as assessed by all the participants as fully complied with a total mean score of 2.46.The beneficiaries gave a rating of partially complied with an overall mean of 2.20 to the implementation of the general guidelines of the above cited memorandum with an overall mean score of 2.01.
ARBOs were organized nationwide in identified agrarian reform communities or clusters where there is concentration of ARBs or lands distributed through the land reform program.(Ballesteros & Ancheta, 2020).The 4 beneficiaries surveyed and interviewed unanimously said that they did not fully feel the assistance and support for the farmers during the lockdown.

Evidence for this included these representative descriptions by ARBO benefiaries:
Beneficiary 1: "Ti ammuk nga benefit mi lang idi ket diay agricultural pass nga naala mi diay barangay hall ta uray hanmi schedule nga rumuar mabalin latta basta mapan kami diay farm"( The only benefit I remember is the agricultural pass issued by the Barangay Hall to farmers allowing us to go to our farms.)incurred a lot of losses because we cannot go out to dry our palay nor sell them.)

Implementers
Table 9 shows the extent of compliance of the Provincial Government of Kalinga with MC No.2020-122 or the Support of LGUs to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) The data collected conveys a partial compliance to the Memorandum Circular as evidenced by a 2.03 overall mean.
The implementers admit that the emergence of the Covid 19 in the province has caught them off guard.So that in the onset of the pandemic, their manpower and resources were concentrated on the prevention of Covid 19.However, they said that they were not remiss in assisting the National Government agencies in the implementation of their programs.Among which is the Department of Agrarian Reform.The DAR in coordination with the PLGU, assisted Bulanao MPC which is an active DAR assisted cooperative supplying 673 bags of 5 kilos rice each for AEBold project.

Both Beneficiaries and Implementers
Table 9 displays the extent of compliance of the Provincial Government Unit of Kalinga with MC No.2020-122 or the Support of LGUs to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic and Community Quarantine Period which is assessed by Implementers and Beneficiaries as partial compliant.
This implies that the Provincial Agricultural Office was not able to fully enforce the purchase of agricultural and fishery products from accredited farmers and fisher folks' cooperatives and enterprises.
Due to the prioritization on the purchase of PPEs, thermal scanners and medical supplies, the implementers admits and the beneficiaries agrees that the PLGU of Kalinga was not able to render full assistance to the farmers.
According to some of the implementers, only few Quarantine Accreditation Passes were issued by their office because there was already a special quarantine pass issued to farmers by their respective barangays.
The implementers also admitted that they did submit reports in compliance to the memorandum but not on a monthly basis.Table 10 presents the Test of difference in the compliance of Kalinga PLGU on MC 2020-062 as assessed by Implementers and Beneficiaries (General).

III. Test of Significant Difference in the compliance of DILG as assessed by the implementers and beneficiaries
It is revealed that there is a significant difference in the assessment of the implementers and the beneficiaries in the extent of compliance of the PLGU Kalinga in all the DILG guidelines under MC 2020-062 (General Guidelines) except for the guideline mandating the Governor of Kalinga to remain present in his area of jurisdiction, of which both the implementer and beneficiaries believe that the PLGU was partially compliant.There is also no significant difference in the extent of compliance of the PLGU Kalinga in the guideline that the PLGU of Kalinga, in close coordination with PNP must adhere to the guideline and not to overextend its implementation nor deliberately leave out its explicit provisions of which the of the study believe it was partially complied with.
The significant difference lies on the fact that the implementers believed that they were able to address the guidelines by promptly issuing resolutions to its effect.The implementers were able to show copies of the various memorandum circulars issued by their offices during the implementation of the lockdown.Table 11 shows the Test of difference in the compliance of Kalinga PLGU on MC 2020-062 as assessed by Implementers and Beneficiaries (Specific).It is revealed that there is a significant difference in the assessment of the implementers and the beneficiaries in the extent of compliance of the PLGU Kalinga in all the DILG guidelines under MC 2020-062 (Specific Guideline).
The assessment of the implementers on the extent of implementation of the guidelines under Memorandum Circular 2020-062 is significantly higher than the assessment of the beneficiaries with their performance.It is revealed that there is a significant difference in the assessment of the implementers and the beneficiaries in the extent of compliance of the PLGU Kalinga in all the DILG guidelines under MC 2020-077.
The assessment of the implementers on the extent of implementation of the guidelines under Memorandum Circular 2020-077 is significantly higher than the assessment of the beneficiaries with their performance.When assessed according to type of participants, the rating of the implementers is consistent with the above statement.The beneficiaries, on the other hand, generally assessed the implementation of the three aforementioned Memorandum Circulars as partially complied.
It is revealed that there is a significant difference in the assessment of the implementers and the beneficiaries in the extent of compliance of the PLGU Kalinga on majority of the DILG guidelines under MC 2020-062 (General and Specific Guidelines)and MC 2020-077.However, there is no significant difference in the assessment of the implementers and the beneficiaries in the extent of compliance of the PLGU Kalinga in all the DILG guidelines under MC 2020-122.
The major problem or challenge encountered by the Provincial Local Government Unit is the lack of localized guideline in the implementation of Covid policies because no assessment in the local setting was made.
Three SUCs, and other stakeholders to implement projects that would reach out to farmers, helping them procure farms inputs at a lower price and sell their produce at a higher price.

Fig. 1 .
Fig.1.IPO Conceptual Paradigm of the PLGU of Kalinga to the various DILG issuances specifically on specific LGU Guideline on the Implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon, and State of Public Health Emergency in other parts of the country (Memorandum Circular No. 2020-062) Dated March 21, 2020) Establishment of a Local Government Unit Task Force Against Covid 19 (MC No.2020-077 Dated April 24, 2020), Support of LGUs to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic and Community Quarantine Period (MC No.2020-122 Dated September 17, 2020) and Guidelines to Internet Connectivity and Telecommunication Services to Address the Need for Rapid Digital Transformation in the New Normal (MC 2021-034 Dated March 24, 2021).

Table 3
-governmental organizations, and members of the community from the 7 municipalities, and one city of Kalinga.Among the 270 Beneficiaries who participated in this study, 261 are members of the community at large, 4 are beneficiaries of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organization and 4 are members of Non-Governmental Organization.

Table 4
Scale for measuring the extent of compliance of the Provincial LGU of Kalinga with the DILG issuance onCovid 19

Table 5
presents the profile of the participants in the study.It is shown that majority or 74.79% of the participants are beneficiaries and 25.21% are implementers.Among the beneficiaries, 72.30% are community beneficiaries and the rest are either NGO or ARBO beneficiaries.The Implementers are mostly (11.91%) composed of the Punong Barangays and the Sangguniang Bayan Members (6.93%).The others are the Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Table 6
discloses the assessment of the Beneficiaries on the implementation of (Memorandum Circular No. 2020-062) also known as General and Specific LGU Guideline on the Implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon, and State of Public Health Emergency in other parts of the country as assessed by the Beneficiaries.
In Tabuk City alone,a total of fourteen people faced charges for violations of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code or resistance and disobedience to a person in authority and Republic Act (RA) 11332 or the "Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of , (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 588 lockdown.

Table 8
Extent of Compliance of PLGU Kalinga with MC No.2020-077 as assessed by both Implementers and Beneficiaries (6)LS-2022, 7(6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 590 displays the extent of compliance of the Provincial Government Unit of Kalinga with (MC No.2020-122) or the Support of LGUs to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic and Community Quarantine Period as assessed by Implementers.A full compliance is perceived by the implementers in the execution of the aforesaid Memorandum Circular as reflected in the overall mean score of 2.54.The PLGU of Kalinga established its own Local Emergency Operations Center to enable it to monitor and analyze data coming from the local government and interior sectors.In congruence to this, the Municipality of Tinglayan issued executive order on December 7 to 21 to allow extensive contract tracing on the villages of Bangad, Lower Bangad, Centro Bangad, Upper Bangad, and Poblacion in the said Municipality.Movement of residents were restricted and only those seeking medical attention would be allowed to leave.On September 10, 2021, Local Chief Executives of various Municipalities in Kalinga placed some of their barangays through Executive Orders under granular lockdowns.In the Municipality of Pinukpuk, Barangay Junction was placed under granular lockdown through Executive Order No.22.In Pasil, Barangay Colayo was placed under granular lockdown thru executive order 28.In Tabuk City, Executive No. 35 placed Bulanao Centro, Bulanao Norte, Dagupan Centro, Dagupan Weste, Agbannawag under granular lockdown.Barangay Babalag West in Rizal was also placed under lockdown in Rizal thru Executive Order No.71.The Office of the Governor of Kalinga issued Executive Order No. 2020-52 prescribing the Omnibus Interim Guidelines in the Implementation of the Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment and Re-Integration Strategies for Covid -19 in the Province of Kalinga.

Table 9
indicates the extent of compliance of the Provincial Government of Kalinga on MC No.2020-12) or the Support of LGUs to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic and Community Quarantine Period as assessed by the beneficiaries.

Table 11
Test of difference in the compliance of Kalinga PLGU on MC 2020-062 as assessed by Implementers and

Table 12
Test of difference in the compliance of Kalinga PLGU on MC 2020-077 as assessed by Implementers and

Table 12 .
Shows the Test of difference in the compliance of Kalinga PLGU on MC 2020-077 as assessed by Implementers and Beneficiaries.

Table 13
Test of difference in the compliance of Kalinga PLGU on MC 2020-122 as assessed by Implementers and

Table 13
shows the Test of difference in the compliance of Kalinga PLGU on MC 2020-122 as assessed by Implementers and Beneficiaries It is revealed that there is no significant difference in the assessment of the implementers and the beneficiaries in the extent of compliance of the PLGU Kalinga in all the DILG guidelines under MC 2020-122.

and problems encountered by the Provincial Chief Executive in their compliance with various DILG issuances on Covid 19.
which reveals that there is a 'moderate extent' of implementation.According to a DTI key person, lack of time, manpower, promotion of benefits, incentives and proper coordination are the main problems and challenges encountered by the MSMEs in the implementation of CSR.In summary, the combined assessment of the implementers and beneficiaries of the DILG issuances relating to Covid 19 which was issued during the declaration of "enhanced community quarantine" on March to September 2020 reveals an overall rating of "full compliance" on the following Memorandum Circular: The General and Specific LGU Guideline on the Implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon and State of Public Health Emergency in other parts of the country and The Establishment of a Local Government Unit Task Force Against Covid 19.However, a "partial compliance" rating was given on the compliance of Memorandum Circular mandating LGUs to give to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic.
(6)LS-2022, 7(6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 598 projects were included in the Multidimensional Revitalization Plan to enhance the effectiveness of the Provincial LGU in its response to Covid 19.The plan includes the following proposals: Increasing Inclusivity in Public Access to Government Information about Covid 19, Enhanced Covid 19 Prevention Strategies, and the Implementation of the Sagip Saka Act in Kalinga.The combined assessment of the implementers and beneficiaries of the DILG issuances relating to Covid 19 which was issued during the declaration of "enhanced community quarantine" on March to September 2020 reveals an overall rating of "full compliance" on the following Memorandum Circular: The General and Specific LGU Guideline on the Implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon and State of Public Health Emergency in other parts of the country, and The Establishment of a Local Government Unit Task Force Against Covid 19.However, a "partial compliance" rating was given on the compliance of Memorandum Circular mandating LGUs to give support to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic.The major problem or challenge encountered by the Provincial Local Government Unit is the lack of localized guideline in the implementation of Covid policies because no assessment in the local setting was made.Thus three projects were included in the proposed Multidimensional Revitalization Plan to enhance the effectiveness of the Provincial LGU in its response to Covid 19.The plan includes the following proposals: Evaluating local knowledge and information about COVID -19, Increasing Inclusivity in Public Access to Government Information about Covid 19, Enhanced Covid 19 Prevention Strategies and the Enhanced Implementation of the Sagip Saka Act in Kalinga.Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusion were drawn: The assessment of both the implementers and beneficiaries of the two Memorandum Circulars issued by DILG relating to Covid 19 implies that the Provincial Government of Kalinga as the implementer was able to comply at a rate that is acceptable to the beneficiaries.However, the assessment of both types of participants on the Support of LGUs to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Organizations (ARBOs) amidst the Covid 19 Pandemic and Community Quarantine Period were not fully complied with or were not properly executed by the implementers.Evaluating local knowledge and information about COVID -19 is necessary.Added indispensable component is encouraging and recognizing dynamic collective decision making by the communities themselves, including all important stakeholders, such as barangay official and tribal leaders, city and provincial local government, and public health officials, and any other entities associated in controlling the spread of pandemic such as the Inter Agency Task Force.2. The Provincial Local Government Unit of Kalinga may consider to adopt an effective communication channel with the public, in order to adequately promote health and safety measures avoid belated dissemination of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials that could help in preventing the transmission of virus.Strategic communications may also be undertaken to bolster the anti-Covid and other emerging infectious diseases campaign measures.3. The Provincial Local Government Unit of Kalinga may adopt a localized strategy provided for in the proposed multidimensional revitalization plan that would enhance the prevention measures that are already in place in the national level.4. The PLGU should enhance the implementation of SAGIP-SAKA ACT (Republic Act 1132) that allows all government entities to directly purchase agricultural products from local farmers and fisherfolks enterprises to help mitigate the loss of income among food producers.5. Linkages should be forged with the PLGU, DTI, (6)LS-2022, 7(6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 599 IJELS-2022, 7(6), (ISSN: 2456-7620) https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.76.62 601